That’s a bold suggestion, but just take a look at what’s around at the same price point. Only one other camera comes close for features, design and versatility, and that’s based on the L10’s predecessor.
Most camera makers appear to have been caught by surprise by the resurgence of interest in compact cameras, but Panasonic has been quicker to react than most, relaunching or refreshing several of its popular models, including the FZ80D bridge camera, ZS99 long-zoom camera and its premium quality ZS300 stablemate. But the Lumix L10 is the most prestigious relaunch yet, building on the appeal of the high-end LX100 II and adding a new, higher resolution sensor and a huge leap forward in video capabilities.
The key features of the L10 are its Four Thirds sensor, which is a lot larger than the 1-inch type sensors in rivals like the Sony RX100 series, its 20MP ‘multi-aspect’ resolution, a built in 24-75mm equivalent f/1.7-2.8 Leica-badged lens and powerful video features that beat most hybrid mirrorless cameras.
The L10 actually has a 26MP sensor, as used in the Lumix GH7, but in this camera it’s cropped differently, as Panasonic offers a reduced resolution of 20MP but almost no penalty in megapixels or viewing angle when you choose either the 3:2 aspect ratio, 4:3 or 16:9. There’s also a 1:1 square aspect ratio – all four are selected by a ring around the lens – but the 1:1 ratio is, unavoidably, lower in resolution simply because of its square shape.
The L10 is aimed at discerning photographers, with a dedicated aperture ring around the lens and twin control dials on the top. The LX100 II also had a shutter speed dial on the top, but for the L10 Panasonic has swapped this for a regular mode dial, which seems a bit of a shame.
What’s especially impressive about this camera is its video capabilities, which put it amongst the top tier of hybrid mirrorless cameras, and includes 5.6K open gate video or 4K UHD up to 120p, together with the Real Time LUTs feature seen on the Lumix S9. It also has Panasonic’s latest hybrid phase/contrast AF system.
Will people buy the Lumix L10 for its video capabilities? Personally, I doubt it, but I suspect that this sensor, processor and video capabilities all come as part of a package, so it makes sense for Panasonic to market the video capabilities alongside this camera’s appeal for stills photographers.
All this comes at a price – around $1,500 / £1,300 – which might sound a lot, but in the context of the small number of competing premium compacts on the market, it’s actually quite compelling.
Panasonic Lumix L10 alternatives
So let’s say you are in the market for a premium quality compact, and you’ve decided that a 1-inch type sensor just isn’t quite big enough. What are the alternatives? Check out my full guide to the best compact digital cameras for a full range of prices and types, but here are the highlights that come in at or around the price point of the Lumix L10.
Ricoh GR IV: This is a very interesting proposition. It’s more or less the same price as the Lumix L10 and the GR series has a strong cult following amongst street and travel photographers. The GR IV also has a larger APS-C sensor and a higher resolution of 24MP. However, the fixed 28mm equivalent lens limits its appeal for a general audience, and the lack of an EVF will be a deal-breaker for many. The Lumix L10 is a larger camera but offers far more versatility at the same price.
Fujifilm X100VI: The X100VI has become a legend in its own lifetime, partly because it’s been adopted as a contemporary fashion icon by large swathes of influencers and partly because even if you wanted one, your chances of finding it in stock anywhere are slim. Like the Ricoh GR IV, this camera has a fixed focal length lens, this time a 35mm equivalent f/2. Its retro styling has real class and its external controls hark back to an analog age, but the X100VI is also expensive, limited… and largely unobtainable.
Leica D-Lux 8: Now it’s getting interesting. The D-Lux 8 is essentially the old Lumix LX100 II reskinned and redesigned by Leica, with a beautiful look and user interface, but essentially older tech that’s rather left in the shade by the new Lumix L10. The D-Lux 8 has the same multi-aspect sensor design but 17MP not 20MP, an older contrast-based AF system and much less powerful video capabilities. It doesn’t even have a flip-out rear screen. But it does have a shutter speed dial on the top and it’s also a lot smaller and lighter than the new camera.
From here, it’s a huge jump in price to the Sony RX1R III, Leica Q3 and the mighty Fujifilm GFX100RF. There really is nothing in between. Given this, it’s probably fair to say that the Lumix L10 represents by far the best affordable premium compact camera for the average photographer. The fact that you can’t get any reasonably priced APS-C zoom lens rivals or any remotely affordable full frame compact cameras is actually rather remarkable when you think about it. Surely this is like an open goal for forward-thinking camera makers?