List price as of Aug 26, 2008:
S$799
S$799
Product Summary
Excellent
The good: High-resolution multi aspect ratio image capture; F2.0 optics; highly customizable modes which can be saved; large sensor delivers impressive image quality. 8
out of 10View score
The bad: Unable to capture full-resolution images in 16:9 format; use of lens cap may be an issue to some; bundled RAW image-processing software not up to the job.
The bottom line: The LX3 is a good camera with an excellent feature set that positions it way beyond any conventional point-and-shoot on the retail shelves today.
Read full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 »
Average User Rating
from 12 users
Spectacular
8.6
out of 10CNET Asia Review
Once in a blue moon comes a camera that sets our hearts on fire. The Lumix DMC-LX3 is such a shooter. Beneath the compact physique are an array of features that professionals will feel comfortable using, and the high-res widescreen format capture is something noteworthy. The full-range of exposure controls are complemented by intelligent features such as face detection for better photography experience. Looks-wise, the LX3 reminds us of rangefinder cameras that were very popular in the 1970s for their portability and ease of use. The large sensor produced image quality which surpassed what other shooters in its class could deliver. In all, the LX3 is a highly desirable camera which performed as well as it should.
Keeping true to retro camera styling, the LX3's optics are protected by a removable lens cap. While it does add a sense of originality to the snapper, we feel this can be quite a hassle sometimes as we had to remove the cover before taking a shot, as opposed to just pressing the power button and snapping away. The supplied camera strap further accentuates the retro theme and we found it quite classy.
Panasonic usually keeps the mode dial nestled under the top right corner, but for the LX3, it is right on top. The tactile feedback was great when we turned it, and users who are used to operating a dSLR will find the labels familiar.
This digicam has a hotshoe onto which you can attach an external flashlight or an optional viewfinder. A small switch beside the hotshoe pops up the built-in flash.
The rear of the LX3 houses a lush 3-inch widescreen LCD. The Q.Menu button on the side also acts as a four-way joystick, which can be used in place of the navigation pad situated below it.
Although it may not look especially outstanding, the LX3 somehow exudes a professional aura that we could feel when taking pictures. This may sound pompous, but for a moment we felt like Henri Cartier-Bresson (the man who used and made Leica famous).
Editors' note:
Subsequent to a second review unit being extensively tested, we have verified that the image quality issue mentioned in our review previously was found to be isolated to the earlier evaluation unit. We have since updated our review with new comments in the Image Quality section and awarded an Editors' Choice to the LX3.Design
The LX3's design is nothing to shout about. Its chassis is relatively plain with the extreme right end raised slightly to provide a better grip--a practical design consideration further complemented by a textured rubber surface. The lens protrudes from the body, and if you are wondering why it has to be engineered this way, it's probably because the sensor in the shooter is larger than your typical point-and-shoot, resulting in an adjustment of the lens-to-sensor distance (known as flange focal distance). On the lens barrel are two switches for toggling between picture aspect ratio as well as focusing mode.Keeping true to retro camera styling, the LX3's optics are protected by a removable lens cap. While it does add a sense of originality to the snapper, we feel this can be quite a hassle sometimes as we had to remove the cover before taking a shot, as opposed to just pressing the power button and snapping away. The supplied camera strap further accentuates the retro theme and we found it quite classy.
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Panasonic usually keeps the mode dial nestled under the top right corner, but for the LX3, it is right on top. The tactile feedback was great when we turned it, and users who are used to operating a dSLR will find the labels familiar.
This digicam has a hotshoe onto which you can attach an external flashlight or an optional viewfinder. A small switch beside the hotshoe pops up the built-in flash.
The rear of the LX3 houses a lush 3-inch widescreen LCD. The Q.Menu button on the side also acts as a four-way joystick, which can be used in place of the navigation pad situated below it.
Although it may not look especially outstanding, the LX3 somehow exudes a professional aura that we could feel when taking pictures. This may sound pompous, but for a moment we felt like Henri Cartier-Bresson (the man who used and made Leica famous).
Rate It Now
User Reviews
Probably the best compact camera on its class ever.
Jan 3, 2010Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Impressive picture quality, good performance, nice retro design and features, good price,
Cons: lens aberration (esp. at the widest angle), menu navigation not good, limited zoom range
Opinion:
LX3 produces DSLR like image quality. Performance is excellent with good battery life. Probably the best compact camera ever.
Great 'Classic' looking body that resembles Leica camera
Dec 24, 2008Rating: 5 out of 10 (Average)
Pros: hotshoe onto which one can attach an external flashlight or an optional viewfinder.
Cons: Focal length 24mm to 60mm (35mm equivalent) is too short
Opinion:
I particularly like the hotshoe that is provided which one could attach an external flashlight. The latter is good in that it is much more powerful, brighter and longer/wider coverage than the mediocre built-in flash.
With the provision of this hotshoe for external flashlight, it's a pity that the focal length is only (24mm to 60mm).
It would be great if the camera's focal length is from (28mm to 280mm) like the Panasonic Lumix model DMC-TZ2 & TZ-3 series.
The mediocre built-in flash for the above cameras is simply not strong enough to brighten objects that is further away.
too easy!
Nov 24, 2008Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: nice lens
Cons: fiddly buttons
Opinion:
I had Nikon Coolpix 8400 and massive wide angle adaptor (17mm equiv)
So far all good except for fiddly buttons
User Discussion
CptYossarian:
Not sure whether the LX3 has made it to the shelves yet, but the best chances you should have ...
renzo77:
Hi,
I will be in Bangkok on September 6th and am wanting to buy an LX3. Can anyone recommend some ...
pps91:
Hi editor, in your review, you state that the LX3 is able to record HD video at 30fps. However ...
