22. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1: Shoot In 16:9

With wide screens becoming popular for computers as well as for home entertainment equipment, it was time for digital cameras to offer that aspect ratio as well. Panasonic has done it with their LX1, fitted with a 16:9 sensor.

Overall Design

The LX1 features a restrained design with a very flat body and reduced height, and is very well finished; it looks a little like a Leica M body - in miniature, of course. It has a large lens barrel with a cap that has to be removed manually; don't forget to use the cord so you won't lose it. With its rotating operating-mode selector, the LX1 immediately falls into the category of compacts that have all the settings experienced photographers want. We're clearly out of the "point-and-shoot" concept here, even though that mode is possible. Naturally, the major innovation of this model is its 16:9 sensor, though the LX1 is capable of shooting in the more standard formats too, as we'll see later. A more standard but still very worthwhile feature is an optical stabilizer.

Its very small size and lack of a handgrip makes the LX1 not a model of handling ease. You can't have everything... Generally, you'll need to hold it with two hands, whereas some of its competitors boast good one-handed operation. But the controls are well placed and easy to use.