Does the new Panasonic 4k LUMIX LX100 seem like a good entry-level 4k camera?

Question

http://www.redsharknews.com/production/item/2155-the-panasonic-4k-lx100-is-a-lot-of-camera-for-the-price?utm_source=www.lwks.com+subscribers&utm_campaign=42f49e8a2f-RSN_Nov07_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_079aaa3026-42f49e8a2f-77397533

The camera looks really good and it's really cheap for a 4k camera. Unfortunately, it's a point and shoot so there's no hot shoe (or cold shoe) and no external mic jack. Despite all this it still looks like a decent entry-level 4k camera. I'm specifically interested in the focus and depth-of-field options.

I'm looking to buy a new camera for filmmaking sometime in the next year. The camera that I originally was looking at is the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 with a 18-55mm and 55-250mm STM Lens, but this new camera has me interested.

Answer 1

When I was first looking for a good portable camera, the LX100 was on the top of the list. When looking at research, the LX100 provides great IQ (at 4k) in a good compact device for the price.

If you have not already looked at these sites, I would suggest looking up TheCameraStore review on YouTube, CameraLabs, Dpreview, and EOSHD.

LX100 does also have many limitation.

1. With a fixed lens system, your focal range is set to certain range. This may not be an issue initially, but can hamper longer term use of the camera.

2. Having a smaller camera brings up the issue ergonomics and vibrations during handling. In the efforts of compacting the size, there is no flippable screen.

3. If I remembered correctly, the LX100 has a clicky control ring. This may causes issues when your are trying to focus pull smoothly and cause background audio you will need to clean up.

4. All the other issues you mentioned about no mic jack and limited picture profiles can be all a concern. (I do believe it has a hotshoe, because it comes with a separate flash unit).

5. Shallow DOF, while great for a camera this size, will be less than the Rebel with APC sized sensor. With the lack of a tele range for your lens, this will compound the limitations.

My question for you; is 4k needed for your workflow? With the shift of displays going 4k, there is something to be said about future proofing your work. If you are just getting starting in videography, 4k maybe more trouble that its worth. If you want to output 4k content, you will needed a powerful computer for editing, 4k monitor, and good amount of storage.

If you need the 4k (and want the lowest price), LX100 is a great choice. If you have more flexibility in your budget, I would also suggest looking at the Samsung NX1 and the Panasonic GH4.

Answer 2

It looks decently nice. I couldn't find anything about how well it does or if it supports AF during video or not. It's basically a miniaturized GH4 and the GH4 was a nice camera for the price to start with. I certainly wouldn't say this isn't a good entry level 4k video camera. It leaves a few things to be desired for sure, but for the price and size, it is a solid entry and even if you replace it, it still has a lot of utility due to the small size and (relatively) cheap price.