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: Compact camera Near Professional photo quality
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this camera shortly before my wedding and honeymoon trip overseas. Without a doubt, it is the best camera in it's class. I did lots of research and played around with this camera and the g10. Both cameras are excellent and the G10 has an advantage over the LX3 with the analog controls and the optical zoom. However i've quickly become accustomed to the LX3's joystick approach to changing settings. Its not that big of a deal. I found the dealbreaker of the g10 was the size. In contrast the LX3 is a tad smaller and thus more manageable. It is still not a pocketable camera, but with the neck strap, I wear the camera like a messenger bag and it tucks nicely away under my arm.
I did have a complaint a few weeks ago about the poor auto white balance performance, but since Panasonic just recently upgraded the firmware, this issue has been resolved. The camera lacks any useful optical zoom. However, I only regret this missing feature about 5% of the time I use this camera because most of the time I'm satisfied with the low-light performance, wide angle lens, and overall image quality. And also the tripod mount at the bottom of the camera is not centered to the lens so taking panorama shots might be a bit tricky.
The battery life is outstanding and has the capability of shooting at least 400 photos before requiring a recharge. Black and white photos are absolutely fantastic. All your BW photos will look even better than the color ones. It instantly makes for great prints. Macro photos are excellent. I've had this camera for about 1 month now and three people I'm close to have decided to buy the same camera.
My wish list for this camera: I do wish that I could take continuous video recording as the camera limits you to a certain time or file size depending on the aspect ratio you choose to shoot in. However I don't think anyone would want to watch videos like that as most watchable videos are cut with many shorter shots. I also wish that this camera had time-lapse function of taking a photo at set intervals. More optical zoom. And I wish the accessories for this camera didn't cost so much. ie. optical viewfinder.
Digital camera Review: Compact that thinks it's a DSLR
Summary: 5 Stars
I've owned a lot of digicams including a Canon 20d with a slew of "L" lenses. The DMC-LX3 is the best of the bunch. I've had it for over a month bringing it on a recent trip to Sydney as a backup to my dslr setup. After the first day I left the dslr in the hotel room and spent the remaining week with the Panasonic. This is not a point and shoot and allows me to be as creative as I want to be (I can finally get a nice bokeh with a compact!). However, unlike the 20d where I can get clean shots up to ISO 1600 the noise is definitely noticeable above 100 with the LX3. Save for that I have no other complaints.Digital camera Review: Crystal Clear Photos
Summary: 5 Stars
This camera was a delightful surprise. It is small and easy to use, yet takes beautiful pictures. I am especially pleased with:
1) Uncanny flash performance - the flash looks like a joke, it is so tiny, but it really does the job. Closeups without being washed out, surprising distance range as well.
2) Battery life - also uncanny. You can shoot hundreds and hundreds of shots without depleating the battery. Fringe benefit of buying a camera from a leader in battery technology. (I bought spares but don't expect to ever need them).
3) Gorgeous LCD - best in the business, viewable in any light.
4) Virtual film types - there are several effects to choose from. My results have been startling - especially the dynamic B&W and Vivid Color settings.
5) Quick Menu - a tiny joystick gives instant access to many popular settings. Very cool and uncomplicated.
6) Multiple Exposure - you can use this for impressive artistic results.
7) Fit and finish are like fine jewelry, it's a pleasure to hold and to use
Other reviews have hit the basics, but these are a few of my favorites that may not be obvious from the other reviews.
Kudos to Panasonic for making such a ground-breaking product even when the competition is so good.
Digital camera Review: DMC-LX3: Great Compact Camera With Advanced Features
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this camera to take pictures at social gatherings and in situations where I did not want the bulk, size, and intimidation factor of an SLR digital camera. In many situations people are more relaxed when they see me with a point and shoot type as opposed to a pro SLR digital camera. By the way the DMC-LX3 is by no means a "toy camera" in its performace and operational characteristics. The DMC-LX3 lets me take pictures and get good enough quality without wishing I had the Canon 50D or the 7D in these situations. Having a decent understanding of photography, I've always wanted features such as a hot shoe for external flash, and full manual control even on a point and shoot camera. I rarely use auto or program mode and set the white balance manually. I've used the auto program mode on this camera and found it to be satisfactory overall in performance, and typical of the many compact cameras such as the Canon and Sony brands.
One of the things that impressed me was the ease of use in manaul mode in setting the f-stop and shutter speed. You don't have to go into sub menus to do that. The display is at the bottom of the screen showing the f-stop, shutter speed, and the exposure meter. Setting these parameters are easy using the small joystick like control button on the right side of the cameara next to the LCD display. One minor complaint was that the exposure meter disappeared from the screen after about 10 seconds. A half push of the shutter release, or the "take the picture" button brings it back on the display. Other than that quirk, I found that the menus were laid out in a logical manner, so I was able to get around quickly to set up the camera for what I needed in a particular shooting situation.
The LCD is sharp and has good resolution, however I don't believe that the color temperature is entirely accurate. It tended to render on the warm side. This isn't a deal breaker though, just as long as you are aware of this, and don't use the screen to set color temperature of the shooting scene.
The image stabilization works great and give one the ability to shoot using slow shutter speeds with available light. I'm a big fan of image stabilization (IS) as it allows for sharp pictures under most all conditions with the exception that if the subject moves there is nothing IS will do to fix that. Image stabilization gives you freedom from the tripod in more situations and allows one to travel light and work more candidly with this camera.
The lens sharpness is quite good for a camera in this price range. I've blown up handheld images and found that the sharpness holds up quite well and is not the limiting factor in this camera. Another reason I bought this camera was the speed of the lens, f2.8. Thats pretty quick for a compact camera and helps in low light shooting conditions. I have to admit that the lens does not have great telephoto range, but its very usable in 90% of my shooting situations.
In terms of picture quality this camera is great for what it is. I shoot in the 400 ISO speed range or lower and get good results. ISO 800 and higher start to get grainy, but don't rule that out in some situations where grain gives a desired "feel" to a particular scene. Don't expect this camera to perform like a Canon 5D/7D or other pro type cameras. This image sensor is a fraction in size in comparison to that of a full frame or a 1.6 size sensor. The noise/grain to sensitivity factors will be more apparent in a sensor of this size, and will be the picture quality limiting factor.
The hot shoe is another feature that I wanted that doesn't exist on any compact camera. Once in a while I'll pull out my Vivitar 285HV flash with a Stofen diffuser and shoot a single or group shot with good results. Since I'm not using the external Panasonic flash designed for this camera, I have to set the f-stop manually as per the dial reading on the flash. If you have an old school auto thyristor flash you will know what this if for. Also the flash makes a good hand grip as the camera is so small, holding it steady could be a challenge.
One note; this camera has a built in pop up flash. The camera should be set to red eye removal mode, otherwise peoples eyes will glow red due to the closeness of the flash to the lens location. I only use the built in flash when I have no other options, and I'm willing to live with its forensic harsh looking pictures.
To conclude, this is a great camera and is well made with a lot of metal casing for the body exterior. The build quality is excellent. The camera can be manually configured and used by an advanced user or you could run everything in auto program mode still get decent results. After taking numerous pictures, I don't regret buyng this camera and would still choose this one if I had to do it all over again. If you want to know more in depth about the DMC-LX3 check out the test results at DP Review.
Digital camera Review: DMC-LX3GN-K Not a general point and shoot camera
Summary: 3 Stars
This Camera is for people who like to post process images to pefection.
As a point and shoot it's worthless as most outdoor images are Underexposed. Great if you want a perfectly exposed highlights only!
Do not be fooled by the overly bright LCD display. Take Photos in store at your nearest shop, develop them and then decide *if* this camera is for you.
AWB with incandesent light is still a minor drama with the new 1.2 firmware.
Otherwise great low light performance compared to it's compeditors hence the 3 stars.