LUMIX DMC-L1

Panasonic applied a wealth of advanced ν(nu) Maicovicon technologies to develop a completely new image sensor that offers the benefits of both a CCD and a CMOS sensor. Called the Live MOS sensor, this breakthrough device maximizes the remarkable image rendering performance of the Leica D lens to reproduce images of stunning beauty.

The circuitry in the Live MOS sensor employs a new drive system in which signals are read out pixel by pixel while also lowering power consumption. It reduces the number of control wires from the three required in conventional CMOS sensors to two, which results in a larger light-receiving area. The 5-V drive system also reduces noise. These features all combine to produce the same high level of image quality as a CCD sensor. This advanced sensor provides delicate gradation, realistic textures and vivid colors.

Beautiful, low-noise color reproduction with spectral characteristics

After re-examining the spectral characteristics of the RGB colors, Panasonic designed the Live MOS sensor to achieve a color balance that helps reproduce natural-looking colors with smoother gradation.
Panasonic also applied embedded photodiode technology that we accumulated in developing CCDs and created a new low-noise process technology that achieves low-voltage (5.0 V) operation. This reduces noise in dark image areas, so you can capture bright images even when shooting in dim lighting.
The L1 also employs original signal readout circuit technology and pixel control circuit architecture that not only allow low-voltage operation, but also cut power consumption.

No existing imaging engine provided an acceptable match for the superb image rendering of the Leica D lens and advanced performance of the Live MOS sensor, so Panasonic developed Venus Engine III - an imaging engine that offers the significantly higher image processing capabilities needed to deliver the high performance demanded in single-lens reflex cameras. The new Venus Engine III provides excellent color reproduction, outstanding resolution and rich gradation, as well as high-speed processing with minimal time lag.
Thanks to extensive energy-saving measures, the Venus Engine III uses only about 80% as much power as the previous Venus Engine II. This combines with the energy-saving Live MOS sensor to let you shoot about 450 pictures (CIPA standard) on a single battery charge.

Individual processing of chromatic noise and luminance noise: Dramatic improvement in noise reduction

The L1 reduces the luminance noise that tends to occur in dark parts of an image by optimizing the noise reduction level. The L1 uses a filter to isolate and process the chromatic noise that can be generated due to the high sensitivity. Also, the new image processing engine minimizes color bleeding and image distortion to help ensure bright, vibrant images from corner to corner.