The latest firmware version 1.1 has been release from Panasonic for their DMC-L10 series cameras.  Here are the particulars:

1. Improved the performance of AF(Auto Focus) with Panasonic lenses. (Model Number L-ES014050,L-RS014150).
2. Improved the performance of AE (An accuracy improvement of Auto Exposure at night scene).
3. Improved the performance of AWB(Auto White Balance).
4. Shortened the minimum shooting intervals on the single shooting mode.
5. Enabled the Front/Rear dial operations in the fine white balance adjustment and the change of magnifying position on the MF Assist in Live View mode.

Head on over for the update.

Panasonic DMC-L10 firmware update. 

Simon over at DPReview has posted his final review on the latest 4/3 DSLR from Panasonic. While a decent attempt, Simon feels that the DMC-L10 is a bit too expensive to compete with the 10MP offerings from other, more entrenched companies.

Conclusion - Pros

• Excellent resolution and ‘per pixel’ definition, but really need to shoot raw to get the best results
• Subtle, restrained color and contrast (though see below)
• Better highlight dynamic range than Olympus equivalent (still a little tight in the highlights)
• Excellent handling and ergonomics
• Bright, clear multi-angle screen
• Contrast detect AF in and quick mirror for the most usable Live View mode to date
• Decent level of external controls
• Very user-friendly and approachable user interface
• Film modes offer good variety of tonal presets
• Twin control dials
• Unique (for SLR) features such as ‘intelligent auto ISO’ and face detection… if you want them…
• Very good (but expensive, big) kit lens with good corner-to-corner performance throughout the zoom range, low flare and good contrast
• Reliable (though slightly underpowered) built-in flash
• Effective (2 stop) image stabilization on lens
• Three custom modes
• Reliable white balance (outdoors)
• Fast, reliable focus (although see below for comments about low light)
• Supersonic Wave filter for effective dust removal
• AF assit lamp

Conclusion - Cons

• Small and dark viewfinder view (difficult to see fine detail, difficult to check focus)
• New kit lens slow (F3.8-5.6) considering its size
• In-camera JPEG processing produces images that are soft and don’t show true potential of sensor
• Many will find default settings rather too under saturated with greens and blues particularly insipid. Dynamic mode produces punchier ‘out of camera’ results
• Image parameters (NR, WB, contrast, Saturation) don’t provide a wide enough range of control
• Noise (and noise reduction in JPEGs) more of an issue at ISO 400+ than most competitors
• Live view still requires extra mirror flip, which introduces delays
• Contrast detect focus slow, and not compatible with 99% of existing Four-Thirds lenses
• Lacks sophisticated customization options of similarly-priced competitors
• Auto focus provides just three focus points, although AF performance good
• Focus-by-wire kit lens means no focus distance indication, lack of precision and slight lag
• 3 frame raw buffer
• Noisy shutter and mirror assembly
• Slightly ‘plasticy’ build quality
• Large (and heavy with the kit lens)
• Price and strong competition
• Poor battery life when using live view
• Focus slow in low light
• Occasional metering issues require manual intervention
• Record review brightness not at all accurate
• Slower than average startup (presumably due to SSWF doing it’s dust-busting)

Head on over for a look at the Lumix DMC-L10.

Popular Photography Online takes a look at the latest DSL from Panasonic, the DMC-L10. They were happy with the quality of the camera, but found the hight comparable price to be a hindrance.
“In all, the L10 has a lot going for it: that swiveling screen, Excellent resolution and image quality, live view with two forms of AF, face detection metering, and a sharp, image-stabilized lens.

The price, though, is high for its overall performance. If Panasonic were to rethink its forced-bundle approach, this camera maker just might have the impact in DSLRs that its had in compacts.”

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Review

Lumix DMC-L1 (Street Price $1099.00 w/ 14-50mm lens)

7.5 Megapixel NMOS Image Sensor
Built-in Optical Image Stabilization
2.5″ LCD with Live View
4/3 System Lens Mount
100 to 1600 ISO
2-3 fps Continuous Drive
Secure Digital Media, USB 2.0
1/4000 to 60 sec. Shutter speed, with Bulb setting

Lumix DMC-L10K (Street Price $1299.00 w/14-50mm lens)

10.1 Megapixel NMOS Image Sensor
Built-in Optical Image Stabilization
2.5″ LCD with Live View
4/3 System Lens Mount
100 to 1600 ISO
2-3 fps Continuous Drive
Secure Digital Media, USB 2.0
1/4000 to 60 sec. Shutter speed, with Bulb setting