
Panasonic Lumix LX7
Panasonic Lumix LX7
I switched from the Lumix LX3 to this model. I noticed that the fully automatic mode has improved massively and can be used without hesitation, especially when you don't have time for manual settings. But the latter has become massively easier with the aperture ring and the wheel for time/exposure adjustment. A lens cap is available that opens automatically, but it is not as sturdy as the one supplied.
After reading the review of this camera on Dpreview.com, I knew what to expect and what the weaknesses were. Whereby the latter are negligible depending on individual preference.
I need the camera especially when I don't want to lug my Nikon D7000 around. What is important to me is the wide-angle lens for landscape shots and the possibility of taking photos in RAW format (more scope for post-processing/dynamic range). And the camera does that really well. Thanks to the large aperture, it is also possible to take portraits with beautiful background blur.
In any case, the price/image quality ratio is absolutely fair!
I also had the two predecessors LX3 and LX5. The LX5 was a clear improvement on the LX3, the leap from the LX5 to the current LX7 was smaller, but many details were revised.
The LX7 has gained even more speed, and the LCD screen has been significantly improved. The camera can now film in Full HD, which was the most important reason for me to buy it. The lens is also faster, although the LX5 was already very good.
I can only see one negative point about the camera, and that is the relatively narrow zoom (24-90mm), where the competition is already better.
All in all, it's a really excellent compact camera that I can recommend without reservation. It is also very good value for money.
A fast device that, due to its size and weight, can just about be considered a travel camera. The light intensity is sacrificed at the expense of a wide-range zoom.
Leitz optics or not, it's not really great. Even though it supposedly performs very well in laboratory tests. So I took a test shot of the starry night sky using a tripod and self-timer, because stars mercilessly reveal the qualities of an optical system. At the edges, stars are not slightly distorted as expected, but are even photographed twice (!!). In daylight shots, on the other hand, the result is good. Fine branches are shown clearly and sharply.
Up to and with 400 ASA, the noise is OK. Beyond that, you can take pictures of 10x15cm at the most if you have high quality requirements. A good value for a compact.
Absolutely idiotic (even with competing products) is the possibility to take HDR pictures using bracketing, but only hands-free and not with the self-timer. An impossibility with longer exposure times.
Just as stupid is the idea of being able to buy a filter adapter (37mm) for about Fr. 40. Why not just mill a filter thread into the lens ring? It's a scoundrel who suspects an intentional additional sale behind this ;-)
It's a pity that the lens cap has to be mounted manually. Even with cheap cameras, the lens cap works fully automatically.
HDR and 3D are possible, but clearly too limited. If you are interested in such things, it is better to go for "real" solutions.
Conclusion: For ambitious users, a good product with which you can work without flash, especially at dusk or in museums. All others should go for cheaper and qualitatively not inferior products that cover a much larger zoom range.
The handling is very good thanks to logical menu navigation and a lot of setting options.
For this price, a top camera with a very bright lens. I am totally happy and the pictures are simply top. A great camera for snapshots and on the go.
I have owned an LX3 for 7 years and am still convinced of its qualities. I recently replaced it with the LX7 - and I don't regret the decision!
I appreciate the advantages of a high-end compact camera that can cope with all photographic situations except for the limited telephoto range. The light weight, the speed and the discreet handiness allow reactions to almost all challenges. Outstanding is the lens with a speed of 1.4 with very good lens quality.
I use the Sony a57 for travel and special assignments. But often it's just more fun to go on a photo stalk with the LX7.
Pro
Contra
Since the Lumix 3, I always have one on me. The picture quality is high, it can fall to the ground without any problems and everything can be controlled manually. What I like most is that the flash is switched on manually, so you don't have to go to a menu if you want to shoot with or without it. However, it's about time Panasonic brought out a successor model.
Pro
Contra
This camera is fun. Be it with the intelligent and fast automatic mode (has proven itself for photos of children running around) or in manual mode (long exposures, e.g. for light painting).
Videos are also impressive, thanks to recording in HD format.
Super wide-angle range.
A lot of camera for the money
No cheap plastic body
Good SCN functions
Very good optics
- Full auto and intelligent full auto setting on the dial not visible in the dark or only on the display
Pro
Contra
If you are looking for a compact camera that doesn't cost more than CHF 400 but still wants to take very good pictures in the dark (low light), this camera is definitely worth it!!! I particularly like the aperture of 1.4, which allows you to take great pictures with a shallow depth of field (cinema effect) and the built-in Na filter. This camera is very comfortable to use, especially in manual mode! Recommended for every hobby photographer.
Pro
Contra