Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 SLR Review

4/3 Lens Mount

Here's the DMC-L10's lens mount. It follows the Four Thirds Specification which defines the standard diagonal length of the 4/3-type image sensor. This promotes compatibility among camera bodies and lenses regardless of manufacturer (Panasonic, Sigma, Olympus, etc.). To the right is the lens release button.

The DMC-L10 does not have a focus mode selector switch on the body, it's located on the lens when using a compatible (Four Thirds System) model. The DMC-L10 employs both Phase Shift AF system as well as a Contrast AF system when using Live View.

Phase Shift AF features 3 points (Auto) or 1 fixed point (left, center or right), while Contrast AF mode includes Face detection, 9-area focusing, multi-area focusing, 3-area/1-area and spot focusing. Contrast mode also uses the camera's AF-assist illuminator for better performance in low-light situations.

The DMC-L10 comes as a body/lens outfit, which includes the very nice LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. lens. Panasonic also offers the lenses shown below.

Panasonic L-ES014050 14-50mm F2.8 Zoom lens

Panasonic L-X025 25mm F1.4 Prime lens

Flash

The built-in flash unit has a Guide Number of 11. This pop-up flash has modes for Auto, Auto/Red-eye reduction, Forced on, Forced off, Forced on/Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Slow sync/Red-eye reduction. You can shoot at synchronized speeds up to 1/160 second.

The "hot shoe" allows you to extend the effective flash rage with an optional external flash unit, like Panasonic's DMW-FL500 (shown below).

The DMW-FL500 offers a motorized zoom head and powerful AF-assist beam. This dedicated flash unit has a guide number of 50, with a angle zoom function which covers a lens range of 24-85mm (35mm camera equivalent). Using the built-in wide panel further extends coverage to a viewing angle of 18mm. The firing angle can also be automatically changed to create a bounce lighting effect.

Viewfinder

The eye-level Penta-mirror type viewfinder shows approximately 95% of the captured frame. It offers a dioptric adjustment (-3.0 - +1), 14mm eye-point (at -1 dioptre) and a comfortable 1.2x magnifier eye cup. It employs a fixed type focus screen, quick return mirror, and detachable eyepiece cup.

The DMC-L10 viewfinder display:

1 - AF frame
2 - AF-LED
3 - ISO sensitivity
4 - Exposure compensation value/Manual exposure assistance/Auto bracket comp. range
5 - Exposure compensation
6 - Auto bracket
7 - White balance
8 - Flash output adjustment
9 - Number or recordable pictures
10 - Flash setting
11 - Metering mode
12 - AE lock
13 - Focus
14 - Shutter speed
15 - Aperture value