I already reported that for the 25th anniversary of LUMIX, Panasonic will announce a replacement for the popular LX100 camera. Today, the company announced the new Lumix L10 camera (pre-orders: B&H Photo | WEX Photo | Foto Erhardt).
I think this is a clear sign that a new Leica D-Lux 9 will be released in the next 1-2 years.
The current Leica D-Lux 8 model was based on the D-Lux 7 with some minor upgrades (some features were even removed):
The new Leica D-Lux 8 camera lost some features that were present in the previous D-Lux 7 model
Here are all the updates in the new L10 model:
Panasonic explicitly describes the L10 as “a fully modernized version of its LX100 camera.” The new LUMIX L10 modernizes the LX100 concept with the latest Micro Four Thirds tech (26.5 MP BSI sensor, new processor from the GH7/G9 II/S1R II era, phase-hybrid AF with AI subject recognition, fully articulated screen, larger GH-series battery, 5.1K video – at the cost of significantly larger size, higher price, and reduced pocketability. The L10 is heavier and more expensive but feels like the “LX100 III” many photographers have been waiting for – with the latest Lumix tech packed into the classic Leica-lensed compact form.
Panasonic has positioned the L10 as a brand-new premium compact camera line that modernizes the beloved LX100 formula rather than continuing the “LX100 III” naming. It directly addresses the main pain points of the 2018 LX100 II (older contrast AF, fixed screen, outdated processor/EVF, smaller battery) while keeping the same excellent Leica DC Vario-Summilux 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens and multi-aspect sensor philosophy.
Summary of key upgrades in the L10 (vs LX100 II):
- Much newer sensor + processor → better dynamic range, color, and low-light performance.
- Phase-detection AF with AI subject tracking (huge leap over older contrast AF).
- Fully articulating screen (vs fixed on LX100 II).
- Significantly faster burst shooting.
- Advanced video specs (5.1K/4K120/log).
- Larger battery and more modern feature set (LUTs, etc.).
Here is a quick comparison between the new Panasonic Lumix L10 camera and the previous LX100 II model:
Comparing the new Panasonic Lumix L10 camera with the LX100 II
Additional information on the new Panasonic L10 can be found here:
New Panasonic L10 camera announced for the 25th anniversary of LUMIX
