Panasonic LF1 First Shots: Pixel peep test images taken with this little sibling of the exceptional Panasonic LX7

 

 

Though it won't be available for sale until at least the end of the month, the Panasonic LF1 enthusiast compact digital camera has already been put through its initial paces in the IR Lab. For your pixel-peeping pleasure, we've posted First Shots taken with this younger sibling of the exceptional Panasonic LX7 -- one of our favorite compacts of 2012. On first impression, we think this little camera's images compare favorably against other enthusiasts compacts, but we'll let you take a look and decide for yourself.

Not only does the LF1 boast an electronic viewfinder, a rarity in such a small camera, but also it's significantly lighter and smaller than the LX7. And although it's not as bright as the LX7's lens, with a maximum aperture varying from f/2.0 to a decidedly dim f/5.9 across the zoom range, the Panasonic LF1's lens provides a much more versatile 28-200mm equivalent range. Behind the lens sits a 12-megapixel, 1/1.7-inch MOS image sensor -- the same size and type used in the LX7. However, the Panasonic LF1's image sensor offers slightly higher resolution.

So, how does the Panasonic LF1 stack up against the Panasonic LX7? You can look at images taken with these two cameras side by side in our Comparometer™. In fact, using this tool, you can compare the LF1 against any other camera we've tested.

See First Shots taken with the Panasonic LF1 here. And be sure to read our Panasonic LF1 preview for a full rundown of the enthusiast compact's technical prowess. We hope to post the full Panasonic LF1 review in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

If you're impressed with what you see, you can pre-order the Panasonic LF1 for $500 in black or white at: Adorama, B&H or Amazon.