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srivastava · 06/22/08, 12:27 AM

Hello everybody,

Hope I am not going to bore you folks with another comparison question but I can't seem to find the answers elsewhere.

I am hoping to buy my first DSLR and have zeroed in on the Panasonic Lumix L1 or L10. Why do I chose these? Well, I feel the Leica lens produces fantastic pictures. I am interested in photographing my children and also other general photography. I can easily buy the Nikon D40 as a beginner (and also in my budget), but I want to experiment with the various controls and wish to try something not too mainstream(everybody seems to use a canon or nikon). Love the controls on the L1 (bit like my uncle's old pentax slr).

Am getting the L1 for £1000 and L10 for £599.

The L10 is newer and more user friendly ( i guess) though the lens is supposedly a bit slower. I want to shoot RAW and do minimal processing using Adobe Lightroom.

What do you guys suggest? The camera I buy will be my camera for the next 10 yrs atleast. My Fujifilm F10 has been my faithful compact for a few years now.

Many thanks in advance for your advice.

Best wishes,
Rajat

ASpes · 06/22/08, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivastava

Hello everybody,

Hope I am not going to bore you folks with another comparison question but I can't seem to find the answers elsewhere.

I am hoping to buy my first DSLR and have zeroed in on the Panasonic Lumix L1 or L10. Why do I chose these? Well, I feel the Leica lens produces fantastic pictures. I am interested in photographing my children and also other general photography. I can easily buy the Nikon D40 as a beginner (and also in my budget), but I want to experiment with the various controls and wish to try something not too mainstream(everybody seems to use a canon or nikon). Love the controls on the L1 (bit like my uncle's old pentax slr).

Am getting the L1 for £1000 and L10 for £599.

The L10 is newer and more user friendly ( i guess) though the lens is supposedly a bit slower. I want to shoot RAW and do minimal processing using Adobe Lightroom.

What do you guys suggest? The camera I buy will be my camera for the next 10 yrs atleast. My Fujifilm F10 has been my faithful compact for a few years now.

Many thanks in advance for your advice.

Best wishes,
Rajat

Guess you should find a better bargain on the L1, the price gap you mention looks too wide to me. The top US price for the L1 is currently just over £600 GBP (B&H), and you should find better than that. You can even find some used but mint Digilux 3 for well below the price you mention. On eBay I recently saw some *new* D/3 going for around £800 from a Leica dealer in Aussieland ...

Anyway, must say up front I'm biased, so my vote is of course for the L1/D3 that has become my walk-around camera.
I find that the two cameras are quite apart, the L1/D3, besides the unique traditional layout, was planned as a flagship and comes with a top notch lens, while the L10 is a consumer level camera, something to make comfortable the P&S user that steps up to a DSLR for the first time, sort of a bridge camera but on the DSLR side.

This does not mean they are not both capable of great results, and the L10 has all the technological improvements that a couple years have made us have. I won't go into listing the differences, plenty of places where you can find them.

My suggestion is to go to a local shop and get the one you feel better with. The tech differences are not that significant, both will let you take good pictures, but the better you "click" (in all senses) with an instrument, the better will be your results.

Ten years? you make it look more like a mortgage ... :-)

Best of luck.

cnguyen · 06/22/08, 02:00 AM

I would go with the L1 or Digilux 3 if I were you. the L1 chassis is better made and has more solid feel to it. Also the L1 comes with a faster lens which comes in handy when you shoot low light. the 14-50mm f2.8 is pretty much all you need shooting kid pictures. The L10 is a later body but I don't think it's significantly better. Good luck with your choice.

rivi1969 · 06/22/08, 06:36 AM

You have a question but also the answers, it is simply a matter of personal taste. I prefer the L1 first because of the analogue-metallic feeling and second because of the lens. 10 years is too much time for a digital camera; maybe it won't be SD card readers available, maybe computers won't have USB ports but only time will tell. In the meantime enjoy your gear!

srivastava · 06/22/08, 01:22 PM

Dear All,

Thank you for the tips...L1 it is then. I am trying to find a bargain deal and am probably getting one thru this website for 600 euro (2 month old L1). Will let u know what happens.

srivastava · 06/27/08, 12:16 PM

Just bought the L1....charging as we speak.....hope to all some pictures this weekend. Wish me luck!!!

leicagator · 06/27/08, 12:51 PM

I think you have made the right decision. I own the Digilux 3 and love this camera and the pics I get.

jdlaing · 06/27/08, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leicagator

I think you have made the right decision. I own the Digilux 3 and love this camera and the pics I get.

Me too.

ASpes · 06/27/08, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivastava

Just bought the L1....charging as we speak.....hope to all some pictures this weekend. Wish me luck!!!

Great news and my congrats.

One suggestion: just check you have the latest firmware (v2) installed, lots of features in it.
If unsure about this, have a look at this page for details and download:
DMC-L1K Firmware update service | Digital Camera | Digital AV | Product Support | Support | Panasonic Global

As for luck, I don't think you need it, but just in case ... Best of luck.

srivastava · 06/27/08, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASpes

Great news and my congrats.

One suggestion: just check you have the latest firmware (v2) installed, lots of features in it.
If unsure about this, have a look at this page for details and download:
DMC-L1K Firmware update service | Digital Camera | Digital AV | Product Support | Support | Panasonic Global

As for luck, I don't think you need it, but just in case ... Best of luck.

Tried updating, but not able to by following the instructions...not able to see firmware. I know that it is the old firmware, because I can't shoot RAW until the previous file is written on the card (using an SDHC 4GB 20mb/s card). Anyone had similar problems?

ASpes · 06/28/08, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivastava

Tried updating, but not able to by following the instructions...not able to see firmware. I know that it is the old firmware, because I can't shoot RAW until the previous file is written on the card (using an SDHC 4GB 20mb/s card). Anyone had similar problems?

Can you share in more detail what your problems are?

Anyway the updating process is simpler to do than to describe.

In a nutshell:

* download the file from web according to your system (Mac <> Win)
* extract the file in it (L1___200.bin), see that the size is correct (Mac <> Win)
* format a card in your camera
* copy the .bin file to the card (hope you have a card reader, if not ... better get one.)

* switch off the camera
* insert the card
* switch on the camera
* press PLAY -> select YES and press OK
* wait 'till the process is done
--> do not touch anything while it's working
--> the camera will power cycle at the end of it

(After you're done, don't forget to format again your card to wipe it clean.)

There is only one single important thing: --> the-updating-must-NOT-be-interrupted <--
else you will have to send your camera to the assistance to restore it working.

So the critical parts are:

1) power
if you do not have the cable with the dummy battery, never mind, you can do it on your battery ... BUT ...
--> it's important that power does not fail during the process, so if doing it on a battery do it with a freshly charged battery
2) wait
--> let the updating work to the end,
it should be done in a few minutes, do not touch anything, just follow the messages on the LCD

If you think I can be of any assistance, feel free to mail me.

Hope this helps.

srivastava · 06/28/08, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASpes

Can you share in more detail what your problems are?

Anyway the updating process is simpler to do than to describe.

In a nutshell:

* download the file from web according to your system (Mac <> Win)
* extract the file in it (L1___200.bin), see that the size is correct (Mac <> Win)
* format a card in your camera
* copy the .bin file to the card (hope you have a card reader, if not ... better get one.)

* sw
Hope this helps.

thanks for the info....I did exactly as above. I use a mac....downloaded the .bin file....is the right size...dragged onto the SDHC card...used the DC cable..inserted card..pressed play and nothing happens.....my pictures show a version 1.0...so i need an update.

Might email Panasonic.

ASpes · 06/28/08, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivastava

thanks for the info....I did exactly as above. I use a mac....downloaded the .bin file....is the right size...dragged onto the SDHC card...used the DC cable..inserted card..pressed play and nothing happens.....my pictures show a version 1.0...so i need an update.

Might email Panasonic.

Let me ask you a couple questions, forgive me if they are too ... basic.
The file you download is not the file to copy, you must extract the .bin file from it, you sure your Mac did that?
Did you format the card in the camera before copying the file?
Did you switch the camera off, insert the card and then on again?
The file must reside in the root directory of the card, so maybe delete the two folders that the format creates, and then copy the file so it's the only one on it.
Another try, download it again and repeat the whole process, happened to me.

I know, these are just blind shots, forgive me, but sometimes ...

Hmm, I see you need it, so ... Best of luck again. :-)

srivastava · 06/28/08, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASpes

Let me ask you a couple questions, forgive me if they are too ... basic.
The file you download is not the file to copy, you must extract the .bin file from it, you sure your Mac did that?
Did you format the card in the camera before copying the file?
Did you switch the camera off, insert the card and then on again?
The file must reside in the root directory of the card, so maybe delete the two folders that the format creates, and then copy the file so it's the only one on it.
Another try, download it again and repeat the whole process, happened to me.

I know, these are just blind shots, forgive me, but sometimes ...

Hmm, I see you need it, so ... Best of luck again. :-)

Ha Ha...have done all things except deleting the other folders, aspen....so will try that. Will get back to you after I've done that. cheers.

srivastava · 06/29/08, 01:20 AM

Hallelujah....after the 6th try, it worked.....the key seemed to be dragging the .bin file directly on to the sd card through Finder(on mac) as opposed to opening the sd card and then dragging it. I have version 2.0 now..fantastic.

This had to be an important update..it was taking me longer than my P&S to shoot pictures with version 1 (on Raw).

ASpes · 06/29/08, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivastava

Hallelujah....after the 6th try, it worked.....

Glad one of my "blind shots" was not too far away from target, so to say, but kudos to you for getting it nailed, now enjoy your camera and that wonderful Leica lens.

Looking fwd to seeing a few from you.

All the best.

srivastava · 06/29/08, 09:07 PM

One of the first pictures..in jpeg mode without any processing.

ASpes · 06/29/08, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srivastava

One of the first pictures..in jpeg mode without any processing.

Great portrait, your son I guess? you're a lucky man, you got everything, even an updated camera now ...
Maybe you should publish it in the "People" forum, I'm sure it would get good comments from other users.
In any case, thanks for sharing it. Love it.

All the best.

srivastava · 06/30/08, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASpes

Great portrait, your son I guess? you're a lucky man, you got everything, even an updated camera now ...
Maybe you should publish it in the "People" forum, I'm sure it would get good comments from other users.
In any case, thanks for sharing it. Love it.

All the best.

thank you ASpes....yes, he is my son.

srivastava · 06/30/08, 02:13 PM

I am having a problem or two using the camera.

1. Each time I switch on the camera, it defaults to JPEG. This is highly annoying. Is there anyway of changing this?

2. The supplied neck strap keeps the camera slanted on the body....anybody has better contraptions?

3. Bought a lowerpro bag (Altus 160) but the camera does not fit well.

Help!!!

06/22/08, 12:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
srivastava Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 05/19/08 Posts: 18	Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 Hello everybody, Hope I am not going to bore you folks with another comparison question but I can't seem to find the answers elsewhere. I am hoping to buy my first DSLR and have zeroed in on the Panasonic Lumix L1 or L10. Why do I chose these? Well, I feel the Leica lens produces fantastic pictures. I am interested in photographing my children and also other general photography. I can easily buy the Nikon D40 as a beginner (and also in my budget), but I want to experiment with the various controls and wish to try something not too mainstream(everybody seems to use a canon or nikon). Love the controls on the L1 (bit like my uncle's old pentax slr). Am getting the L1 for £1000 and L10 for £599. The L10 is newer and more user friendly ( i guess) though the lens is supposedly a bit slower. I want to shoot RAW and do minimal processing using Adobe Lightroom. What do you guys suggest? The camera I buy will be my camera for the next 10 yrs atleast. My Fujifilm F10 has been my faithful compact for a few years now. Many thanks in advance for your advice. Best wishes, Rajat

06/22/08, 02:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
cnguyen Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 09/20/06 Location: Denver Colorado USA Posts: 158	Re: Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 I would go with the L1 or Digilux 3 if I were you. the L1 chassis is better made and has more solid feel to it. Also the L1 comes with a faster lens which comes in handy when you shoot low light. the 14-50mm f2.8 is pretty much all you need shooting kid pictures. The L10 is a later body but I don't think it's significantly better. Good luck with your choice.

06/22/08, 06:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
rivi1969 Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 03/23/05 Posts: 116	Re: Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 You have a question but also the answers, it is simply a matter of personal taste. I prefer the L1 first because of the analogue-metallic feeling and second because of the lens. 10 years is too much time for a digital camera; maybe it won't be SD card readers available, maybe computers won't have USB ports but only time will tell. In the meantime enjoy your gear!

06/22/08, 01:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
srivastava Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 05/19/08 Posts: 18	Re: Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 Dear All, Thank you for the tips...L1 it is then. I am trying to find a bargain deal and am probably getting one thru this website for 600 euro (2 month old L1). Will let u know what happens.

06/27/08, 12:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
srivastava Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 05/19/08 Posts: 18	Re: Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 Just bought the L1....charging as we speak.....hope to all some pictures this weekend. Wish me luck!!!

06/27/08, 12:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
leicagator Benutzer Join Date: 09/21/07 Posts: 61	AW: Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 I think you have made the right decision. I own the Digilux 3 and love this camera and the pics I get.

06/29/08, 01:20 AM	#15 (permalink)
srivastava Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 05/19/08 Posts: 18	Re: Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 Hallelujah....after the 6th try, it worked.....the key seemed to be dragging the .bin file directly on to the sd card through Finder(on mac) as opposed to opening the sd card and then dragging it. I have version 2.0 now..fantastic. This had to be an important update..it was taking me longer than my P&S to shoot pictures with version 1 (on Raw).

06/30/08, 02:13 PM	#20 (permalink)
srivastava Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 05/19/08 Posts: 18	Re: Lumix DMC L1 vs L10 I am having a problem or two using the camera. 1. Each time I switch on the camera, it defaults to JPEG. This is highly annoying. Is there anyway of changing this? 2. The supplied neck strap keeps the camera slanted on the body....anybody has better contraptions? 3. Bought a lowerpro bag (Altus 160) but the camera does not fit well. Help!!!