8.4 Megapixel Effective Camera

For high quality image resolution, you get more out of 8.4 Megapixel

8.4-Megapixel 16:9 CCD and Wide-Angle 28mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens

The LX1 features a 4x optical zoom with a wide 28mm field of view (35mm equivalent) when shooting in the 16:9 aspect ratio at 8-megapixel resolution. This and the world's first 16:9 CCD* with 8.4 million effective pixels give you superb image quality over a wide shooting range. The Extra Optical Zoom made possible by using the center part of the 8.4-megapixel
high-resolution CCD, further extends the zoom ratio to 5x for 5.5-megapixel image recording in 16:9 aspect with minimal deterioration. Adding the Extra Optical Zoom** to the 4x digital zoom extends the total zooming power to a maximum of 22.5x (equivalent to a 765mm lens on a 35mm camera). * As of July 7th, 2005 ** 5.6x for 3.0-megapixel image recording in 4:3 aspect ratio.

Quick Choice of Three Aspect Modes

A switch at the top of the lens barrel lets you choose an aspect ratio of normal 4:3, wide 16:9, or the 3:2 used in film cameras*. A 16:9 image is obtained using the wide-angle lens and large CCD, instead of the conventional method of cropping the top and bottom of a 4:3 image. *The number of effective pixels varies with the aspect ratio. 

Flexible, Single-Switch Focusing

A switch on the side of the lens lets you match the focusing operation to your shot. Choose from AF, AF macro to focus from as close as 5cm from the subject, or manual focus using the joystick. When flicking the switch to AF, you can select from 9-point AF, 3-point high-speed AF, 1-point high-speed AF, 1-point AF and spot AF. The 1-point high-speed AF, initially incorporated in the high zoom line DMC-FZ5, dramatically reduces the AF time to realise stress-free operation. Although screen-freeze in high-speed AF is now minimized, if you take the picture of a subject with fast movement, you can select 1-point AF which does not have any screen-freeze while focusing. Plus, the AF Assist Lamp helps when focusing in dimly lit places.

Manual Exposure and Manual Focus Using the Joystick

The joystick on the back of the camera lets you manually adjust the exposure and focus. You can set the aperture, shutter speed and focus with your thumb while viewing the LCD monitor to compose the photo. In Manual Focus mode, you can use the Manual Focus Assist function, which enlarges the center of the LCD image while showing the bar graph of a focal distance and depth of field to determine precise focus. By pressing and holding the joystick, you can also set four parameters (white balance, ISO sensitivity, recording image size, and image quality) instantly while viewing the subject, without having to switch to the menu screen.

2.5" High-Resolution LCD for Brighter Viewing

The DMC-LX1 features a 2.5" high-resolution LCD monitor - super large for such a compact camera. This high-quality, 207,000-pixel display makes it easy to see your subject. For easier viewing when shooting outdoors on a sunny day, press the Power LCD button to boost the backlighting by about 40%.

Super-Fast Shutter Response and MEGA BURST Consecutive Shooting

Thanks to the Venus Engine II's release time lag* of around 0.01 second, the LX1 is super-fast. You can snap off consecutive shots at 3 frames per second with full resolution**. And with Unlimited Consecutive shooting***, you can keep shooting until the memory card is full.

• ^{* Not including auto-focusing time.}
• ^{** Max. 9 images in Standard mode/5 images in Fine mode.}
• ^{*** Number of photos depends on memory card size, battery power, picture size and impression. The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card.}