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Though Olympus gets credit for creating the world's first D-SLR with a "live view" LCD screen, this close second arrives with advanced advantages -- and the unmistakable look and feel of a Leica rangefinder. Panasonic's top Lumix is cosmetically and mechanically distinct from the Olympus E-330, but both models share core components, the result of one of the new alliances between camera companies and consumer electronics colossi. Panasonic developed the unique 7.4-megapixel Live MOS chip employed by both cameras. Olympus contributed both the sideways porro finder, which is why the L1 can affect its M-like flat top, and the valuable Supersonic Wave filter, which shakes dust off the image sensor. But unlike the E-330, which for normal shooting gets its live view from a small second sensor, the Lumix relies on the Live MOS chip to create a crisper, more detailed image on the LCD. (The L1's screen is fixed, not articulated as it is in the E- 330.) And the DMC-L1 is sharp in every other way, with premium build quality and traditional, manual-style controls. We were extremely impressed by the stellar performance of the Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 lens that ships with the L1 -- it's the only interchangeable Leica lens that features Panasonic's built-in MEGA OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
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| Slowest Shutter Speed |
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60 |
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| Fastest Shutter Speed |
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4000 |
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| Built-In Flash |
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Yes |
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| Continuous Shooting |
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3 images/sec |
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| Flash Sync Speed |
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1/160 |
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| AF Points |
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3 |
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| Metering Zones |
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49 |
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| Lens Mount |
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Four Thirds |
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| Screen Size |
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2.5 in |
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| Screen Resolution |
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207,000 |
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| Screen Type |
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LCD |
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| Maximum ISO |
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1600 |
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| Max Continuous JPG |
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6 |
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| Max Continuous RAW |
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6 |
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| Media Type |
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SD |
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| Battery |
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Li-ion rechargeable battery |
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| Width |
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5.7 in |
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| Height |
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3.4 in |
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| Depth |
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3.1 in |
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| Weight |
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18.5 oz |
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| Release Date |
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September 2006 |
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June 2006
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July 2008
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May 2008
The only excess is of good stuff. |
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May 2008
America's top-selling DSLR: Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Second: Nikon D40. More...
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this camera.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
9
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Ease of use |
10
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Fit and finish |
10
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Click-to-click speed |
9
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Display quality |
9
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Flash quality |
10
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Image quality |
10
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Overall value |
9
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
Read other reviews
Submit your own review
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