Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 ($499) is not your typical compact camera. Other cameras offer more pixels, more zoom, and bigger LCDs. So what makes the LX3 so interesting? It has a fast, 24 - 60 mm Leica lens with optical image stabilization. Three ...

Pros: Very good photo quality, low noise though ISO 800 in good light ; Fast, ultra-wide 24 - 60 mm lens ; Optical image stabilization ; Fairly compact, well-built metal body ; comes in silver and black ; Very sharp and bright 3-inch LCD display ; Full ...

Cons: Noise reduction smudges details, even at low ISOs (though better than previous models) ; Camera tends to underexpose ; Some redeye ; No real telephoto power ; No fluorescent white balance preset, or WB bracketing feature ; No optical viewfinder ; ...

Verdict: Most cameras have built-in memory these days, and the DMC-LX3 is no exception. Panasonic supplies 50MB of built-in memory on the LX3, which is quite an improvement from the 13MB offered on the LX2. Even so, you'll want to buy a memory card right away, ...

Review summary: Wideangle lens, Raw shooting and HD video capture... is there anything the LX3 can't do?

Pros: Solid build, Impressive image quality, Design, Great LCD screen, Impressive AF performance

Cons: Ineffective grip, Limited zoom range (though potentially this is beneficial to image quality)

Verdict: There's little doubt that the Panasonic LX3 is a serious alternative to any other enthusiast compact. While its retro styling appeals to the traditionalist, on the inside we see a whole heap of features to keep the discerning user happy. Panasonic has ...

Review summary: Get a detailed review on the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 from guest contributor, Mark Goldstein.

Verdict: The Panasonic DMC-LX3 is a fairly compact camera. The overall design is dominated by the lens on the front and the large 3-inch LCD screen on the rear. The built-in flash is particularly neat-it pops up out of the top of the body when you open it, and ...

Pros: Consistent auto focus across the lens range ; Nice bright lens with f/2.0 aperture ; Amazing wide angle performance ; Retro-compact design ; Excellent range of automatic and manual controls

Cons: Nostalgic mode seems to be the only neutral color mode ; Limited optical zoom ; High ISO noise reduction smears fine detail ; The hard plastic grip should be replaced with soft rubber ; A little expensive compared to entry-level ...

Verdict: G-III QL17 film rangefinder. Unlike old "prosumer" cameras like the C-5050, the LX3 remains impressively compact while still maintaining a solid set of automatic and manual controls and a hot shoe flash packed inside a metal alloy body

Review summary: Over the last few years, Panasonic has worked hard to build up a recognizable camera line. And it is quite obvious that they have succeeded, if we look at the market figures that were revealed during an international press event. Panasonic is ranked ...