Labs

The Panasonic DMC L-10 (part of the Lumix DSLR range) is a chunky affair thanks mainly to the supplied Leica lens. It's an image-stabilised 14-50mm lens that could be described - at best - as portly. That said it doesn't unduly affect the overall feel of the camera, which sits well in the hand. The weight might become an issue during a long shoot but overall the handling is good.

One of the features that set this DSLR out from our crowd is Live View. This allows you to use the LCD screen to compose and take shots. It's a feature that's finding its way on to other DSLRs at the moment and, though

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it's hardly groundbreaking, it is usable. The LCD screen can be rotated and tilted off the body for better viewing angles or turned around completely if you'd prefer not to use it. The LCD readout was also one of our favourites as it gives all the pertinent information clearly and is navigated easily. The L-10 takes a bit of getting used to if you're proficient in Nikon or Canon cameras, but essentially it's a very pleasurable device to use.

Our tests proved a little difficult for the Panasonic and our colour shot was given a rather cold blue cast, as well as suffering from an excessive amount of noise. The L-10 fared better with skin tones, managing a much more pleasing natural tone, but again noise levels were higher than we find acceptable.

We really wanted to like the L-10. It feels good to handle, has an excellent range of features and is easy to use. Even the comically large lens is actually a plus point. Alas, the final image quality wasn't able to compete and the high noise levels even at ISO100 counted heavily against it.

To win a MacUser labs test, a camera has to do more than feel nice and the Panasonic doesn't have the all-round skills to perform.