Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I got it for the Manual mode for more creative play, but I have just discovered how well the images come out when taken in intelligent auto mode (iA)! It's a sexy looking camera too!

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I own a Nikon SLR and shoot portraits and formals as a side job. But I can't carry my SLR every day, everywhere. I wanted a compact solution with excellent image quality and low-light performance. The Lumix LX3 fits the bill nicely, and adds some valuable features.

I also owned a Canon G10 for the past year. Though the Canon G-series is an awesome camera, the sheer bulk of the Canon would require you to carry a bag. And if you're going to bring a bag, you might as well bring an SLR.

The LX3 fits in my coat pocket or small bag (Not jeans, due to small protruding lens barrel) It has a wonderfully fast 2-2.8 aperture and 24mm wide angle, making it one of the fastest and widest in it's class. Low-light situations are handled VERY well, and I hardly need to use the flash (preferred.) The sleek styling is awesome and it's easily gripped. PASM modes just like an SLR, and nice custom modes like Dynamic BW, etc.

Faults: Not enough to discount it, really. The zoom is limited to 3x, as compared to 5x on the G10, and 12x on other consumer Lumix models. However, teleconverters are available for LX3, and a 10MP is easily cropped a little closer. Bear in mind it has a larger sensor than any of the other compact Lumix models and G10/11. This limited zoom is made up in the terrific wide angle that you can't get on the G10,/11, or even the new Canon S90 - which I had also considered buying.

I like setting custom timers and taking multiple shots, but the timer function is limited to 10 or 2 seconds. That's it. Of course, that's more software than hardware, and I expect Panasonic could add more timer options via Firmware update.

My last small qualm is that it has a lens CAP, which must be removed before taking pictures. I've always been used to retractable auto-cover lens on my compacts, so this was new and slightly inconvenient. I remedied that problem by ordering and modifying a Ricoh LC-1 lens cap. Do a Google search for "LX3 LC-1 mod" to learn more.

All in all, serious photographers wanting a small, fast, wide compact with controls and results similar to a DSLR will like this camera. There's much more to love about it, but you can find out more from the specifications. Thanks for reading!

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

This camera will perform well with any photo/video assignment given to it. The hot-shoe, the threaded ring around the lens, and the tripod socket, are all there to accept any addition needed for the coming task. With the hot-shoe you can extend the flash range well over a 100 ft. For the absolutely still-photo, the built in second-curtain to the flash (it goes off twice) gives excellant results when mounted on a tripod. A Leica lens is the best. Kudos to Leica, and Panasonic.
It is expensive to get it all dressed-up for a wedding (flash and flash bracket), but well-worth the end result The photo taken was 24mm.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Not compatible with Aperture RAW.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I bought my Lumix LX3 for times when I didn't want to carry my Nikon SLR, but still wanted top quality pictures and manual controls. The Lumix really fills the bill and then some! The 24mm wide angle is wonderful and the choice of 3 different aspect ratios for pictures allows lots of creative control. The Leica lens is superb, especially with a maximum apperature of 2.0-2.8. You'd be hard pressed to find anything close in such a small camera.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I would highly reccomend this camera for any Realtors out there. This is the ultimate tool!

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Photo quality for a compact camera is top-notch.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Pros:
-Fast lens
-Effective image stabilization
-Smaller sized than competition
-Good low light performance
-Good macro performance
-RAW capable
-Good image quality
-Manual capabilities
-HD Video
-Great street and landscape camera
-Wide lens

Cons:
-Silkypix RAW software
-Battery life could be better
-No optical viewfinder
-Camera resets manual focus when it falls asleep
-Blooming with spectral highlights in HD video
-If telephoto matters to you, not the camera for you.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Used camera for travel. Manual mode has many set-up options that can be time consuming. Auto mode has some focus issues. Overall good quality images, but you will have to read the manual to really make this camera work at its best.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

They say the best camera is the one you take with you and use. Well this camera due to it's size and quality of pictures I take everywhere and use. Whereas my Canon 50D due to it's size would stay home a lot. If this is going to be your only camera it may not be for you due to the short zoom range. But for wide landscape, close ups, and family shots I find it flawless. Due to the speed of the lens and OS you can take pictures without flash you never thought you could.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I also wish i could trigger the flash multiple times during a lengthy shot

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Ignore the low megapixel number. It is overrated, and this camera could do with less megapixels, not more.

This is arguably the best low-light compact since the Fujifilm F31fd. 1/1.6" sensor with a F2.0 lens and image stablization means the ISO wouldn't normally have to go above 400 indoors and at night. Because of the fast lens and large sensor, I've even taken posed pictures in very low light (romantic lighting) with ISO 200. This is what makes this camera special, is what makes it different from every other camera of its class.

Like its competition (G10, G9, SX1, R10, P6000 etc.), it has almost every feature the enthusiast/prosumer would want. Full manual mode, RAW and RAW+JPEG, histogram, continuous mode, flash hot shoe, etc. And for the average user who's only interested in it as a point-and-shoot, there's plenty of goodies there too--720p video, lots of scene modes, good auto mode, large LCD. The auto-focus, auto-white balance, and auto-light metering are as good as any other camera, in the dark or in full daylight.

It does have its shortcomings though. For the average user, there are a few notable flaws. The zoom range is a mere 2.5x. But it starts at 24mm, and for anyone who does post-processing, it's easier to crop a wide shot than it is to stitch two shots together. The unretractable lens makes it quite bulky compared to its competitors. The use of a lens cap instead of an automatic door is a huge negative convenience factor. Operation-wise, the auto-focus is a little slow, and the automatic white balance isn't perfect. For the pro, the most glaring issue is the lack of a viewfinder. And as I stated before, it could do without some of its megapixels. If this had been an 8MP camera, it would rival the F31fd. If it had a larger CCD as well, there wouldn't be a market for any other similarly-proced non-system camrea.

That having been said, I'd say the LX3 is almost at the sweet spot where size meets features. DSLRs have more and better features (though I'd like to see a F2.0-F2.8 zoom lens), but DSLRs are also bulky, and require expensive glass to avoid having to change lenses all the time. The LX3 has most of an entry-level DSLR's features and image quality, but it also can fit in a larger pant or jacket pocket easily.

All in all, this camera is backordered almost everywhere, not because nobody stocks it, but because it is flying off the shelves the moment it shows up. The enthusiast market, ignored by Canon and Sony the past 3 years, is falling head over heels for this camera. And for good reason.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Great camera. Lens cap is a pain, but it is really good - and nice in low light!

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I upgraded from a LX2, the lens sold me, as my other option was G10. I do a lot of grab shooting, and I find this camera, as its predisesor, are very good at that. the low light quility is improved over the last version, but you have to expect noise at all shooting speeds, in a cam this small, with such a small chip. The raw mode is one thing that I would not do with out, and the suplied raw SW is not too bad. I carry this cam all over with me, not something I could do with my DSLR. If you are thinkng of upgrading, and want a moderatly small camera, this may be the one for you. Only draw back, and this is not an issue with me, is the narrow zoom range. Panasonic has a real winner here, [...]. one other thing, if you don't like lens caps, this uses one, but with the included string, I have never lost it.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

The camera is great; I bought it for the lens and the raw mode, and find that for quick grabshots, the built-in automatics are superb.[...]

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Easy Auto Features

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

This cam is really a nice object at the very beginning, much more classy and distinguished than the other one.
And when it comes to pics quality, wow, you won't be disappointed, iA mode takes awesome pics and if you feel yourself to try out the M mode, you'll love it (especially at night, managing all the parameters is really an advantage when you'll understand the basics). The joystick is a bit annoying though but anyways, you'll get use to it.
On top of that, you'll be able to shoot some HD movies and oh my! it's a really interesting feature when you try it with bunch of friends at a party for example (you'll need a tripod though).

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

This is the P&S I always wanted but was not available until now. The 24mm lens is a great feature. Lots of ways to customize photo settings, plus an effective and quick-to-access way to save and recall them. Excellent display.

Appropriate megapixels for size of sensor.

Noise, when present, looks like film grain--a good thing.

People complain about the lens cap but I like it. Simpler and much more protective than a set of motorized blades.

It is taking me a while to figure out how to hold the camera securely. You will want a wrist strap.

It is too big for most pants pockets smaller than cargo pockets. I carry it in a small padded Op/Tech shoulder case.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I bought the Panasonic LX3 along with 18mm wide angle lens, adapter tube and polarizing filter, to replace my Nikon D200 (and 18-200mm lens, 12-24mm lens, polarizing filter) on a trip.
I learned to use it and compared it directly to my D200 (with the 12-24mm lens) before I left.
I was amazed at the image quality, which was almost identical (not quite, but almost!) to those from my D200. And the 18mm wide angle lens is JUST as good as the Nikon 12-24mm at 12mm (18mm equivalent), except for a little more chromatic aberration. (I used ISO 100 and 200 only for comparison.) Considering how compact the whole set-up is compared to an SLR, and how excellent the images are, I'm not sure I'm even going to bring my D200 the next time I travel! And the LX3 is designed for manual use and very well constructed. It's a great camera, for 1/5 of the price of my D200 (with lens)!! If you want a compact camera with excellent image quality, construction and manual control, this is it!

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Panasonic went against the norm and kept the total number of pixels relatively small compared to the LX3's competitors which results in less noise.

This camera is light, solid, and small enough that it is always with me even more so than my big Sony A900.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I bought this looking for a good indoors shooter that I could carry all the time, which I wouldn't with an SLR. It's not quite up to speed with a decent SLR in terms of light capture, but it's better than any other small camera I've tried. Controls are customizable, still working my way through that (want faster ISO adjustment options), but the multiple custom settings on the selector dial (auto, manual, aperture priority, custom 1/2/3/4...) are great. The screen is bright and great, but looks a little kicked up compared to digging into the pixels once a photo is downloaded--don't reject a shot out of hand just because it looks over-saturated on the camera, give it another look. Again, so many customizable options, my shots with it will keep getting better and better.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

it's easy to use

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I was looking for a camera that had more options then a basic point and shoot, but would not be to dificult to use like a SLR. This camera is the perfect in between. The LX3 gives you many of the options that a top SLR would give you while also being easy to use in auto mode. It takes the sharpest pictures I have seen and with all the control you can take great pictures in any condition. I will be loving this camera for years to come!

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

The Lumix LX3 is an affordable camera that produces results typical of more expensive cameras. While it is not an SLR (the sensor just isn't that large), its creative potential with its multiple film modes makes this a camera that's just fun to use.

The black and white JPEGs produced in-camera are excellent, better than any other compact digital I have used and just as good as more expensive outfits.

The wide lens makes shooting in tight spots easy and the rather short zoom just isn't an issue for me, since I have always preferred prime lenses. I'd rather be closer to my subject.

The quality of the lens is unmistakably a Leica made for Lumix. The quality of this lens at f/2 is competitive with Nikon and Canon SLR lenses and frankly better than any other compact. It just renders far, far better than the G9, G10, or a Coolpix.

If you're looking for a large sensor SLR, then get one. If you're looking for a compact camera capable of producing excellent images, this is your camera.

I don't like that it lacks an optical viewfinder, but the hot shoe makes up for it since I have bright line finders for my rangefinders that work well enough.

Let me state that this camera deserves five stars except for its onboard flash, which is terrible. However, with a proper hot shoe mounted flash (I use a Metz 20 CS-2, which works fantastic), this isn't so much an issue. Plus, I use this mainly for its fast (awesome) lens for handheld shots when I don't want to carry a larger camera.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Wonderful camera.[...]

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

the white balance is not exactly CORRECT!
if you are not professor in photoing , you may take a while to get used to this product

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I bought this camera because I love black and white photos. This camera produces the best black and white images I've seen in a point and shoot. I'm still experimenting with all the features this camera has to offer but am 100-percent satisfied with it.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

The camera is wonderful. Love the wide angle and the picture quality is impressive in low and high lit scenes. The salesperson who called me trying to sell me accessories after i purchased the camera online was very annoying though. If i wanted accessories I would have purchased them.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

As I said in the headline, the camera is excellent and the images are first class. However, the manual is not clear on many points. Usually I am able to set up any camera, without reference to the manual, but this had enough differences that I needed to use it, and found it not helpful in most cases. I think I have the camera set up the way I want it now, but it has taken weeks of trial and error to do it.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I have taken pictures several times under different light condition. It gave really beautiful pics. I'm just really happy with my purchase.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Everything the camera reviewers say about this camera is true (it was rated by far the best in [@] 12/19/08 survey of "Enthusiast Compact Cameras," much better than the Canon G10). I love shooting in RAW mode and perfecting the photos using the Silkypix developer software. The 24mm wide angle lens with its 2.0 aperture is incredible, and the build is solid. It's as close as you can get to a DSLR, and it's small enough to carry with you everywhere (which I do). The only reason someone might hesitate to buy this camera is its 2.5x zoom. Note that the DMC-LX3 is 99.5% identical to the Leica D-Lux 4, which costs a few hundred dollars more (a steep price to pay for a label).

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Very fast lens
good battery life

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I just started using this camera and I love the clarity of the pictures. I'm going from a Sony Cybershot camera and decided not to get a DSLR for twice the price when this one is smaller, cits less, and does almost as much. I compaired it to the Canon G10 and think this is a better choice for my liking.
I'm in no way a photo geek, but I know some stuff here an there when it comes to taking pictures. That's also why I decided to go with this camera, because it has a lot of manual options as well.
The macro feature just rocks!! I love how close up it gets. I have a photographer friend and he was even amazed by the macro ability of this little camera.
The continuous burst mode...oooh, great stuff, too many to list!

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

I do mainly landscape photography. When I run or Kayak I bring an LX2 which gets excellent results in good light. In comparison with the LX2, the LX3 is sharper, has less noise (usable to iso 400), has a faster lens (f2.0), a wider angle of view (24mm) and less chromatic aberration (hardly any at all). Its only drawback is a limited zoom range, which is not really a problem if you do landscapes. It also does nice portraits in available light. The colors are accurate and well saturated. The files need very little adjustment straight out of the camera. One minor annoyance is that the raw files don't open in photoshop ps2. I guess I'll have to upgrade.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

Panasonic have finally done it with this camera. It is almost perfect. I say almost because of the lenscap which takes a bit of getting used to but that's a minor gripe. The lens is amazing. I shoot a lot in low light and the fast lens helps a lot.There are a lot of features that make this perfect for the serious photographer.

Comments about Panasonic DMC- LX3 Digital Camera - Black:

This is an exceptional machine. It replaced my Leica Dlux-2 which I am giving to my daughter. Amazingly sharp pictures without blur even in low light. Compact. The range of 24-60mm is what you use most often so I don't miss the telephoto of the Dlux-2. A good value compared to the new Leica version for $300 less.