Hands-on review: Panasonic LX7
Hands-on review: Panasonic LX7
Features
It's been over two years since Panasonic upgraded its premium LX line-up, which in Panasonic terms is a pretty long time indeed.
The LX3 (read our Panasonic LX3 review) was a smash hit across the world, proving to be very popular with DSLR users looking for a good backup camera to take everywhere. However, the LX5 with its only modest upgrades has seemingly made less of an impact.
It's fair to say that some pretty interesting innovations have arrived in the advanced compact market since 2010 when the LX5 made its debut.
Fujifilm introduced the X100 (APS-C format) and the X10 (2/3-inch format) super premium compacts, while Canon launched the extremely large G1 X which has a sensor that is close to APS-C size in the intervening period. These cameras are pretty hefty though, taking them slightly away from compact territory.
Instead, the direct competition for the LX7 lies in the shape of the Canon S100, which includes a host of interesting features and the more recently announced Sony RX100, which features a one inch sensor.
Many will be surprised by Panasonic's decision to stick with the small 1/ 2.3 inch sensor, which is the same physical size as that found in the LX5. It is however a newly designed sensor, which Panasonic says is capable of delivering better performance at high sensitivities and in low light.
One of the important points to remember about the LX7 is that it is able to maintain a fast aperture throughout its zoom range, rising to just f/2.3 at the telephoto end, compared with the RX100, which can only achieve f/4.9 at its maximum reach. Panasonic is keen to point out that this means that the LX7 can operate at several stops lower than the RX100, allowing for lower sensitivities.
Panasonic also believes that in good lighting conditions, and similar shutter speeds the differences in image quality between the two cameras are very small, giving the Panasonic the edge in terms of overall balance.
It's also worth pointing out that at £550, the RX100 costs more than some compact system cameras currently on the market, whereas the LX7, at £449 is a more affordable proposition.
Build Quality and handling
You'd be hard pushed to play spot the difference between the LX5 and the LX7 at first glance, as the LX7 keeps more or less the same chassis as its predecessor.
One interesting addition that has been included is an aperture ring around the lens, which is very similar in design to the Canon S100 and Sony RX100.
This ring gives a satisfying click as the dial is turned, and it's surely a feature that will appeal to more traditional photographers. The ring is joined, as on the LX5, by a switch on the lens to alter the aspect ratio, and another to change the focusing mode (between autofocus, macro focusing and manual focusing).
Metal buttons can be found on the LX7, which helps to lend it an air of quality. There are a limited number of buttons on the back of the camera, but the space has been used well with a number of direct controls for oft used settings.
Any key features that aren't immediately accessible can be found in the Quick Menu, found by tapping the Q button on the back of the camera. Unlike the Sony RX100 it doesn't appear that the LX7 is capable of extensive customisation.
The scroll dial on the top right of the back of the camera can be used to change the aperture or shutter speed, depending on what mode you're shooting in. Like on G series cameras, this dial can be pushed in to switch between aperture/shutter speed and exposure compensation. This is a handy feature which saves a lot of fiddly button pressing.
Anyone familiar with existing Panasonic cameras will feel at home with the menu system on the LX7, which is pretty similar to its predecessor and also has a lot in common with G series cameras. One bugbear with the menu system is rather than pressing the centre "OK" button, a push of the directional right button is needed to access certain functions. Pressing the OK button exits the menu altogether, which can be a little frustrating.
Autofocus points can be quickly selected by pressing the left button on the keypad and then scrolling around with the arrow keys until the desired point is selected.
Considering Panasonic is one of the companies at the forefront of touchscreen technology, it's a huge shame that this process couldn't be sped up with a touchscreen device on the LX7.
Performance
Although we have so far only had a chance to test a pre-production sample of the LX7, we have been very impressed by the images it has been able to produce.
Many will be disappointed by Panasonic's decision to stick with the same size sensor as in the LX5, instead of opting for a larger device such as found in the Sony RX100.
However, Panasonic is keen to point out that what they lack in sensor size, they gain in wide aperture. That is to say, that at the telephoto end of the lens focal length, the LX7 can still maintain f/2.3, compared with the RX100's 4.9.
We will need to test this further to analyse the results, but we have been very pleased by the images from the LX7, regardless of the sensor size. Even in low light conditions, the camera is capable of producing high quality images with a good amount of noise control.
Also, despite the smaller sensor, restricted depth of field is still possible, while the f/1.4 lens is the joint brightest on the market (tied only with the recently announced Samsung EX2).
Generally, colours are represented very well, being bright and vibrant without being over the top. Auto white balance also does a good job in various conditions, but it can be quickly altered from the Quick Menu if it's not quite accurate.
The LCD screen performs very well in bright sunlight, allowing you to see the image on screen, as there's no viewfinder included as standard. There is a hotshoe on top of the camera and a port to connect an EVF if you feel the need
Sample Images
As we were shooting with a production sample of the LX7, images are capped at 5MB.
Colours look natural from the LX7, they are bright and punchy without being overly vibrant.
Click here to see the full resolution image
Lots of detail can be captured with the LX7's 10 million pixel sensor, while a macro mode is included for capturing close-up images.
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As on Panasonic's G series of compact system cameras, the LX7 has a number of creative filters which can be deployed, including this cross processed effect.
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The LX7 has a wide angle lens, which allows you to get lots in the scene.
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The LX7 copes well in low light conditions, thanks to the f/1.4 lens. Auto white balance has also done an excellent job of keeping colours accurate and natural looking too.
Click here to see the full resolution image
The LX7 has a maximum aperture of f/2.3 at the telephoto end of the lens, which was used here. It is this which Panasonic says sets it apart from competitors including the RX100.
Click here to see the full resolution image
Verdict
The premium compact market is one of the most exciting areas of technology at the moment. As manufacturers start to move away from entry-level models, more and more interesting developments are being made in the premium sector.
Panasonic has a good legacy with the LX series, with the LX3 proving to be incredibly popular. The LX5 never quite lived up to its predecessor, so the company will surely be hoping for greater success with the LX7.
Initial impressions of the camera are extremely good, and it seems that it is more than a match for the recently announced Sony RX100, though we would need to do further testing to be fully convinced.
Stay tuned for a full, in-depth review as soon as full production review units become available.
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