Story Behind the LUMIX LX100 Development
Relaying the passion of the people behind the LUMIX LX100 development.
Large-Scale Sensor for Greater Shooting Enjoyment
Please describe your experience in developing the new model.
Hironori Katsuura
The LX Series, which was developed in 2005, has maximized the potential of our lens
and digital technologies. The LX7 was a compact camera with an F1.4 large-diameter
lens, that was highly praised by our customers. From there, addressing the need for a
large-scale sensor was our first challenge.
Another task was how to add to the fun that users have when shooting. We got the first
hint of this from the LC1 which was released in 2004. This camera, which had an aperture
ring and shutter speed dial, is still in use by some of our customers. We began
developing the new model by inheriting the DNA of the LC1.
Yumi Minamino
As the LX100 model number suggests, it is the highest model of the LX Series and a
completely new type of camera that also incorporates the best features of the LC1... kind
of a dual concept.
What type of customer do you see using it?
Yumi Minamino
In addition to people who like photography as a hobby, we've come to recognize a
segment that really appreciates the mechanics of a quality camera. The camera offers
this user both visual and tactile excitement; so, one of our goals was to create a sort of
"tool" that goes beyond the ordinary camera form.
Best Choice for High Image Quality
Why did you choose a 4/3-inch sensor instead of the 1.0-inch used in the FZ1000?
Hironori Katsuura
We wanted to pack the highest possible image quality into a compact camera. We had
used the 4/3-inch sensor for our DSLM camera, and we thought it was best to take
advantage of the technology we had accumulated. We also placed heavy emphasis on
the image processing engine and used the same one as we did on the GH4 for the best combination.
In order to offer multi aspect ratios with high image quality, which brought rave reviews
to the LX Series, we had to use a larger sensor. This may have been unexpected by our
customers, but we think they'll find it to be a pleasant surprise.
Creating the Ultimate Tool with Analog-like Operation
Why did you decided on analog-like operation?
Yumi Minamino
The allure of the LX100 is how it renders images with the 4/3-inch sensor and F1.7
large-diameter lens. In order to create a tool that maximized this attraction, we went with
analog-like operation.
To create highly original images, we think it's better to control the camera manually
instead of using automatic functions. It brings more personal enjoyment to the shooting
experience itself.
Hironori Katsuura
The aperture and shutter speed are the most basic parameters for setting the exposure. The LC1 gave users free control of these factors, which was highly acclaimed.
In the LX100, we concentrated on the exposure and focus by adding features like an
aperture ring, shutter speed dial, exposure correction dial, control ring for MF operation,
and viewfinder. We returned to the photographic basics to create a truly enjoyable
camera.
Adding a mode dial simplifies the access to scene modes and custom settings, which
makes it more functional. But we think the feeling of being able to operate the camera
yourself is what makes the LX100 so much fun to use.
This is an extreme example, but there's something enjoyable about physically turning
rings and dials. Is it fun to hold? Is it fun to operate? The mechanical perspective is
important; so, we repeatedly asked user opinions and built these features into the
LX100. It's something we hope people will experience for themselves with the LX100.
Built-in Viewfinder
Why did you decide on a built-in viewfinder?
Yumi Minamino
When you consider the fun of shooting, it's better to have a built-in finder that you can
look through at any time than an external type that's not as easy to use quickly. From
the viewpoint of performance, we used the same high-resolution viewfinder as the one
on the GX7. Initially, we worried about how it would affect the camera's size, but we
couldn't compromise on it.
Hironori Katsuura
Using the viewfinder has certain advantages, such as suppressing hand-shake and
providing good visibility in bright sunlight. The best point, though, is the way it lets you
immerse yourself in the shot. It's the same concept as whether it's easier to immerse
yourself in a dark movie theatre or a bright living room. For a lot of people, looking
through the viewfinder really puts them in the mood for shooting.
Camera "Tool" with a Traditional Flair
Once you completed the LX100, what kind of reaction did you get?
Yumi Minamino
Once it was finished, we were flooded with feedback from not only seasoned camera users, but also younger users who wanted to take up photography using analog-like operation. There's nothing that makes us happier as developers than to hear that people are becoming camera and photo fans because of the LX100.
In the future, what kind of camera do you want to make?
Hironori Katsuura
Cameras are tools with a tradition of more than 100 years. I want to make cameras that
people will take care of and use for a long time. Whenever I see someone with a
well-worn LUMIX camera, my heart skips a beat. Nothing makes me happier than
seeing a satisfied customer.
• The products used in some images are under development and may be changed without notice.