Expert Pick #08

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II.

A Four Thirds sensor and a fast 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 zoom with dedicated manual controls — the enthusiast value pick, aging internals and all.

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

The Verdict.

8.0/ 10

Gavler Meta-Score

The LX100 II is the value connoisseur's compact. It gives you a real sensor, a fast zoom, and proper physical dials for around a grand — a combination nothing newer quite matches at the price. The 2018 internals mean dated autofocus and no tilting screen, so it's for the deliberate shooter, not the action photographer. But dollar for dollar, the hardware is hard to beat.

The Gavler Verdict

Precision Engineering

24-75mm f/1.7-2.8

A bright Leica-branded zoom covering the everyday range with a fast aperture throughout.

Four Thirds Sensor

A large 17MP effective sensor at a price where most compacts use smaller 1-inch chips.

Dedicated Dials

Physical aperture, shutter-speed, and aspect-ratio controls for tactile, deliberate shooting.

Technical Specifications

Resolution17 MP (effective)
SensorFour Thirds CMOS
Lens24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 (equiv.)
Viewfinder2.76M-dot EVF
Video4K/30p

The Scoreboard

Expert Consensus80%
Community Rating83%

Valued for offering the D-Lux's sensor-and-lens combo at nearly half the price, with excellent manual controls. Held back by 2018-era autofocus and a fixed rear screen.

Cast Your Vote

Do you think Panasonic Lumix LX100 II deserves the #8 spot in Best Premium Compact Cameras?

Best Price Availability.

Prices checked regularly

Global Critique

Offers the same sensor and lens as the Leica D-Lux for far less — the enthusiast value pick.

DPReview

Those manual dials give it the handling of a camera twice its size.

TechRadar

Showing its age in autofocus, but the hardware bargain still stands.

Amateur Photographer