The L1 lens provides Extra Optical zooming, which increases the optical zoom power by 1.5x. (Extra Optical zooming is possible only when using Full-time Live View or recording at a resolution that is less than the maximum.) For example, when shooting in 3-megapixel mode with a 4:3 aspect ratio, the Extra Optical Zoom function can "cut out" an image area at the Live MOS sensor's center equivalent to 3 mega pixels (of the total 7.5 mega effective pixels). This increases the zoom power with minimal deterioration. The L1 also offers 2x and 4x digital zooming*². When combined with the Extra Optical Zoom, this provides up to 22x zoom power.

*1 June 21, 2006
*2 Only with Live View mode. As digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases.

The Full-time Live View function also makes this function possible.
In ordinary shooting, the camera takes photos with the same 4:3 horizontal-to-vertical aspect ratio used for standard TV screens and PC monitors. With the L1, however, you can also shoot photos with the 3:2 ratio used in 35mm film or the 16:9 ratio of wide-screen TVs. Photos shot in 16:9 can fill the entire screen of a VIERA wide-screen TV, giving you a sensational viewing experience. You can also shoot while checking the image on the LCD monitor.

* June 21, 2006

Mounting the Panasonic DMW-FL500 / FL360 TTL external flash unit onto the L1 hot shoe gives you precise TTL light control of the high-powered flash, and lets you use the versatile functions of the flash.

Linked with the L1's light-metering functions, the DMW-FL500/360 uses a TTL light adjustment system to measure the light that actually strikes the Live MOS sensor, then adjusts the flash intensity accordingly. The result is flash photos with outstanding exposure.
The FL500 has a guide number of 50, the FL360 has 36 (ISO 100/m). The angle zoom function covers a lens range of 24-85mm (35mm camera equivalent). Using the built-in wide panel further extends coverage to a view angle of 18mm. The firing angle can also be automatically changed to create a bounce lighting effect.