[2] The Lumix DMC-L1, together with the Olympus E-330 (with which it shares some technology), were the first ILCs that featured live view, a capability later copied by other manufacturers.

Live view makes it possible to preview the image on the LCD screen while composing the picture, and is particularly useful for high- and low-angled shots when it is uncomfortable or not feasible for the user to bring the eye to the viewfinder.

The image stabilization can allow 2–3 stops lower shutter speed, and the quality of the lens is such that its value may exceed that of the camera body, and helps explain the relatively high combined introductory price of US $2000.

[2] Panasonic introduced two additional lenses under the Leica brand name for the camera and Four Thirds System, being a 25mm f1.4 Summilux (50mm 35mm equivalent) without image stabilization) and an extended version of the kit lens out to 150mm (28-300mm 35mm equivalent) with image stabilization.

A fairly wide selection of Olympus standard Four-Thirds Zuiko lenses remains available, however.