By Peter K. Burian

Shutterbug contributor Peter K. Burian is a freelance photographer based in Toronto, Canada. His outdoor, travel, nature and active lifestyle photographs are represented by three stock agencies: Corbis, Alamy and The Stock Connection.

Burian is co-author of several books, including the National Geographic Photography Field Guide and ten Magic Lantern Guides to camera systems, His book on all digital aspects has received numerous favorable reviews. Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging (Sybex) covers the technology, equipment and techniques, providing 270 pages of practical advice for photo enthusiasts.

High tech digital SLR with conventional controls and traditional style.

The first Panasonic DSLR, the Lumix DMC-L1, incorporates a Supersonic Wave sensor dust removal system and Panasonic's Four Thirds format "LiveMOS" sensor. This chip is said to provide the "outstanding image quality of a CCD and the low energy consumption of a CMOS sensor" with high sensitivity, a low-noise photodiode signal amplification circuit, simplified circuitry and a large photo sensing surface.

Featuring very traditional styling and controls, and packaged with a premium-grade Leica D series zoom, the Lumix model is intended to appeal to photographers who can appreciate high tech and personal controls. The DMC-L1 employs a new Venus Engine III LSI that's exclusive to Panasonic. This processor controls luminance noise and chroma noise individually while low voltage (5.0 V) processing is said to minimize digital noise.

The Lumix DMC-L1 with Leica lens is a very traditional combination in terms of styling and controls, but it's certainly not "old fashioned" in technology, features or performance. In every one of those aspects, it's highly competitive with others in its league. (Shutter Priority mode, at 1/60sec. and f/11, at ISO 100; Autofocus; multi-zone metering with -1/3 EV exposure compensation; Hoya Super Multi Coated Polarizer.) ( c ) 2006 Peter K. Burian

Go To: Design and Construction

Advanced Digital Technology with a Photographic Camera's Look and Feel

The new Panasonic DMC-L1 is a digital single-lens-reflex camera made by Panasonic with a lens made in conjunction with Leica Camera. Here are some of the DMC-L1's highlights:

  • Intuitive look and feel that will appeal to all avid photographers who love the combination of the latest in technology with personal controls.
  • Sharp and vivid images, using Leica optics and Venus III image processing LSI.
  • Wide Variety of lenses, opening up the world of the Four Thirds lens mount standard served by a wide variety of companies, including Leica, Olympus and Sigma.
  • Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilization) for greater low-light shooting freedom with appropriate lenses.
  • Full time Live View LCD with 100% image coverage, in both automatic and manual focusing modes.
  • Dust reduction with a Supersonic Wave Filter system.
  • Film modes to automatically emulate the look and feel of your favorite emulsion, including three monochrome settings.
  • Both SD and SDHC memory card compatible, for using cards you already own and for taking advantage of SDHC's higher capacity.
  • PLUS: Two new Leica lenses designed specifically for DSLRs, the Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH and the Leica Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH.
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