Compare Prices : Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1

Review summary: How much? Never mind what the LX-1 costs, just see what it does – yes, it's pricey, but boy is it worth it

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Review summary: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 ($599) isn't just another midsized camera. In fact, it has two features that make it stand out from most of the other digital cameras on the market: image stabilization and a 16:9 CCD (and an 8.4 Megapixel one at that). I ...

Pros: 4X zoom lens starts at 28 mm ; Unique 16:9 CCD allows for near-panoramic landscape shots ; Optical image stabilization ; Robust performance, especially with a high speed SD card ; Full manual controls ; AF-assist lamp ; good low light focusing ; LCD ...

Cons: Images are too noisy, especially at high ISOs ; some jaggies ; Widescreen sensor, but no widescreen LCD ; Some redeye ; No RAW image manipulation software included ; No USB 2.0 High Speed support ; Small memory card included

Verdict: Since this camera has so much in common with the DMC-FX9 and FZ30, this review will have much in common with those two

Review summary: The LX1's unique image sensor's native aspect ratio is 16:9, it has a 4x zoom and an optical image stabilizer, and has excellent build quality

Pros: Nicely made. Good controls. Choice of three aspect ratios.

Cons: Costly. Almost D-SLR territory. Our lens cap kept falling off.

Review summary: The Panasonic LX1 is a pretty unique digital camera. It packs a 4x zoom lens into a surprisingly compact body and mates it to a 16:9 sensor with options for 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratios, too. Panasonic throws in their excellent Mega OIS Optical Image ...

Pros: 16:9 aspect ratio sensor for stills and moviesOptical stabilization helps greatly for hand-holding the camera in dim lightingUnique joystick controller is a hitVery high quality lens, lower than average distortion, very low chromatic aberration, ...

Cons: Higher than average image noise, visible even at ISO 80. ISO 400 images only usable for prints to about 5x7 inchesRather limited flash rangeOnly a 4x zoom lens, many current competing models offer moreLow contrast setting could go a little lower yet, ...

Verdict: While the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is an undeniably competent--even exciting--point-and-shoot digicam, we quickly came to appreciate it as something more like a rangefinder. It's as playful and friendly as any point-and-shoot, but it can also be as ...