Fujifilm X-Pro1 vs Panasonic L1

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2012 and February 2006. The X-Pro1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the L1 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-Pro1) and a Four Thirds (L1) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 7.4 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-Pro1		Panasonic L1
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Four Thirds lenses
16 MP – APS-C sensor		7.4 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/24p Video		no Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 100-1,600
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1230k dots		2.5" LCD – 207k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
6 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
300 shots per battery charge		750 shots per battery charge
140 x 82 x 43 mm, 450 g		146 x 87 x 64 mm, 606 g

Check X-Pro1 offers at
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Check L1 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the Panasonic L1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic L1 is notably larger (11 percent) than the Fujifilm X-Pro1. Moreover, the L1 is substantially heavier (35 percent) than the X-Pro1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-Pro1 nor the L1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-Pro1) and the Four Thirds Lens Catalog (L1). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Fujifilm X-Pro1, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	140 mm	82 mm	43 mm	450 g	300	n	Jan 2012	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
2.		Panasonic L1	146 mm	87 mm	64 mm	606 g	750	n	Feb 2006	US$ 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 350D	127 mm	94 mm	64 mm	540 g	400	n	Feb 2005	US$ 899	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Sep 2013	US$ 399	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-E1	129 mm	75 mm	38 mm	350 g	350	n	Sep 2012	US$ 999	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X-E2	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Oct 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X-E2S	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Jan 2016	US$ 699	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X-M1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Jun 2013	US$ 699	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X-Pro2	141 mm	83 mm	46 mm	495 g	350	Y	Jan 2016	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
10.		Fujifilm X-T1	129 mm	90 mm	47 mm	440 g	350	Y	Jan 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	US$ 799	ebay.com
12.		Fujifilm X100S	127 mm	74 mm	54 mm	445 g	330	n	Jan 2013	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
13.		Fujifilm X100T	127 mm	74 mm	52 mm	440 g	330	n	Sep 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
14.		Leica Digilux 3	146 mm	87 mm	77 mm	606 g	750	n	Sep 2006	US$ 1 499	ebay.com
15.		Olympus E-300	147 mm	85 mm	64 mm	624 g	750	n	Sep 2004	US$ 799	ebay.com
16.		Olympus E-330	140 mm	87 mm	72 mm	637 g	750	n	Jan 2006	US$ 999	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic L10	135 mm	96 mm	78 mm	556 g	450	n	Aug 2007	US$ 599	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The L1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 41 percent) than the X-Pro1, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-Pro1 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic L1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the L1 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the X-Pro1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the L1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 16MP, the X-Pro1 offers a higher resolution than the L1 (7.4MP), but the X-Pro1 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 5.51μm for the L1). However, the X-Pro1 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 10 months) than the L1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-Pro1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-Pro1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic L1 are 15.7 x 11.8 inches or 39.8 x 29.9 cm for good quality, 12.5 x 9.4 inches or 31.9 x 23.9 cm for very good quality, and 10.5 x 7.8 inches or 26.6 x 19.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 are ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. The X-Pro1 uses Fujifilm's X-Trans layout of photosites, while the L1 employs the more common Bayer array.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/24p	23.1	12.3	1238	74
2.		Panasonic L1	Four Thirds	7.4	3136	2352	none	20.8	10.4	80	52
3.		Canon 350D	APS-C	8.0	3456	2304	none	21.8	10.8	637	60
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.4	12.6	1390	76
5.		Fujifilm X-E1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/24p	23.2	12.4	1298	75
6.		Fujifilm X-E2	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.4	12.6	1400	77
7.		Fujifilm X-E2S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
8.		Fujifilm X-M1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.4	12.6	1371	76
9.		Fujifilm X-Pro2	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
10.		Fujifilm X-T1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.5	12.7	1426	77
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	12.9	1546	79
12.		Fujifilm X100S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.3	12.5	1329	75
13.		Fujifilm X100T	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.6	12.8	1483	78
14.		Leica Digilux 3	Four Thirds	7.4	3136	2352	none	21.0	10.6	127	53
15.		Olympus E-300	Four Thirds	8.0	3264	2448	none	20.4	10.1	-40	48
16.		Olympus E-330	Four Thirds	7.4	3136	2352	none	20.8	10.4	73	52
17.		Panasonic L10	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.3	10.8	429	55
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The X-Pro1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the L1 does not. The highest resolution format that the X-Pro1 can use is 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-Pro1 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the L1 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and Panasonic L1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	1440	n	3.0 / 1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	n	n
2.		Panasonic L1	optical	n	2.5 / 207	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon 350D	optical	n	1.8 / 115	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6/s	Y	n
5.		Fujifilm X-E1	2360	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X-E2	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
7.		Fujifilm X-E2S	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
8.		Fujifilm X-M1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6/s	Y	n
9.		Fujifilm X-Pro2	2360	n	3.0 / 1620	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.0/s	n	n
10.		Fujifilm X-T1	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	n	n
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
12.		Fujifilm X100S	2360	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
13.		Fujifilm X100T	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
14.		Leica Digilux 3	optical	n	2.5 / 207	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
15.		Olympus E-300	optical	n	1.8 / 134	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
16.		Olympus E-330	optical	n	2.5 / 215	tilting	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
17.		Panasonic L10	optical	n	2.5 / 207	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The L1 has one, while the X-Pro1 does not. While the built-in flash of the L1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The X-Pro1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the L1 uses SDHC cards. The X-Pro1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the L1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Panasonic L1	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon 350D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Fujifilm X-E1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X-E2	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X-E2S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Fujifilm X-M1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Fujifilm X-Pro2	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Fujifilm X-T1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Fujifilm X100S	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Fujifilm X100T	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
14.		Leica Digilux 3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Olympus E-300	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Olympus E-330	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Panasonic L10	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-Pro1 (unlike the L1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the X-Pro1 and the L1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The L1 was replaced by the Panasonic L10, while the X-Pro1 was followed by the Fujifilm X-Pro2. Further information on the features and operation of the X-Pro1 and L1 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-Pro1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic L1 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Fujifilm X-Pro1 better than the Panasonic L1 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-Pro1:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (16 vs 7.4MP) with a 50% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/24p movies.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 207k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 156g or 26 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 10 months of technical progress since the L1 launch.

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (750 versus 300) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (41 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2006).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-Pro1 is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the Panasonic L1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-Pro1 or the L1. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	5/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
2.		Panasonic L1	..	85/100	..	+	..	3.5/5	Feb 2006	US$ 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 350D	..	80/100	..	+ +	o	..	Feb 2005	US$ 899	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-A1	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	US$ 399	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-E1	4/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	US$ 999	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X-E2	4/5	..	..	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X-E2S	4.5/5	..	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	US$ 699	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X-M1	3/5	+	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	US$ 699	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X-Pro2	..	+	..	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
10.		Fujifilm X-T1	5/5	+ +	..	84/100	5/5	5/5	Jan 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X-T10	4.5/5	+ +	..	80/100	5/5	5/5	May 2015	US$ 799	ebay.com
12.		Fujifilm X100S	5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
13.		Fujifilm X100T	5/5	+	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
14.		Leica Digilux 3	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2006	US$ 1 499	ebay.com
15.		Olympus E-300	..	..	..	+	o	4.5/5	Sep 2004	US$ 799	ebay.com
16.		Olympus E-330	..	..	..	+	o	..	Jan 2006	US$ 999	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic L10	..	85/100	..	+	3.5/5	4/5	Aug 2007	US$ 599	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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