Panasonic has recently announced its highly anticipated LX100 successor – the Panasonic LUMIX L10. Market anticipation is already rising, which reminded me somewhat of the highly popular FUJIFILM X100VI (Still mostly backordered!). While we can’t yet give it the same promotional respect that FUJIFILM receives, there are plenty of similarities between the two. In this article, I would like to explain what, in my opinion, is the defining difference between the two: one was designed by a sills-first manufacturer, while the other was produced by a video camera manufacturer. And while the LUMIX L10 is nowhere near Panasonic’s standards for a proper video camera, it may offer the most comprehensive package for filmmakers wanting a pocketable camera.
Before we proceed, it’s important to know that Panasonic doesn’t view this camera as a video tool. The company responsible for some impressive cinematic and hybrid cameras has pretty excellent taste when it comes to motion capture standards.
However, Panasonic has a (very welcome) habit of equipping its cameras with as many features as possible. I’m not saying you should throw out your high-end broadcast cameras, dedicated cine cameras, even your full-frame hybrids, and replace them with a fleet of L10s. However, if you want a compact, take-everywhere camera and you find yourself on the motion capture side, the Panasonic LUMIX L10 might be the perfect fit for you.
Wait, isn’t the FUJIFILM X100VI a good compact video camera?
Well, actually it is. We’ve covered this popular entry in full here at CineDee. It has a larger sensor, a faster prime lens, better video format depth than you’d expect from such a camera, and a unique internal ND filter.
But the Panasonic LUMIX L10 doubles down on almost every aspect, especially in terms of design and workflow. Perhaps the most obvious is the rear LCD with full articulation. This allows for vlog-style filming, which is an incredibly popular feature in all video cameras, perhaps even more so in travel-ready cameras.
It also has a clear zoom lens. While power zoom is a point of criticism from a still shooting perspective (for lack of snappiness), this still bug is a video feature.
On a more subtle side, we can count the new batteries. Not only bigger and stronger, but it’s the same unit used in the current LUMIX lineup. This will make the L10 play great with existing LUMIX gear. Panasonic has also replaced the shutter speed dial with a new PASM+C dial. Not that classy.
Competitive Video Features
A 25 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor has been used in LUMIX L10. Although it’s not official, I suspect it could be quite similar to what we’ve seen in the GH7. The L10 inherits some capabilities from its older, much more capable sister, but expecting it to be a mini GH7 is a mistake.
Video quality is affected by a lot of variables: processor throughput, thermal management, recording media, and more, all of which vary significantly between the two. And there is also a difference in sensor size. While the same unit is present in both cameras, the L10’s unique lens cannot completely cover the sensor, so a clever multi-aspect method is implemented.
However, not everyone needs the high-end, sometimes even exclusive, features offered by the GH7.
The L10 offers a lot for its size and price:
- Up to 5.2K 60p 4:3 “Open Gate” mode (though not quite open gate, as it doesn’t record the entire sensor)
- Uncropped 4K up to 120p
- Various format and resolution options
- Panasonic’s social media-ready MP4 (Lite) alternative
- stereo 3.5mm mic jack
- Phase-detect autofocus
- power zoom
Here are some features you might miss:
- HDMI and headphone port
- shutter angle
- active thermal management
- The maximum aperture is fixed throughout the zoom range (although the lens will happily act as a fixed f/2.8 lens if you prefer…).
- The recording time is still unknown to us, but I expect it to be in the short term
But to be fair, expecting some of these features from a compact hybrid camera is a bit much at first.
But it’s not for professional work! or is it?
This question should, for the most part, focus on the definition of professional video work. This camera is not set to replace your Canon EOS C400, ALEXA, or Blackmagic. Nor is it targeting your hybrid LUMIX S1 Mark II or Canon EOS R6 Mark III cameras.
So no, it’s not a professional tool in the stereotypical sense. However, as content creation, vlogging, travel, and lifestyle videography gain immense commercial traction, such a camera can make more money than some think. If professional video means making money from your creation, I think this short video might surprise you.
No jack, no master. not a problem.
With the LUMIX L10, Panasonic offers us a very interesting tool: one that combines a fairly large sensor, a fast power-zoom lens and an equally impressive abundance of video options and quite a pocketable volume (if we’re talking about a jacket or coat pocket).
The way I see it, this camera reads the market well and offers a device that many people will like. Of course, it’s not the ideal do-everything camera at half the price and size, but there isn’t one. As I’ve been pointing out for quite some time, it’s not the specs that make a good camera, it’s the user experience and their delicate balance with the fun factor that really matters.
Price and availability
Panasonic LUMIX L10 in black And silver You will have to shell out $1,499 and it is available for pre-order from B&H. The Titanium Gold Special Edition is listed for $1,599 and is primarily sold through official Panasonic stores.
Shipments are due by June 18, but some will likely be delayed. Full product details are available on Panasonic’s North America site Here.
Would you consider the Panasonic LUMIX L10 as your EDC camera? As a location scouting tool, or as a leisure camera? Do you see any other use cases we’ve forgotten? Let us know in the comments.