Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1: When Will I Ever Learn?

What a looker.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1: When Will I Ever Learn? As a reviewer, cameras come in and out of my hands often faster than I have time to review them- that is just the nature of the game. My digital experience goes back to 2001, when digital cameras were just really starting to make head way into the camera market and film was making a gracious exit from the saloon. In all this time, there are few cameras that I've used, even reviewed, and in this case owned twice or three times that no matter what I try to do- cannot shake them from my fond memories. And in the case of the Panasonic DMC-LC1, I can't shake my desire to use it- no matter how many times I've owned it (counting it's twin brother, the Digilux 2 as well here).



Panasonic DMC-LC1 Availability and Price Check


My only conclusion here is that the LC1 (abbreviated for the rest of this article) and its twin, the Digilux 2, offer up a unique experience that other cameras can't quite match. Being a slow and dated camera (it came out in 2003), and the specs rather underwhelming (on paper at least) you'd think that it simply makes no sense for veteran pro that has just about any camera available to him at any time to want to use this camera any longer. And in 95% of circumstances, I'd say you're right.

Panasonic DMC-LC1 Availability and Price Check

Everything you need prioritized, and in a beautiful package. That's a real Leica lens, and one I say is unequaled by any manufacturer including Leica itself.

But in the case of the LC1 (and D2), I cannot stress just  how important using a camera in hand is, and how it has almost everything to do with whether you'll like using it or not. Specs clearly don't matter in this case. Cameras like these, end up becoming classics (real ones, not claimed ones). They also end up becoming collector's items, but ones that people like to use- like taking a Shelby Cobra out for a spin on a Sunday morning.

Panasonic DMC-LC1 Availability and Price Check

Roomy, but plenty of controls. Beautiful, but purposeful. Simple, but for its day, leading edge technology.

Whatever the magic the LC1 has, I can't escape its power. I mean, I know what it does well (and what it doesn't), but there's this intangible quality to it that I cannot describe or escape. It's got to be personal, even though I've seen similar comments from other owners about this camera (and the D2). And even though buying this camera makes no sense (I often have too many free/loaner cameras around), I went and got one again.

The business. That Leica lens. Nowhere else on earth except the LC1 and Digilux 2 does a lens like this exist. A 28-90mm f/2-2.4 lens? Yep. Try finding that in a DSLR brand, or any brand for that matter that has a sensor this size.

I'm not quite sure what the "love" affair is with this camera, not sure how to describe it. And for all LC1 and D2 owners out there that have held on to theirs, I'm sure they feel the same way. For those who wish it, I'm not even so sure that if an update were made of either camera that they would have the same magic or not.  LC1 and D2 owners know that this package is truly unique, and yes it is sad that an update hasn't been seen, but that just gives them a status and unique place in our digital camera market that only a few rare and coveted cameras can truly claim.

I've written a full review on the LC1 (now gone off the net with alphamountworld.com), and the Digilux 2 (here on this site), but I just can't seem to stop talking about this design. And maybe, just maybe, I won't till the day I make my exit from the saloon.

Cheers camera lovers!

-Carl Garrard

Panasonic DMC-LC1 Availability and Price Check