I know this is a Samsung forum, but I've recently managed to get hold of a Panasonic LX100 and I'm wondering if anyone can advise me on which one to keep.
Previously I've been using my nx500 as a 'carry along' to shoot pictures and videos of my family. The NX500 is fairly compact but not exactly pocketable so I was looking for something a bit more compact that could do everything.
Surprisingly I've found that the Lx100 is not actually that much smaller than the nx500, and also not pocketable. It does have the advantage of an excellent EVF (better than the NX1 imo) and easier to use than on the rx100iv that I had also considered.
So far I've found that 4k footage on the Lx100 is outstanding, better than the nx500 due to not having the crop factor. However, the 1080p 50fps footage is definitely not as good, and this is important to me for having the ability to slow down footage. Also in terms of video, I prefer the controls of the nx500 for times that I need to make adjustments whilst shooting. With the lx100 you can really hear every click of the dial!
In terms of image quality, I would say there isn't a lot between them. Of course with the nx500 you can use the 30mm which is far superior than that focal length on the lx100, but of course limits you to one focal length and is certainly not suitable for the type of video I shoot, with it not being stabilised and having poor autofocus, as well as having the annoying pull autofocus mechanism.
It's probably fairer to compare the lx100 to the nx500 with the 16-50mm lens. I'm finding that if I want a compact lens with the nx500 that I'd suitable for video that's really the only option. Autofocus is decent enough, although it does hunt occasionally. Also the lens is a lot slower than the lens on the lx100 so that's something I need to bear in mind. Stabilisation-wise the PZ is pretty decent and I was expecting better from the lx100, but must say I'm a bit disappointed.
Overall I'm edging towards returning the lx100 and keeping the nx500. I've also got a Sony fdr-x3000 arriving hopefully next week that really is pocketable, so that may be an option for well stabilised video that's very pocketable. I'll also be able to take it alongside the nx500 if I choose to use the 30mm for stills.
Overall I think the lx100 is a fantastic camera but I've been spoilt by the nx500. The lx100 isn't quite pocketable enough to persuade me from getting rid of the nx500, and doesn't offer me enough extras.
Any thoughts?