Spectacular Street Point & Shooter
November.2008

Panasonic has crafted a beautiful camera, and done everything right to make the Lumix LX3 a photographer's delight. We spent a few days in Macau with a silver version of the camera, and found it a joy to use.

Like a true street camera, the LX3 shines in low-light shooting conditions, thanks to the combination of a fast 2.0 lens and optical image stabilization. Except for one, all night pictures in the photo gallery were taken hand-held. The wide 24mm coverage is addictive, and Panasonic didn't compromise the overall quality of the lens by going for a long zoom. Manual photographic control is comprehensive, raw mode is useful and quick.

 

Over all, the LX3 is a spectacular compact camera. However, we do have a wish-list for the next version of this camera: zoom position remembered when saved to C modes; indicator/display of current focal length so we know when we are at the classic 28, 35 and 50mm positions or better yet, a preset focal lengths switch or toggle button; addition of 1:1 square format.

 

October 2009 Update: Panasonic provides a new firmware upgrade adding 1:1 square format, zoom-lens position's resumption, and other features.

 

>> macau photo gallery

HIGH
  • excellent image quality
  • superb, fast 24-60mm zoom lens
  • compact and beautifully styled
  • light, solid, handles well in hand
  • beautiful colors, large 3-inch LCD
  • multi-format: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
  • RAW, RAW + JPEG modes
  • can capture HD video

 

MIND

  • nothing is perfect

WISE
  • run to get one
CAMERA SPECS SUMMARY
  • high-end compact for enthusiasts
  • price when tested: $450
  • 12.2009 street price: $400
  • colors: silver, black
  • image stabilized zoom lens 24-60mm
  • lens aperture 2.0-8.0 / 2.8-8.0
  • raw file modes
  • multi-format: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
  • 3.0" LCD
  • 720 HD video
  • SD/SDHC memory card
  • rechargeable Li-ion battery
  • 10 megapixels
  • dimension: 2.34" x 4.28" x 1.06"
  • weight: 0.5 lbs
  • Lumix LX3 info @ Panasonic.com