Panasonic LF1 Comparison Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in April 2013 and is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.
Is the Panasonic LF1 a good camera? The LF1 has a Camera Elo of 1655. This rating puts the LF1 below average of all prime lens compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the LF1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Panasonic LF1 is more than 11 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2013.
Panasonic LF1 |
---|
Fixed lens compact camera |
28-200mm f/2.0-5.9 |
12 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor |
1080/60i Video |
ISO 80 - 6 400 (80 - 12 800) |
Electronic viewfinder (200k dots) |
3.0 LCD, 920k dots |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
10 shutter flaps per second |
250 shots per battery charge |
103 x 62 x 28 mm, 192 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Panasonic LF1 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic LF1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic LF1 | 103 mm | 62 mm | 28 mm | 192 g | 250 | n | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G15 | 107 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 352 g | 350 | n | Sep 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon G16 | 109 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 356 g | 360 | n | Aug 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon S120 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 29 mm | 217 g | 230 | n | Aug 2013 | US$ 449 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX50 | 123 mm | 87 mm | 106 mm | 595 g | 315 | n | Sep 2012 | US$ 429 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm XQ1 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 33 mm | 206 g | 240 | n | Oct 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon P7800 | 119 mm | 78 mm | 50 mm | 399 g | 350 | n | Sep 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 125 mm | 87 mm | 110 mm | 588 g | 540 | n | Jul 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic GF5 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 37 mm | 267 g | 360 | n | Apr 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic LX7 | 111 mm | 68 mm | 46 mm | 298 g | 330 | n | Jul 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Pentax MX-1 | 122 mm | 61 mm | 51 mm | 391 g | 290 | n | Jan 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic LF1 was launched in the US market at a price of $499. 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 with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Panasonic LF1 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 4.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic LF1 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic LF1 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.8 | 11.6 | 211 | 52 | |
2. | Canon G15 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.9 | 11.5 | 165 | 46 | |
3. | Canon G16 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.0 | 11.7 | 230 | 54 | |
4. | Canon S120 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.9 | 246 | 56 | |
5. | Canon SX50 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 20.3 | 11.2 | 179 | 47 | |
6. | Fujifilm XQ1 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.3 | 11.0 | -390 | 47 | |
7. | Nikon P7800 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/30p | 21.2 | 11.7 | 200 | 54 | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.1 | 10.8 | 114 | 37 | |
9. | Panasonic GF5 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.5 | 10.0 | 573 | 50 | |
10. | Panasonic LX7 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 1080/60p | 20.7 | 11.7 | 147 | 50 | |
11. | Pentax MX-1 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/30p | 20.4 | 11.3 | 208 | 49 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The LF1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the LF1 can use is 1080/60i.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic LF1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
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. | Panasonic LF1 | 200 | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Canon G15 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.1/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon G16 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon S120 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 12.1/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Canon SX50 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 461 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Fujifilm XQ1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Nikon P7800 | 921 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1312 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Panasonic GF5 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Panasonic LX7 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Pentax MX-1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/8000s | 1.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One convenient feature of the LF1 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic LF1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
2. | Canon G15 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon G16 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
4. | Canon S120 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
5. | Canon SX50 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Fujifilm XQ1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Nikon P7800 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Panasonic GF5 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Panasonic LX7 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Pentax MX-1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the LF1 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The LF1 has a zoom lens built in (6.0-42.8mm f/2.0-5.9), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 28 to 200mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.
Further information on the features and operation of the LF1 can be found in the free online Panasonic LF1 Manual or on the Panasonic support site.
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the LF1. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic LF1 | 3/5 | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G15 | 4/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon G16 | 4/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon S120 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | US$ 449 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX50 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | US$ 429 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm XQ1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon P7800 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic GF5 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic LX7 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Pentax MX-1 | 3/5 | .. | .. | 74/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Panasonic LF1 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the LF1.
What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Panasonic LF1?
The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
Which image processing chip is used in the Panasonic LF1 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Panasonic equipped the LF1 with the Venus image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Panasonic LF1?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400.
Does the Panasonic LF1 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Which battery does the Panasonic LF1 use?
The camera gets its power from the Panasonic DMW-BCN10, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1D Mark II N vs Panasonic LF1
- Canon 5D Mark IV vs Panasonic LF1
- Canon 750D vs Panasonic LF1
- Canon G1 X vs Panasonic LF1
- Leica M10 vs Panasonic LF1
- Nikon 1 V3 vs Panasonic LF1
- Nikon D5 vs Panasonic LF1
- Nikon D5200 vs Panasonic LF1
- Nikon D610 vs Panasonic LF1
- Nikon D7100 vs Panasonic LF1
- Panasonic LF1 vs Sony H200
- Panasonic LF1 vs Sony H300
Camera Model | Panasonic LF1 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 28-200mm f/2.0-5.9 | |
Launch Date | April 2013 | |
Launch Price | USD 499 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | 1/1.7" Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 7.6 x 5.7 mm | |
Sensor Area | 43 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 9.5 mm | |
Crop Factor | 4.5x | |
Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 000 x 3 000 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 1.89 μm | |
Pixel Density | 27.70 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/60i Video | |
ISO Setting | 80 - 6 400 ISO | |
ISO Boost | 80 - 12 800 ISO | |
Image Processor | Venus | |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 52 | |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 20.8 | |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.6 | |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 211 | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 200k dots | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 920k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 10 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | no | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | no Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Near-Field Communication | NFC built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Panasonic DMW-BCN10 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 250 shots per charge | |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
Body Dimensions |
103 x 62 x 28 mm (4.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 192 g (6.8 oz) |
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