Our verdict
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 may not score as highly as other recently reviewed cameras, such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Fujifilm X10, but it is still a very capable camera and the best Lumix LX camera yet. The introduction of an aperture ring and new fast Leica lens should appeal to ‘proper’ photographers. Also, the LX7’s video modes have been greatly improved and are up there with the best in this class.
I cannot help but feel that Panasonic has missed a trick here. Two years have passed since the LX5 was introduced, and the competition has moved on, but the LX7 has not improved enough. I do not mind the relatively small-sized sensor and low resolution – for a camera at this level I would not be considering exhibition-sized prints. What I would have liked to see, and what could have set this camera apart, is some of the technology from the firm’s Lumix G-series CSCs, especially the touchscreen with touch AF and shutter. For those who want to carry a compact camera every day, the LX7 is an excellent choice. However, there are a couple of other models that I would choose first.
