GEAR TESTS: PANASONIC-LUMIX-LX-10

Video Overview

Jim Decker CEO: Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo

When the Panasonic Lumix LX-10 was released, all the specs pointed in the direction of a perfect compact camera. Large sensor, 4K video, and a zoom lens that does not require any housing port changes for wide angle. The LX-10 is Panasonic's answer to the 1 inch sensor sized Sony RX100 Mark V and Canon G7X Mark II, and packs comparable image quality. Where the Panasonic stands out is in the control set, white balance, and 4K video.

The control set of the LX-10 stands out among its rivals as being more customizable; it can be set up similarly to the shooting style of a mirrorless or SLR camera. The biggest advantage is being able to set up auto focus on the back of the camera (function button 1 is my favorite for this) to separate auto focus from the shutter. This combined with focus peaking makes it very easy to achieve focus and to see that you've still got everything in focus while firing away. No need to hold half press anymore while waiting for the action. Focus once and shoot. ISO changes are quick to make by assigning ISO to function button 2 on the back of the camera.

The zoom range of the 24-72mm equivalent lens is in the perfect range for underwater use. Natively, it is great for fish portraits to semi wide angle, but like all other 1 inch sensor cameras we have seen, it lacks good macro capabilities without an accessory lens. There is no need to use a removable shorter port for wide angle like on the Canon G7X Mark II or Panasonic LX100. The use of a wide- angle lens will require the camera lens to be zoomed to about 32mm to avoid vignetting. 

What really makes this camera attractive is the 4K video and the ability to execute an accurate custom white balance at depth. Neither the Sony RX100 Mark V or Canon G7X Mark II can do both of these tasks. Executing a manual white balance is a simple 3 button push task and the camera has 4 custom white balance banks, making it easy to save different settings for with video lights or at depth. This makes the LX-10 the only real choice for compact camera video shooters. 

After getting the camera in my hands this week I can say that this is now my favorite high-end compact camera.