The Lumix L10 is a New Fixed-Lens Compact in the Spirit of the LX100

Panasonic has announced the Lumix L10, an updated take on the company’s fixed-lens, compact zoom lens camera that is very much in the spirit of the LX100 series.

Launched to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Lumix, the L10 features a design inspired by “Mushin,” which is Japanese for “shaping emotions.” Lumix describes it as bringing together trusted craftsmanship, timeless aesthetics, and advanced imaging technology in a compact, 508-gram (1.12 pounds) body.

“A signature saffiano leather-textured finish defines the camera’s look, complemented by a high-quality metal exterior and magnesium alloy front case, offering a contemporary and enduring design,” Lumix says.

The camera features a metal exterior with a magnesium alloy front case, paired with that aforementioned leather texture.

The L10 features an effective 20.4 megapixel, backside illuminated, Micro Four Thirds CMOS image sensor (the total sensor pixel count is 26.5 megapixels), the same as the one found in the Lumix GH7. It is also powered by the company’s latest processor to deliver what it describes as high image quality, made even better by Dynamic Range Boost.

The L10 has a multi-aspect ratio capability, allowing photographers to quickly change to different aspect ratios with the shift of a switch on the lens. In 4:3 aspect ratio, that means 5,200 x 3,904 pixel photos. In 3:2 aspect ratio, that shifts to 5,408 x 3,608 pixels, and in 16:9 aspect ratio, that moves to 5,664 x 3,192 pixel images. It also features a square, 1:1 aspect ratio for 3,904 x 3,904 pixel images.

There are two new Photo Styles built in: L.Classic and L.ClassicGold.

The sensor features a hybrid phase detection system with 779 focus points that pair with Panasonic’s subject recognition algorithms, which support tracking eyes, faces, bodies, animals, vehicles, and dynamic scenes such as urban sports. The camera can shoot up to 30 frames per second with the electronic shutter and 11 frames per second with the mechanical shutter. The camera is stabilized, with Lumix’s Power OIS.

In front of that sensor is an updated Leica DC Vario-Summilux 24-75mm (full frame equivalent) lens with an f/1.7–2.8 aperture.

The L10 has a 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder and 1.84-million-dot free-angle rear monitor, and the latter supports both horizontal and vertical compositions with a UI that changes dynamically depending on orientation.

The L10 is clearly a photography-first camera, but it does support video capture. While it has a microphone jack, it does not have a headphone jack, so it will likely find its best use as a b-roll camera.

It supports a range of video capture resolutions and frame rates, from 5.6K at 59.97p, through 4K at up to 120 frames per second. Most modes are captured in 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, but there are 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra and LongGOP options as well, which are pretty standard in modern Lumix cameras.

Video is recorded via full pixel readout, and the L10 also supports V-log, along with LUT preview. Most of Panasonic’s beloved video support features also appear to be present, including waveform.

Lumix Lab

The L10 supports Panasonic’s latest Lumix Lab app, which is also being updated with the launch of the camera.

In addition to a new UI, version 3.0 of the app is getting several new features. Version 3.0 features RAW editing support, slow and quick video editing, and firmware update capability for cameras through the app. LUTs can also be created with additional parameters such as grain, color noise, sharpness, and noise reduction.

There are some features limited to the updated S9 and the L10. The My Photo Style can now be edited within the app, wired connection is supported from the camera to the phone, which Lumix says allows for faster file transfers and a more stable connection, and LUTs can be created and applied directly in-camera to photos and videos using Real Time LUT.

The updated app will be available on May 20. The S9 will be getting a firmware update in June to work in tandem with the new features, but they work with the L10 out of the gate.

Pricing and Availability

The Lumix L10 will be available in June for $1,499 in a black or silver colorway. A special edition gold titanium model, which also includes a special lens hood, leather strap, a threaded shutter button, and a gold-themed menu system, will be available in limited quantities for $1,599.