For those who follow the digital camera category closely, the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 DSLR is not a surprise.
Panasonic and Olympus jointly develops their latest DSLRs, so whatever Olympus puts out first is closely followed by a Panasonic version — and then followed by the Leica version (Leica supplies the lenses for the Panasonic DSLRs and all Leica digital cameras are based on Panasonic models).
The Panasonic L10 DSLR is based on the Olympus EVOLT E-510 and so is different from the Lumix DMC-L1 DSLR. It has the same Dust Reduction technology.
The L10 DSLR is basically a FZ50 with a mirror and interchangeable lenses, plus a large Four-Thirds image sensor — which tells us it is very possible to put a larger image sensor into the consumer/prosumer models.
What makes the L10 DSLR different from other DSLRS is the Live View LCD which allows focus and exposure metering right off the image sensor — just like on a consumer digital camera. To do this, it uses contrast detection AF in Live View mode (Live View on other DSLRs require the mirror to flip down for AF). When used as a conventional DSLR, the regular (and faster and more precise) phase detect AF is used.
Also welcomed by many photographers is the articulating LCD. Instead of CCD-shift image stabilization (of the E-510), the Panasonic relies on the optical image stabilization built into each of the Leica-supplied lenses.
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