All products of the first generation carry certain details that ultimately get corrected in a second version a bit later. If the early adopter is satisfied from the start, they won't hesitate to double down, but if another enthusiast decides to wait, that is generally a sound strategy. That is what happens with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II. More than four years have passed since the launch of the original LX100, and the manufacturer decided to add quality of life improvements, with a touchscreen, an updated sensor, and more connectivity options.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II: A Modest but Effective Leap
Officially announced in August 2018, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II (also designated DC-LX100 II on official pages and other portals) features a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with 21.7 megapixels and an effective crop of 17 megapixels, paired with the Venus Engine image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 to 25,600 with a boost down to ISO 100, and the shutter speed extends from 1/4000 to 60 seconds, or 1/16000 in the case of the electronic shutter. The LCD screen remains at 3 inches and is not tiltable, but it incorporates touch support and increases the resolution to 1.24 million dots. The electronic viewfinder offers 2.76 million dots, but being of the sequential field type, the resolution is equivalent, and it sits (despite its refresh rate) a step below other viewfinders from a technical standpoint.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II has a multi-format sensor that gives us greater flexibility and a higher margin of experimentation when capturing frames (the physical switch is on the top, with 3:2, 16:9, 1:1, and 4:3 values); however, this advantage requires a crop of its surface, so it cannot be used at full capacity. The autofocus stays at the same level we've seen in other Panasonic cameras, such as the Lumix DMC-LX15. The specs talk about 49 points based on a contrast-detection system, optimized with the proprietary Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology. Its performance is more than acceptable in face detection and tracking, though it can stumble in more unfavorable situations. This is where the touch support shines, and with a simple tap on the screen you'll have autofocus under control. The fastest burst of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II reaches 30 FPS in 4K burst mode, but the most common will be the 11 FPS in normal High mode, or 5.5 FPS with continuous autofocus. To close this section, don't forget to explore the Post Focus functions (you modify focus after the shot), Focus Stacking (combines a group of images for greater depth), and Sequence Composition, with a limit of five frames.
There are no drastic physical changes on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II, but if it's your first time seeing a camera of this family, you'll notice there's no traditional mode dial. The two dials that dominate the top control exposure compensation and shutter speed. The level of customization is notable, and I admit you'll spend a good while in the camera's menu, but it's definitely worth squeezing it thoroughly. Panasonic applied an updated structure here (the same one we saw in the Lumix DC-GH5), and with the blessing of the touchscreen, it's much easier to use and memorize. Added to the impressive battery of functions that can be reassigned, this makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II one of the most versatile point-and-shoots. All the advanced details appear in the manual, starting on page 50.
4K video capture on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II may not be on par with direct rivals like the Sony DSC-RX100 V with its spectacular 5K oversampling, but beyond the crop and the slight loss of performance in low-light situations, the final result is of very good quality. The most important recording modes are 4Kp30 and p24 at 100 megabits per second, followed by six 1080 variants, from p24 to p60 (and a 60i if you want interlaced video). The camera offers a dedicated button to start recording (just above the screen); however, any preview idea needs a prior adjustment in the custom menu. In terms of connectivity, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II includes Bluetooth 4.2 LE over Wi-Fi n, optimizing image transfer to smartphones. As always, patience with the app.
Accessories for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II
With an average price of 800 euros, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II is in a transitional stage. The camera is solid, has good construction, and the company installed a series of protections to prevent dust entry, but I insist it will be much more attractive once it receives a slight downward adjustment in price. The good news is that its compatible accessories remain at very reasonable prices.
Batteries and Power
The average of 300 shots for the battery of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II doesn't sound bad at all when compared with other ultracompacts. USB recharging adds a layer of convenience, but if the plan is to completely eliminate any weak point in terms of energy, I definitely recommend investing 18 euros in a compatible Gloxy BLG10 battery, and another 22 in a hybrid Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car. For 40 euros, the energy variable will be contained. The recommended setup includes the SKU "0712001269,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-114".
Tripods and Supports
Considering its 392 grams (with battery installed), the camera's portability is guaranteed, but at the same time it's not the lightest option out there. That said, finding a good tripod for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II is not complicated. Today I'm going to lean toward our favorite benchmark, the Gloxy GX-T6662A. It extends to 1.6 meters in height, but nothing stops us from using it in a more compact position. If it still seems too big, the suggestion is to go directly to a Clampod Takeway T1. It weighs less than the camera (200 grams) and attaches to almost any surface.
Bags and Cases
Panasonic said it took additional precautions to prevent dust from entering the camera, but it's not what could be called complete sealing. Therefore, one of the first things we should add to the accessory package is a bag or case. The two designs we'll share below are very popular among DSLR users, so they'll receive the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II without issues. The first is the Delta 400a Fancier bag, with a padded interior that we can customize, and a sling style that lets us carry it even when the camera stays home. The second is the Vanguard Discover 22. It costs more than double the Delta, but it places more emphasis on rain protection and has much more space than it appears. The recommended combination is SKU "Fancier400a,0714199153".
Flashes and Lights
Obeying our vision of "better to have it and not need it", we need to take advantage of the hot shoe on the body of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II to compensate for the lack of a built-in flash. Fortunately, that's simple. If you want a compact and inexpensive flash, you can't go wrong with the Meike MK-320, which has a guide number of 32, weighs just 150 grams, and includes a diffuser as well as a stand and bag. Now, if you prefer a more direct light, I think it's a good idea to pay the premium and get the Panasonic VW-LED1E-K torch. You can easily adjust its brightness, and it uses four inexpensive AA batteries.
Special Kits
At the end of this new photographic adventure, we only have to present two special kits, one focused on cleaning, and another indispensable for anyone planning to set up a mini home studio. On one hand, the Gloxy 6-in-1 kit delivers all the tools (from a simple brush to a blower) that will help us keep our Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II in optimal condition. On the other, the portable studio 40 x 40 x 40 centimeters is ideal for taking photography to a more advanced level without putting a hole in the budget.
Basically, my conclusion boils down to this: I recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 II, but I also recommend waiting for it. The improvements in its specifications are balanced and coherent, shaping a robust, dynamic, and easy-to-use ultracompact. However, the 800 euros on its price tag don't quite click. Once it drops 100 or 150 euros, its profile will change completely. Good luck!
