Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-L10 was a welcome surprise. It was announced with none of the fanfare that accompanied the Lumix L1, but the Panasonic L10 is the one truly worthy of praise.
It’s built right, works well, looks competent, and has an excellent, more affordable optic. There are some limitations in the sensor or image processor that affect JPEG image performance, but RAW images are quite good. The JPEGs that are unaffected by the odd blue speckles (which we’ve only found in blond hair under incandescent light) print very well, making good quality 13×19-inch prints. If you shoot and print RAW images, 16×20-inch prints are within easy reach.
The Panasonic L10’s light weight and excellent grip make it easy to hold, and the buttons are arrayed nicely for easy access. The promise of Live View mode is fulfilled with the addition of two important features on the Panasonic Lumix L10’s implementation: a swivel screen and contrast detect autofocus. Yes, the shutter lag is still long, but so long as you can plan for it, you’ll learn to appreciate the versatility that the Panasonic L10’s Live View delivers.