LUMIX DMC-L1

In the same way that you select different films for their distinctive coloring and contrast characteristics, the L1 lets you choose from four color types and three monochrome types. The development and color adjustments that were previously arranged in various different functions have been integrated into the advanced and intuitive Film mode.
When shooting in black and white, the contrast, sharpness, saturation, and noise reduction for each mode parameter can also be customized in five steps and stored in memory. The same is true when shooting in color, with the addition of the saturation adjustment.
This gives you the same kind of delicate selection capability as you have with film, and makes it easy to take creative photos that look exactly the way you want them to. Also, because the adjustments are digital, you can change them at any time while shooting.

White balance adjustment

Choose according to the conditions

In addition to Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, and Flash settings.

White balance adjustment

You can make fine color adjustments by using the arrow keys to navigate on a graph with two axes (amber to green, and magenta to green) displayed on the menu screen. The full-time Live View function lets you immediately confirm the color adjustment condition.

White Set mode

Use this mode to store in memory a white balance setting made by pointing the camera at an 18% standard reflector plate or white color. Two different settings can be stored.

Color temperature setting

The color temperature can be finely adjusted between reddish 2500 K (Kelvin) and bluish 10000 K.

The L1 provides a multi-metering function that divides the image area into 49 blocks (with finder), or 256 blocks (using Live View), and measures the brightness of the subject by evaluating the brightness distribution, color temperature, focus and other information in each block. This intelligent function helps you get a proper exposure in virtually any shooting condition.
The L1 also provides center weighted metering and spot metering, which measures the light in a small section of the image to suit specific shooting situations or techniques.

When using the finder

When using Live View

The L1's auto focus system employs a TTL phase difference detection system with three measuring points across a wide image area. When the image is in focus, the superimpose function illuminates the focal point in red. If you prefer, you can specify a particular point as the focal point. This can be useful in certain shooting situations or with certain shooting techniques.
Also, with the "AF + MF" setting turned ON in the menu, when you're in auto focus mode and the focus has been set, simply turning the focus ring on the lens barrel switches the camera to manual focus mode. Now you can make fine focus adjustments to achieve a particular effect.

Example of information displayed in the finder

Example of information displayed on the LCD monitor (when shooting with the finder)

The L1's optical viewfinder features a magnification rate of about 0.93x* and a field of view of about 95%. In addition to showing the focal point, the viewfinder displays information such as the aperture and shutter speed settings outside the image frame. You can also set the camera to display other shooting information on the LCD monitor at the same time.

*With the -lm-1 50mm lens set to infinity.