Steve Sanders over at Steves-Digicams has just posted a first look review of Panasonic's four megapixel DMC-LC5. When announced this camera (along with the DMC-F7) marked a significant shift for Panasonic's digital line which was previously just the three megapixel 'iPalm' (which didn't do well). This new camera was designed in collaboration with Leica (indeed as far as we know Leica's Digilux 1 is simple a re-moulded DMC-LC5). Come in and see what Steve has to say. Comment: Questions about the origin of the lens.

Click here for Steve's first look at the Panasonic DMC-LC5

Phil: Again, what I find curious about the DMC-LC5 and Leica's Digilux 1 is the lens. In all press releases issued by Panasonic about the 'Lumix' line of digital cameras they make strong statements about Leica's involvement in camera development and specifically lens design. More curious then to see that the lens used on the DMC-LC5 and Leica Digilux 1 appears to be identical to the OEM 7 - 21mm (F2.0 - F2.5) lens (made by Canon as far as we know) which seems to be identical to those used in the Canon G2, Sony DSC-S85, Casio QV-4000 etc. (and older three megapixel cameras) Who knows, it may be that Leica are providing special glass or coatings... The images below are of the front of each lens and as you can see the lens design appears to be identical.

Panasonic DMC-LC5 lens	Casio QV-4000 (marked as Canon lens)
Sony DSC-S75 lens	Canon PowerShot G1 lens