Panasonic LX100 review

Panasonic's LX compact series gets a bigger sensor and traditional controls

Panasonic LX100
The compact camera we've been waiting for?

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Despite the bright subject the LX100 got the exposure spot-on here and the level of detail in the ISO200 JPEG is superb. The edges also look nice and natural, even at 100% on-screen.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

This tricky scene required an exposure reduction of 2/3EV to be dialed in to retain the detail in the white house and post and get the sky looking as it did at the time.

Panasonic LX100

Natural, Scenery, Standard and Vivid Photo Styles

Click here to see full resolution image.

As you might expect, using the Natural Photo Style has produced the most authentic looking result here. It's also reduced the contrast a little so that there's more detail in the darker parts of the tree. Using the Scenery Photo Style tends to produce blues and greens that look a little over the top.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

The flare in this shot makes it pretty clear where the sun was at the time it was taken.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Holding my hand above the lens was enough to cut out the flare.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

The LX100 is quite discreet, which makes it a good choice for street and documentary photography.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

This shot, taken using the general-purpose Multiple Metering looks about 1/3EV too bright, but there are few true blacks and nothing is burned out in either the JEPG or the raw file so there's plenty of scope to get the image looking just right post-capture.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

I thought the LX100 might underexpose this scene, but it got the exposure and colour just right.

Filters

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

This simple scene suited the square format. Subsequent images demonstrate some of the Filter effects available.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

Panasonic LX100

Click here to see full resolution image.

TOPICS
Latest in Compact Cameras
Canon PowerShot V1 compact vlogging camera on a white desk, lens folded away
I tested the Canon PowerShot V1, and the beginner vlogging camera feels like the complete package but for this one thing
Holding the Fujifilm GFX100 RF medium-format compact camera
Fujifilm GFX100RF preorders are live: where to buy Fuji's latest medium format compact camera
Canon March 2025 launch teaser
Canon teases two big vlogging camera launches for next week – and one looks to be the PowerShot V1
Holding the Fujifilm GFX100 RF medium-format compact camera
I tried Fujifilm’s new medium-format GFX100RF, and it could just be the most desirable compact camera ever
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock
Fujfilm GFX 50R
First Fujifilm GFX100RF images leaked in build-up to expected reveal – here’s what they tell us about the unique premium compact camera
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used