Panasonic L1

2006 saw the much-anticipated entrance of Panasonic into the DSLR market, so when we were offered the chance to get our mitts on the L1, we couldn’t wait. We had high hopes for this SLR model, having been a fan of the Lumix range of compacts for quite a while.

There’s no doubt that the first thing you’ll notice about this camera is the design. The camera originates from Panasonic’s desire to create a digital SLR with a classic analogue feel, both photographically and aesthetically, so fans of retro design will be pleased with what’s on offer here. The body looks boxy compared to some of its peers, with not a curve or rounded edge in sight. Reminiscent of cameras from the analogue era, you could be forgiven for looking for a film compartment. Fans of Leica cameras will be pleased, however, as its cameras are designed in a similar vein. We’re not overly keen on the design, preferring our cameras to be comfortably curvy and sleek to the touch, but like Marmite, you’ll either love it or hate it, no matter what we say.

Once you can see past the box-like build, you’ll soon appreciate the magnesium-alloy body, which gives a good weight that lends to the L1’s robust and sturdy feel. Ergonomically, all the buttons are within easy reach to all but the most petite hands, and the buttons, dials and switches are clearly labelled, although the placement – and number – of these, as well as navigation of menu systems, can take a bit of getting used to. The shape of the camera also means that some might find the angular design uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time. You can quickly and easily change settings like the flash, ISO and white balance, thanks to the abundance of shortcut buttons littered around the casing.

One of the L1’s most boasted features is the LCD with live view. It’s an unusual move for an SLR to offer this, and one that could put traditional SLR fans off.

Start-up time is impressively quick, although actually setting up a shot can take a few minutes. The L1 is jam-packed with technology – which will be the pro’s dream – but for those looking for a more shoot-and-go approach, this may not be the camera for them. Capturing candid shots at a split second can be a little tricky due to the heavy manual influence.

The L1 that we tested benefited from the inclusion of a Leica S Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 lens kit. This lens has an aperture, focus and zoom ring that gives great results on portraits, landscapes or up close.

Although the camera has no specific Macro mode on offer, the L1 deals with close-up shots extremely well. But it’s not just a macro function the L1 is without. There’s a distinct absence of any scene modes or instant-touch aperture and shutter priority controls. This is great for the dedicated manual photographer who wouldn’t touch a preset mode with a barge pole, but for those who still need a bit of help, Panasonic may have cut these potential consumers off.

For those photographers with a little more confidence in manual operation, there are loads of photographic treasures to be found within the L1’s smart casing.

Featuring an Optical Image Stabiliser, the newest addition to the Panasonic range has what is fast becoming a must-have in the DSLR world. Minimising the shake that can ruin up-close or nighttime shots, this feature may prove to be one of the L1’s selling points. But this isn’t the only one.

The Supersonic Wave Filter system is certainly worth a mention, as is the Venus Engine III. Working with the Live MOS sensor the Engine helps to reduce noise, producing crisper images.

In tests the L1 performed well, although even on autofocus and automatic shutter speed, there’s still a lot of manual influence needed. Shots at ISO 1600 were extremely noisy, though this cleared up when taken down to 800 with barely any noise at 400 or less.  

At maximum zoom, the L1 rises to the challenge and produces smooth, crisp images that impress. In daylight shooting conditions, image distortion such as fringing is pretty much vacant, which is extremely satisfying.

In terms of colour quality, saturation appears to be spot-on, offering a punchy image. The in-camera Film mode provides even more control with a selection of colour effects. The L1’s dynamic range is also a winner.

There can be little doubt that the L1 is unique to the digital SLR market in terms of both design and operation. The classic look of a traditional analogue camera will appeal to some and repel some, in what could turn out to be equal measures. The manual-orientated controls coupled with the live-view LCD make this model feel a little confused about who it’s appealing to. However, for those still using a traditional SLR alongside a compact, this could be the perfect transition model to digital SLR.