New Panasonic LX7 starts at f1.4 with 10mp 1/1.7" MOS sensor

Panasonic has announced the brand new LX7, the latest model in their LX-series of compacts with RAW. The new model sports a Leica-branded lens that starts at f1.4 (24-90mm equivalent f1.4-2.3). Bright lens, compact size, add it to the equation and the sensor is a 1/1.7" MOS, showing megapixel-restraint at 10 megapixels.

Other features include RAW, RAW+JPEG, up to 11fps at full resolution, 3-inch (920 kilodot) screen on the back, 1080p video, Venus Engine, etc.

The camera is available for pre-order for $500 at B&H Photo in black LX7 and white/silver and in black at Amazon in "temporary out of stock" status.

Panasonic LX7 Hands-on and Previews
+ six page preview at dpreview including a 33-image samples gallery
+ preview at Imaging Resource including real-world samples and studio test samples
+ hands-on and samples at ephotozine
+ first impressions at Digital Camera Info
+ hands on at tech radar
+ samples, hands-on at launch event at Fotopolis.pl
+ samples (page down) and hands-on and presentation event at Optyczone
+ hands on at Pocket Lint and Photography Blog
+ text-based hands-on at CNet UK
+ Focus Numerique with one hands-on picture

Press Release Parade
+ specifications at B&H Photo (check Specifications tab)
+ dpreview
+ dc resource
+ Fotointern.ch
+ DSLR Magazine
+ Photoscala