The DMC-L10 uses its Full-time Live View feature to enable contrast AF*, which is an advantage that is unique to compact digital cameras. You can also choose spot focus and one-point focus which lets you select one point from the 11-point AF area; Multi AF for selecting multiple points; or Face AF have the camera automatically set the focus for you.
The DMC-L10 lets you easily make detailed settings according to your shooting purpose and subject.

*In order to use the Contrast AF function, both the body and lens must support it. Also, a firmware update may be necessary even if the function is supported depending on the lens to attach.
See the following URL for details on the firmware update.

With the DMC-L10, you can select high-precision, phase difference auto focusing for full SLR enjoyment. When the image is in focus, the superimpose function illuminates the focal point in red. Or, if you prefer, you can specify the focal point. This is helpful for certain shooting situations or techniques.

A high speed, high precision TTL full aperture light metering by 49 zones multi-pattern sensing system is available for shooting through the viewfinder. On the other hand for the shooting with Live View, exposure can be metered and set using the Live MOS Sensor for light metering to take the whole picture information and evaluate it by 256 zones multi-pattern sensing system and gives a well-balanced exposure as a whole image.
The DMC-L10 also provides center weighted metering and spot metering, which measures the light in a small section of the image to suit specific shooting situations or techniques.

The DMC-L10 is the world's first digital SLR* to feature a face detection function** that locates up to 15 faces in the frame and optimizes their focus and exposure settings simultaneously and automatically. Once the camera detects a face, continuous AF follows it even when the subject moves around. Since the camera automatically optimizes the AF/AE settings, you're free to concentrate on framing. When you're trying to capture a fleeting facial expression or the smile on a child's face, this function makes sure that you always get stunning results and never miss a shooting opportunity.

*As of August 30, 2007.
**In order to use Face Detection, both the body and lens must support the Contrast AF function. Also, a firmware update may be necessary even if the function is supported depending on the lens to attach.
See the following URL for details on the firmware update.