Summary

With the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) convention underway in Las Vegas, a tsunami of announcements of affordable point-and-shoots is underway. This huge wave of new models (well over 75) will overwhelm camera buyers this spring and summer, even with the recession underway. However, at the high-end of the compact category, things move at a much more leisurely pace, with select manufacturers introducing one or two killer models that usually hang around for awhile. Canon’s 14.7MP PowerShot G10 is a fine example, as is the 10-megapixel LX3 we’re reviewing now. These cameras are for shutterbugs looking for DSLR quality, but without the hassle of carrying a bag of lenses. They’re also willing to spend close to 500 clams at a time when the prices of aim-and-forget are falling to the center of the Earth. Given all these trends, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 has risen to cult status with photo aesthetes due to its Leica vibe and reported picture quality. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to add our two cents at a time when dozens of affordable point-and-shoots are being unveiled. Is the LX3 all it’s cracked up to be? You’ll know shortly.

Full Review

Features and Design

Leica cameras have a cachet created from classic models such as M series rangefinders. The LX3 isn’t quite as cool as those film-based cameras, but there’s no getting away from that distinct Germanic feeling with this Panasonic. With the strap attached and the lens cap dangling by a string, the all-black Lumix looks as retro as can be. It’s also available in silver, but why would anyone go that route? Since Panasonic and Leica work closely together with lenses and other imaging technologies, this is hardly a shock. In fact, Panasonic makes the Leica D-Lux 4, which is basically an overpriced version of the LX3. (It does have the distinctive red Leica logo on it, but it’s not worth an extra $200!)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is an extremely compact camera that measures 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.06 (W x H x D, in inches) and weighs about 8 ounces with battery. It feels very solid. The key feature on the front is its 2.5x Leica DC Vario-Summicron zoom lens, with a focal range of 24-60mm, hardly the 5x zoom found on the 14.7MP Canon G10 (f/2.8, 28-140mm). What separates this glass from others is its extremely wide angle and wide aperture of f/2.0. Digital Trends readers know our preference for wide angle lenses, since they let you take much more dramatic landscape images and large group shots. The extra light-gathering ability of the f/2.0 aperture lets you take high-quality images using available light without a flash, a critical requirement for any photographer with aspirations for shots framed on the wall, rather than sent via cell phone. (Yes there are still a few of them out there!) And it’s a Leica – or at least designed in conjunction with the company’s engineers.

The lens barrel, which protrudes about a half-inch from the body even in the off position (it extends further when powered up), has several unusual features. The first is a switch to change the aspect ratio of your shot (4:3, 3:2, or 16:9), something very few cameras let you do. You’d want to shoot 16:9 if you plan on displaying your images on your HDTV and the other ratios for prints. You do lose some resolution (9MP instead of 10MP) in the widescreen mode. There’s also a switch for changing focus between autofocus, macro and manual, something rarely found on point-and-shoot digicams. Beyond the AF assist/self timer lamp, there not much else other than a few understated logos, including one for Panasonic’s superb Mega Optical Image Stabilization system, and a raised surface grip to help keep the camera steady. As noted, the LX3 does not have a built-in lens cover; you literally have to take the cap on and off as you shoot, which is probably the most annoying aspect of this digicam.

The top has a button to open the pop-up flash. Again, the owner of this camera will want to shoot in available light and only use the flash when absolutely necessary. Next to it, Panasonic includes a hot shoe for connecting flashes and an external viewfinder, something that looks straight out of the 1930s. The mode dial is a bit more 2009. Here you change the key operations of the camera including intelligent auto, program, aperture- and shutter-priority, full manual, two custom modes and movie. You can record 1280 x 720 pixel clips at 24 fps, and choose between 22 scene modes as well. You’ll also find the shutter surrounded by the wide/tele switch. Finally, there are the power and focus switches. When we first examined the camera, we looked for a microphone, and couldn’t find it until a quick peek in the owner’s manual showed a pinhole near the mode dial. Needless to say, you shouldn’t expect your clip soundtracks to feel like The Dark Knight.

The rear is dominated by a 3-inch LCD, rated an outstanding 460K pixels, about the best you’ll find in a digicam (DSLRs hit 921K and Canon G10 is also 460K). The screen handled direct sunlight very well, unlike the recently reviewed Nikon Coolpix S710. To right of the screen are the usual controls found on a digital camera, including a four-way controller with center menu/set key. The most unusual control is a tiny joystick used for navigating through menus and adjusting the manual settings.

On the left side is a door covering a compartment with the USB, A/V and component video outputs. You’ll need to spring for the optional component cable to view high-def videos on your HDTV. The bottom of the made-in-Japan LX3 has a metal tripod mount and compartment for the battery and SD/SDHC card.

The LX3 comes with all the basics: camera body, battery, charger, strap and lens cap with string along with USB and A/V cables. The CD-ROM has SilkyPix FunDeveloper Studio 3.0 SE to convert RAW files, ArcSoft MediaImpression and Panorama Maker 4 and various drivers. You can take the already good-looking camera and outfit it with accessories that’ll really set it apart including conversion lenses including one that extends the already wide 24mm to 18mm to an external viewfinder that adds to the retro vibe. They costs hundreds each, so be aware, this is not cheap-chic by any stretch of the imagination.

With the battery charged and a 2GB SD card in place, it was time to start shooting.

Performance and Use

We had taken a large number of shots in New Jersey, but since we were in Las Vegas for PMA, the various sights and sounds of the Strip beckoned. We started off in intelligent auto with maximum resolution (3648 x 2736 pixels), digital zoom off, ISO limited to 400 and OIS Mode 1 engaged. From there, it was into the more advanced modes using the RAW option, and finally a few clips of Strip.

Once our trip inside and outside the casinos, it was time to download the images to a HP laptop and review our “efforts.” In short, we were extremely pleased with the quality of the shots taken by the LX3. The fast lens made it very possible to take a wide variety of indoor shots with available light without the flash. Shots of neon signs atop slot machines were rich and lifelike, with barely a hint of noise. With the Mega OIS helping out, you can readily capture images in low light. One of our favorites was a massive – and colorful – glass ceiling at the Paris Hotel. Granted, the camera is not a panacea for low-light shooting. You do have to use proper bracing techniques to ensure sharpness, but our results were outstanding.

The same held true for shots taken on a cloudy day, and the obligatory snaps of the dancing waters in front of the Bellagio Hotel. Exposures were very good, with the large, lighted hotel adding a good background to the water show. The LX3’s 24mm lens really adds drama to even the most mundane photos. Since we’re big fans of wide-angle lenses, this made the camera even more endearing.

The movie mode in HD (1280 x 720 at 24 fps) was surprisingly decent. However, the sound was pretty weak, you cannot use the optical zoom, and must shoot in 16:9. Since you’ll be watching the vids on a widescreen HDTV this only makes sense. Max resolution in 4:3 mode is ordinary 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps.

Conclusion

What can we say? The hype surrounding this camera is not hyperbole but reality. The Lumix DMC-LX3 is a terrific little camera that you’ll love to carry around for all types of shots. There’s no question that it’s expensive, and you should keep the ISO maxed at 400 because Panasonic cameras always have digital noise issues at high ISOs. However, this 24-60mm lens is wonderful. It is a bit limiting on the telephoto end, though, so if you really want to bring your subjects up close, this camera may not be for you. We would pass on that pleasure for the chance to own one. The LX3 is a winner.

Pros:

• Terrific wide-angle lens
• Very good photos
• Good response (2.5 fps)
• Compact, well built
• Top-notch LCD screen
• Choice of aspect ratios

Cons:

• Expensive
• Zoom is only 24-60mm
• Lens cap attaches by string, not built-in
• Need optional cable to view HD

Specs

Product Features

• 10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
• 2.5x wide-angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized zoom lens
• 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD screen; HD video capture
• Classic SLR-like manual operations include selectable AF spot/multi AF area, customization button, aperture, shutter, program and full manual modes
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Technical Details

• Effective pixels: 10.1 megapixels
• Total pixels: 11.3 megapixels
• Optical image stabilizer: MEGA OIS
• Optical zoom: 2.5x
• Image sensor: 1/1.63-inch CCD, primary color filter
• Extra optical zoom: 4:3 aspect ratio: 3.0x for 7 megapixels, 3.6x for 5 megapixels, 4.5x for 3 megapixels, 2 megapixels, and 0.3 megapixels; 3:2 aspect ratio: 3.0x for 6.5 megapixels, 3.6x for 4.5 megapixels, 4.5x for 3 megapixels, 2.5 megapixels; 16:9 aspect ratio: 3.0x for 6 megapixels, 3.6x for 4.5 megapixels, 4.5x for 2.5 megapixels and 2 megapixels
• Digital zoom: 4x (max 10x combined with optical zoom and without extra optical zoom; max 17.9x combined with extra optical zoom)
• Focal length: f=1 to 12.8 mm (35mm equivalent of 24 to 60 mm)
• Lens: Leica DC Vario-Summicron; 8 elements in 6 groups (4 asperhical lenses, 4 aspherical surfaces)
• Aperture range: Wide: f/2.0 to f/8.0; tele: f/2.8 to f/8.0
• Conversion lens capability: Yes
• Focusing area: Normal: 50 cm to infinity (wide/tele); intelligent auto/macro: 1 cm to infinity (wide), 30 cm to infinity (tele)
• AF metering: Face, AF tracking, multi-area, 1-area high speed, 1-area, spot
• Focus: Normal/macro, quick AF on/off (on in intelligent auto), continuous AF on/off, AF/MF switchable, manual focus (joystick), one-shot AF, AF area select, AF tracking
• AF assist lamp: Yes
• ISO sensitivity: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200; high-sensitivy mode: auto (1,600 to 6,400)
• White balance: Auto, daylight, cloudy, shade, halogen, and white set (selectable at portrait, soft skin, transform, self-portrait, sports, baby, pet, high sensitivity, hi-speed burst, pinhole modes); white balance adjustment (+/-10 steps, except for auto set)
• Exposure compensation: 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV
• Backlight compensation: Yes (auto in Intelligent Auto mode)
• Auto bracketing (AE): +/- 1/3 EV to 1 EV step, 3 frames
• Light metering: Intelligent multiple, center weighted, spot
• Scene modes: Portrait, soft skin, scenery, sports, night portrait, night scenery, self-portrait, food, party, candlelight, fireworks, starry sky, beach, aerial photo, snow, high sensitivity, baby 1 and baby 2, underwater, sunset, pet, hi-speed burst, multi aspect
• Shutter speed/shutter system: P:1 to 1/2,000 second (selectable minimum shuter speed); A/S: 8 to 1/2,000 second; M: 1/2,000 second; starry sky mode: 15, 30, and 60 seconds
• Self-timer: 2 and 10 seconds
• Auto review: 1 and 2 seconds, zoom, and hold
• Review: 1x, 4x, and 8x
• Picture adjustment: Contrast: +/-2 steps; sharpness: +/-2 steps; saturation: +/-2 steps; noise reduction: +/-2 steps (can be adjusted in film mode)
• Recording format: Still image: JPEG (design rule for camera file system, based on Exif 2.21 standard), RAW, DPOF corresponding image with audio: JPEG (design rule for camera file system, based on Exif 2.21 standard), plus QuickTime; motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG
• Image quality: Fine, standard, RAW, RAW+Standard JPEG, RAW+Fine JPEG
• Recording image size: 4:3 aspect ratio (still image): 3,648 x 2,736, 3,072 x 2,304, 2,560 x 1,920, 2,048 x 1,536, 1,600 x 1,200, 640 x 480; 3:2 aspect ratio (still image): 3,776 x 2,520, 3,168 x 2,112, 2,656 x 1,768, 2,112 x 1,408, 2,048 x 1,360; 16:9 aspect ratio (still image): 3,968 x 2,232, 3,328 x 1,872, 2,784 x 1,568, 2,208 x 1,248, 1,920 x 1,080
• Motion image (4:3 aspect ratio): 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps; 320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps/10 fps
• Motion image (16:9 aspect ratio): 848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps
• Burst shooting mode: Full-resolution image, 2.5 frames per second: maximum of 8 images (standard mode), maximum of 4 images (fine), maximum of 3 images (RAW)
• Unlimited consecutive shooting: Yes
• Intelligent exposure: Off, low, standard, and high
• Digital redeye correction: Yes
• Easy zoom/zoom resume/motion zoom: No
• Still image recording with audio: 5 seconds
• Audio dubbing: Maximum of 10 seconds
• Real-time histograms: Yes
• Composition guidelines: Yes (2 patterns)
• Built-in memory: Approximately 50 MB
• Scene mode help screen: Yes
• Auto angle detection: Yes
• Flip animation: No
• Travel date/world time: Yes
• Title edit: Yes
• Text stamp/date stamp: Yes
• Built-in flash type/mode: Auto, auto/redeye reduction, forced on, slow sync/redeye reduction, forced off flash synchro; 1st/2nd flash output adjustment (1/3 EV step, -2 to +2 EV) 0.8 to 8.3 meters (wide/macro/ISO auto), 0.3 to 5.9 meters (tele/ISO auto)
• External flash: Yes
• Viewfinder: External OVF (optional)
• LCD monitor: 3-inch, 3:2 polycrystalline TFT LCD display (460,000 dots), approximate 100 percent field of view; auto power LCD mode, power LCD mode
• Playback mode: Record/play selector switch, 30 and 12-thumbnail display, calendar display, zoomed playback (16x max), playback of favorite pics, image rotation, resize, trim, protection, aspect conversion DPOF print setting creating still pics from motion picture, dual image playback
• OSD Language: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Netherlandic, Thai, Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Swedish, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish
• Recording media: Built-in memory, SD memory card, SDHC memory card, MultiMediaCard (still images only)
• Microphone: Yes
• Speaker: Yes
• Interface: DC input, AV output (NTSC), HD AV output (component), USB 2.0 high speed
• Direct print: PictBridge
• Power supply: Lithium-ion battery pack (included), AC adapter (optional)
• Battery life: 380 pictures (CIPA standard)
• ISO limit set: Yes
• Multi-exposure: Yes
• Multi-aspect: Yes
• Recording mode (mode dial): Intelligent auto, program mode (P), aperture/priority (A), shutter mode (S), manual mode (M), motion picture, custom 1, custom 2, scene mode
• Color bracketing: No
• Motion image HD (16:9 aspect ratio): 1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps
• Motion picture: 4:3 aspect ratio: 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps, or 320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps/10 fps; 16:9 aspect ratio: 848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps
• Film mode: Standard, dynamic, natural, smooth, vibrant, nostalgic, WB/standard, WB/dynamic, WB/smooth, my film1, my film2, multi film
• Included software: PhotoFunStudio v2.1E, ArcSoft (Media Impression/Panorama Maker), SilkyPix Developer Studio 3.0 SE, QuickTime, USB driver
• Item width: 4.28 inches
• Item height: 2.34 inches
• Item depth: 1.06 inches
• Weight: 0.5 pounds

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