This was my first digital camera. I bought it because of the Leica lens and I was not disappointed -- the lens takes sharp and contrasty pictures, just the way I like it. The body shape, though, is not so great.
The only regret I have now is not buying the LC5 instead, which is the equivalent of the Digilux 1 -- I did ask, but the camera shop said there was no difference between the quality of the two cameras.
I still have this camera, in fact, but it's not working so good anymore. I took it out and about a few weeks ago just to see what I think of it 4 years later. The images compare very well to the ones I get from my Leica Digilux 2 (they both use Vario-Summicron lenses, which are f2, and if these cameras are any indication, this lens category does have a distinctive character compared to the f2.8 Vario-Elmarits fitted to other compacts that came after the LC40).
I found the LC40 to be a very capable camera, for my purposes (as an addition to my 35mm gear; customers have been asking to see proofs immediately, also I use it for study). The lens was the selling feature for me - very fast, with a reasonable zoom.
The interface is nicely usable, with some good features incorporated. I miss having some manual controls over focus & exposure, but this camera is not at that end of the market.
I like that the flash is off by default - it allows for much more creative photography, the fast lens reduces the need for so much flash anyway
Strengths:
The Lens! Good compression firmware. Solid feel. Good features. Easy access to cable ports. Diopter adjustment on viewfinder. The infolithium battery saves a lot of changing and charges quite quickly.
Weaknesses:
I didn't bother with the supplied photo editing software - go straight to photoshop if you are serious. The smallest aperture is F.8 - limits your exposure options in very bright light. No hot shoe (once again, expecting too much). Viewfinder quite inacurate. I bought a 64MB card with the camera, the 16MB card is obviously just to get you started
Similar Products Used:
Fuji Finepix, Casio (with canon lens), Kodak (sorry I can't remember all the model numbers).
I compared digital cameras for about 3 months before purchasing. The Panasonic provides an excellent combination of useful features, great optics, and a reasonable price. I primairly compared this camera to Sony, Nikon, and Kodak. This camera is easy to use and has many powerful features found on more expensive cameras. I would HIGHLY recommend this camera to anyone!
Strengths:
Excellent optics (leica lens), 3X optical zoom (also includes 3X digital zoom with little notable image degradation). The menus are easy to understand and logical. Night photography as well as tricky lighting situations are handled well with this camera. Takes movies with sound (although somewhat grainy, they are perfect for sharing over the internet).
Weaknesses:
With a 4 mega pixel camera you will find that the 16 MB card will not get you far. I would highly recommend the 128 MB card ($40-$50). You will need to decent purchase a photo editing program, I highly recommend PaintShop Pro 7.
Customer Service:
Quickly received 2 additional 16MB cards as part of an incentive program. I am still waiting for the rebate check.
Rating Reviewed by: Bill (Unregistered User)
(Beginner)
Review Date November 11, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 0-1 years
Review 4 of 7
Price Paid:
$619.00
from American
Summary:
Have been looking to buy digital for about 6 months. Found pixel vs price to be nearly identical for all makes. However, when I came across the Panasonic Lumix, I purchased immediately. More features, good menuing system, and good optical system.
Strengths:
The Optical system. This is a subject that's always addressed with film cameras but seldom addressed with the digitals. I was likely to take some pictures in low light conditions. Some of the miniture digitals just don't have the "speed". The Panasonic with its larger Leica lens system was plainly superior to those in the same price range.
Only comes with a 16meg card. It's a bit undersized for the camera. On the fine setting you can only get about 5 pictures on the card. I think it should come with a 64meg card. However I did get a mail-in rebate that gives me 2 more 16meg SD ram cards.
Similar Products Used:
Cannon Powershot 350, Kodak DC215 Zoom
Customer Service:
So far so good. Working on getting to work in linux right now. Hopefully they will pull through and help me out.
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