The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K is a digital single lens reflex camera designed for both photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Priced at US$1,299.95 the DMC-L10K is a DSLR camera with a full-time live view which lets users see what the camera sees in its LCD.

According to Panasonic, the DMC-L10K is "set to redefine DSL photography with its full-time live view and a 2.5" angle LCD that provides greater flexibility".

Key features include:

• 10.1 Megapixels, Live MOS Sensor
• Max. 1.8x (Not effective with full pixel recording. Magnification ratio depends on the recording pixels) optical zoom
• Focal length 14mm to 50mm (35mm equivalent 20 to 100mm)
• 100 to 1600 ISO (sensitivity)
• 2.5" Diagonal Polycrystaline TFT LCD (207k pixels)
• Up to 450 images shots per battery charge
• Takes SD, SHDC and Multimedia Card
• Compact and Lightweight camera body
• 480 grams (without battery)
• Dimensions of 97 mm x 135 mm x 77 mm (W x H x D)
• World-Class Leica Lens which features 15 lens elements in 11 groups, including two aspherical lenses to lower spherical aberration and two extra-low dispersion lenses to suppress chromatic aberration

What the manufacturer says:

Featuring an advanced 2.5-inch free angle LCD for full time live view that offers 270 degree rotation and a versatile shooting style, a 10.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor that provides the beautiful images with delicate gradation and wide dynamic range, dust reduction with a Supersonic Wave Filter system prevents dust from attaching to the sensor to degrade the pictures and a superb image processor, Venus Engine III, the DMC-L10K boasts a high quality image rendering and high speed response.

What punters are saying:

The new Lumix L10 may look normal at first glance, but Panasonic have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the L10 is unlike any other DSLR camera currently available. Drawing on their rich heritage of well-received compact and ultra-zoom models, the Panasonic L10 is the closest that you will get to a compact digicam in DSLR form, and is an ideal match for anyone upgrading to a DSLR. – Mark Goldstein

Panasonic’s Lumix L10 certainly looks like a neat option for consumer DSLR buyers and features several unique aspects which separate it from the crowd including a flip-out screen, face detection, contrast-based AF during Live View and an optically-stabilized Leica kit lens. – Camera Labs

The DMC-L10 incorporates a variety of functions that build a bridge for the potential user of digital SLR to take a first step in a world of real creative photography or for existing users who have not been able to take best advantage of their conventional digital SLR cameras. – Adorama

Our comment:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K was just released a month ago so it would be advisable to wait for more in-depth hands-on review from early buyers. But looking at the specs and details of the camera, it would seem that Panasonic may be able to finally establish its name in the DSLR market.

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Entry was posted on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 at 10:41 am under Digital SLR.

Read more entries by Arnold Zafra.