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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Although a little pricey, The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 offers a lot in a pocket-sized package. From its excellent Leica zoom lens with built-in image stabilization, Intelligent Multi-metering that really works, Auto scene recognition, and 720p HD video, you’ll get sharp, low noise, well-exposed pictures with minimal effort.
My Best In Class Pick
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, the latest incarnation of the LX series, has been greatly improved over previous models. The venerable Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens of the earlier LXs has been replaced with the newly designed and much superior DC Vario-Summicron 5.1-12.8mm (24-60mm equiv) f2.0-2.8 Aspherical 2.5X zoom. And with a totally redesigned 10.1 megapixel image sensor, the LX3 produces exceptional, low noise images that are virtually distortion free and sharp corner to corner at all focal lengths. Quite an accomplishment for a small sensor point-n-shoot.
With a host of features like twenty-three scene modes, eight focusing modes, five white balance settings, plus 2 manuals; ISOs from 80 to 6400, shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/2000th, Intelligent Multiple auto-exposure, aperture/shutter priority as well as full manual, and five video modes, including 720p HD, there will be few situations that the LX3 can’t capture usable images. And if point-n-shoots never quite had a lens quite wide enough for you, this one does. For if the equivalent 24mm isn’t enough, there’s an accessory 18mm lens attachment.
Learning from the previous two LX models, Panasonic has succeeded with the Lumix DMC-LX3 in producing a durable, quality built, full-featured, point-n-shoot that is suitable for either beginner or advanced user.
As an aside: The more expensive Leica D-Lux 4 is exactly the same camera, but with the Leica logo and added Face Recognition and Follow autofocus. It, however, produces the same high quality, low noise images as the LX3.
Pros
- +Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens
- +In-the-lens image stabilization
- +RAW mode
- +720p HD video
- +Full Manual operation
- +Extreme wide angle accessory lens
- +3" Hi-res 460,000 pixel LCD
- +Hot Shoe
- +Build quality
Cons
- -Price
- -Max 60mm (35mm equivalent) focal length
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
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Best Price:
$364
See It »
- $364 - $835 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 2.5x
- Wide-Angle Lens: 24mm (46% wider)
- Resolution: 10.1MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Customer Rating |
 
(from 164 reviews)
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| Price | $364 - $835 |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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10.1 megapixels |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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24 mm |
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Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. Larger max focal lengths make distant objects appear more magnified.
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60 mm |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.0 |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 |
| Image Stabilization Type | Optical (lens shift) |
| Manual Focus Available | Yes |
| Min ISO Setting | 80 |
| Max ISO Setting | 6400 |
| Aperture Priority Mode Available | Yes |
| Shutter Priority Mode Available | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure Mode Available | Yes |
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Face Detection Available
Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color.
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No |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical (external, optional) |
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LCD Screen Size
The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally.
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3.0 in. |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 460,000 pixels |
| Max Video Resolution | 1280 x 720 pixels |
| Size (W x H x D) | 4.3 x 2.3 x 1.1 in. |
| Weight (with batteries) | 9.3 oz |
| Battery Life | 380 shots |
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