Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 is a compact DSLR from 2007. Its 10.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and 556 g body make it a light, approachable camera for everyday stills.

Its defining trick is the flip-out LCD with live view, which lets you frame shots at waist level or overhead. Anyone who wants video should look elsewhere, because this camera records stills only.

Daily handling is traditional: an optical viewfinder, a built-in flash, support for an external flash, and simple SD card storage with a removable battery.

The 10.1-megapixel sensor gives moderate resolution: enough for everyday prints and web sharing, though tight cropping quickly uses up that headroom. The Optics score of 37 is limited, and the camera sits in the bottom 2% of cameras in our database for Optics.

Speed specifications are basic: continuous shooting reaches a maximum of 3 frames per second, and the autofocus system offers three points. The burst figure is a maximum rate rather than a sustained promise, and the point count alone says nothing about tracking ability.

The ISO range runs from 100 to 1600. That base of 100 works well in daylight, but dim interiors will push you toward the 1600 ceiling or toward flash.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so camera shake must be managed with shutter speed, steady technique or a support. A 1/4000s maximum shutter suits daylight work, and the optical pentamirror viewfinder keeps framing straightforward.

The L10 does not record video at all. It is a stills-only camera, so motion clips will have to come from another device.

There is no built-in timelapse function either, which reinforces its stills-first design.

The 2.5-inch LCD flips out and works with live view, so you can compose from waist height or above a crowd without guessing the frame. The panel itself is modest at 207,000 dots, and there is no touch input.

WiFi is built in, but there is no Bluetooth or GPS, so the camera cannot tag locations itself.

Lighting options are decent for the class: a built-in flash for quick fill, plus support for an external flash when you want more power and control.

There is no weather sealing, so it is best kept out of rain and dust. The limited features score of 28 reflects the small screen and the missing conveniences like touch control and Bluetooth.

A single slot takes SD, SDHC or MMC cards. With only one slot there is no second card to back files up as you shoot, so copy important work promptly.

The DMW-BLB13 battery is rated at 450 shots per charge, though no test standard or conditions are documented for that figure. Treat it as a rating rather than a guarantee.

There is no USB charging, so the battery has to come out and go into an external charger between sessions. A spare battery helps on longer outings. The storage and battery score of 27 is limited, reflecting the single slot, the mid-rated battery life and the absent USB charging.