Panasonic DMC-LX3 10.1MP Digital Camera with 24mm Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) by Panasonic
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Digital camera reviews of Panasonic DMC-LX3 10.1MP Digital Camera with 24mm Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Digital camera Review: Amazing results
Summary: 5 Stars
BEST CAMERA I HAVE EVER OWNED. Wish it had: time lapse video, and a more stiff mode wheel (turns sometimes just from taking it in and out of the camera bag), hand strap - only came with a neck strap, and a different lens cap design...something like the "JJC ALC3" (google it).
These are very minor though, other than that its a GREAT camera for beginners like me.
Digital camera Review: Amazingly Versatile Camera with Amazing Image Quality!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've owned the Panasonic LX-3 for over a year now and have put it to good use in that year. It's eventually lived up to my expectations, but not without putting some work into it. This camera is geared towards photographers that want full control, so this review is for those folks.
Hardware:
From a build quality perspective, this camera is top notch. Very little plastic was used in the construction of this camera. The only cheap point is the plastic battery door, which seems rather fragile, but it's managed to handle the abuse I've put it through. The lens cover is annoying, but I've gotten used to taking it on and off. I've opted not to attach it to my camera via the provided wire, and usually just slip it into my pocket so that it's completely out of the way. This camera WILL fit in your jean pocket, but it'll look unsightly due to the protruding lens. I've opted to attach a small wrist strap and stick it into my pants while walking around, but the provided neck-strap does a fine job of making your camera easily accessible.
Performance:
I'll keep this short. This camera is as fast as the fastest point and shoot, but it doesn't come near the speed of a DSLR. If you're looking to take pictures of fast moving kids in low light, get yourself a DSLR.
Menu System & Firmware:
It's hard to judge weather the LX-3 menu system is good or bad, since everyone has their own preference, but I can definitely say that it's on the better side. What really surprised me is the amount of control that Panasonic has given the user via the firmware. You can move your focus points around to exactly where you where you want it, great for macro photography. You can fine-tune your auto-white-balance to corret any AWB tendencies you discover. There's exposure bracketing of max +/- 3 stops, which works well for HDR. My personal favorite is that while manual focusing, it'll actually show the range of what is in focus based on the aperture and zoom you're at. This takes the guess work out of hyperfocusing. Panasonics dedication to providing features via software that really makes the LX-3 a complete camera.
Picture Quality:
From a pure camera sensor standpoint, the LX-3 takes excellent photos. Given enough light, the sensor produces great dynamic range and detail, taking full advantage of the Leica summicron. Once light starts being reduced, the sensor's low "actual" ISO (confirmed by DXOMark) and the sensors overall weak performance at higher ISO's tends to degrade the photo quality quite a bit. ISO 400 can work for B&W, while ISO 800 is really only good for web posts.
Adobe Camera Raw + LX3 = WIN!
I've never liked the JPEG engine and AWB's tendency to add a green-cast to most of my photos. I've started playing around with the AWB fine tuning and other settings to get acceptable JPEGS, but shooting RAW in conjunction with using ACR for post processing is my recommendation. ACR automatically fixes optical distortions, which the LX3's Summicron generates a fair amount. With ACR, I've finally managed to get the colors I want, while giving me full control over noise reduction and sharpening that can create undesirable artifacts. Yes, it takes time to process these photos, which is why I shoot JPEG + RAW. I use the JPEG's for quick posts, but will use the RAW files for any prints I want to create. The Silkypix that comes with the LX3 is horrible to use and generates very soft pictures from the LX3's RAW. Maybe I just didn't know what I was doing, but I'm avoiding it and would recommend you do the same.
I hope this review provides some additional insight compared to the tons of other reviews out there. Let me know if you have additional questions. Thanks!
Digital camera Review: An amazing camera
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an amazing camera. It's a compact camera that shoots as well as a mid-range DSLR. Best of all, it costs half of what a bottom-end DSLR costs.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a DSLR, and if you go out taking pictures with your friends who have spent a lot on their kit, they'll take better pictures than yours. On the other hand, it's a compact camera. You can fit it in a jacket pocket. Okay, it's not small in a jacket pocket, but it does fit (I've done it many times). You can find other cameras that are more compact and are no slouches in the picture quality range, as well. With the LX3, though, you can use it in full-auto mode, or you can set everything to manual. Everything. Exposure, focus, everything. You don't get the range of control with smaller cameras.
You get what you pay for and what you pay for is a compact camera that shoots like a mid-range DLSR.
It has great low-light performance, and the amazing f2.0 Leica lens has everything in focus from a half-meter to infinity at 2.0. It's stellar. The macro capability is great as well.
On the other hand, it's only 2.5x zoom, which is the only thing I miss elsewhere. It's more of a landscape camera than a telephoto camera. You can make it zoom more by having fewer pixels. Crank it down to 6MP and you can get 4x zoom, but I like the 10MP. You will hear it referred to as a wide-angle camera, and that is true. It's not got a lot of zoom.
If you want more than a basic point-and-shoot, but you don't want a DSLR for any of a number of reasons -- like cost, size, or weight, then you want this camera. Understand what you are getting and you'll be as utterly delighted as I am.
Digital camera Review: Awesome
Summary: 5 Stars
Great Camera. Shoots awesome, looks awesome. A little bulky and prone to collecting dirt, but over all this camera is the best Point and shoot I have ever owned... and its my 6th.Digital camera Review: BEST Camera at it's pricepoint!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am SO glad to be an LX3 user again. I owned one for several months but found myself afraid to use it because of it's diminutive size. It also just felt and looked so nice that I was constantly afraid to use around my kids for fear of getting it banged up. The quality does feel that good. Otherwise, I had no qualms about it's picture taking abilities. One day I got a chance to hold a Canon G10 and it's size, weight and tank-like build just felt so good in the hand. I immediately sold the LX3 and bought the new Canon G11. It took only a few dozen pictures for me to realize I loved the LX3 so much better. In all, I took maybe a thousand pictures with it and most of my pictures were soft or slightly out of focus (defective?). Fortunately, I was within the return period and able to return it. So here I am, back to being a proud LX3 owner.
I won't reiterate the technical specification and superior performance of the LX3 because that has already been done by many novice and professional reviewers. There are a few features that I really like: 1) Ai mode, 2) Dynamic B&W, 3) 16;9 and 4) Macro function. There, short and sweet. My main gripe is that Panasonic OEM accessories are still hard to get and overpriced when you can find them. Don't buy the hot shoe viewfinder! I had one for my first camera and found it a waste of time and money.
These accessories for Panasonic Lumix LX3 that I highly recommend:
1) Two-piece leather case with strap from seller "linsaifeng" on the four letter site. Inexpensive, sturdy, excellent quality and perfect fit. Haven't had a chance to touch and feel the OEM case from Lumix but can't imagine the quality being better. And the price? Forget about it. If you really must have a case that says Lumix on it then go ahead and pay $100. If you could do with out the logo then this one will cost you $20.
2) CamGrip camera grip - This is a little 3" rubber hand grip that screws into the tripod mount. Sweet! I don't leave home without this. Adds tremendous stability and holdability. One handed video recording is a breeze.
3) Manfrotto ModaPocket - A tiny, adjustable stand that screws into the tripod mount. Small enough to leave on all the time (if you are not using a fitted case). Perfect for table top shooting and macro shooting. I love this and it's quality and beauty match the LX3. Oh, and it has a tripod mount so I can use the Cam Grip with it!
4) Lensmate lens adapter. Priced maybe a little more than the OEM adapter but it's quality is excellent. I use this on my camera full-time with a 46mm filter.
5) Richard Franiecs hot shoe mount shutter release cable adapter. A little expensive for what it is but it allows you to use a shutter release cable for night shooting and Panasonic does not sell one of these.
6) Lowepro Rezo TLZ 10 Digital Camera Case Gadget Bag - I found this top loading bag to be perfect for the LX3 when used with the adapter on full-time. Also has enough room for an extra battery, the ModaPocket and the Cam Grip. Has a belt loop and top loading design so the camera can be stored and retrieved quickly. Perfect for hiking, or places where you don't want the camera hanging from you neck all the time.
7) Goby mini flexible tripod - This can be a little frustrating to use when you are trying to get level shots on a flat surface. However, I have the smallest one and have found an incredible amount of ways to use this. It really shines on uneven surfaces where it's flexible legs can adapt. I have used it at the tidepools on uneven, slippery rocks, have mounted it to fences and gates, have mounted it to the seatpost of my bike to make videos, it wraps around poles, hand rails, etc.
Hope you find this review helpful. Happy shooting!