Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Digital Camera
- 10.2 Megapixel Resolution with a Large 1/1.63" Sensor for Digital SLR like image quality in a Ultra Compact Body.
- 2;5x Optical zoom.
- 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)
Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the Panasonic DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.
At the heart of the DMC-LX3, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD. Making the intentional choice to limit the number of megapixels to 10.1 on its CCD, Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation. As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and saturation is increased by 35 percent when compared to Panasonic’s 10 MP digital cameras, giving the DMC-LX3 outstanding image quality and a wide dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in low-light environments. The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in three aspect ratios -- 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9. The new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.
Another major upgrade to the LX3 is the F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens. The F2.0 is about twice as bright as a F2.8 lens and can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture clear, blur-free images in dimly lit environments. In addition, the 24mm lens captures approximately a 213-percent larger viewing angle than a normal 35mm camera and 136% larger compared to a 28mm wide-angle lens. The lens unit consists of eight elements in six groups with four aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces. As a result of the F2.0 lens, the LX3 produces high resolution and minimal distortion and artifacts -- such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring.
The LX3 also incorporates the Venus Engine IV, which provides more advanced signal processing technology for producing higher-quality images with reduced noise in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing -- as compared to the Venus Engine III. The Venus Engine IV supports high sensitivity recording enabling the DMC-LX3 to record at up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and even up to ISO 6400 when using high sensitivity mode, enough to capture subjects in low lighting without using a flash. The Venus Engine IV also supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode.
The easy-to-use joystick operation which was featured in its predecessor continues with the LX3, as its intuitive design makes selecting different settings on the camera, including focus, aperture and shutter speed -- easy and quick. Other convenient design elements include a switch on the side of the lens barrel that allows the user to quickly change the focus modes between Manual Focus, Auto Focus and Macro Auto Focus. When choosing Manual Focus, the focus distance and the depth of field according to the zoom range and aperture is also displayed. For setting white balance, the LX3 provides a new color temperature display function, and still includes the Two-Axis white balance adjustment settings offered in previous models. Users can also customize and store their own personal settings of up to four unique functions and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.
Furthering its creative options, the LX3 also features a Film mode with six color types and three types of monochrome selections. Much like selecting from different film types, this function gives the user the flexibility and creative freedom to take more expressive digital photos. Also, when using the Multi-film mode, the LX3 produces a maximum of three images from a RAW file for the user to compare the different textures. Another new feature is the multiple-exposure feature, which lets the user create artistic photos by overlaying up to three consecutive images; while still viewing the last image on the 3.0-inch LCD screen. The LCD on the LX3 is new and improved with a 460,000-dot high resolution.
While the LX3 allows full manual control for more advanced photography, it also includes Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode (iA), including the new feature, AF (auto focus) Tracking. AF Tracking automatically tracks the image subject and locks it into focus, making it easier for anyone to capture sharp, well-focused photos. The AF Tracking technology also improves face detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves or turns their face. Other iA technologies include Intelligent Exposure, Digital Red-eye Correction, MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection (up to 15 faces) and Quick AF.
The DMC-LX3 has the ability to record High Definition (HD) video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps. With the newly added HD component output capability, still and moving pictures can be viewed by connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). In addition, the LX3 features Image Leveling, so when a captured image "leans" to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, this feature rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges.
Product Description
Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.
Panasonic DMC-LX3 Photo Samples
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Photos courtesy of Flickr and belong to respective users. To view a larger image click on thumbnail.
Compare Panasonic DMC-LX3 with similar cameras
| Name: | Olympus E520 | Panasonic DMC-LX3 | Nikon D3000 |
| Megapixels: | 10.0 | 10.1 | 10.2 |
| Optical Zoom: | N/A | 3 X | N/A |
| Max Res: | 3648 x 2736 | 3648 x 2736 | 3872 x 2592 |
| LCD Screen: | 2.7 " | 3.0 " | 3 " |
| Digital zoom: | No | Yes, | No |
| Image stabilizer: | Yes, Sensor | Yes, Lens | No |
| Media Card: | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card | SD / MMC / SDHC card, Internal | SD / SDHC card |
| Battery: | Lithium-Ion rechargeable | Lithium-Ion rechargeable | Lithium Ion (EN-EL9a) & charger |
| Weight (with batteries): | 490 g (17.3 oz) | 265 g (9.3 oz) | 536 g (18.9 oz) |
| Lowest Price: | $418.95 | $395.95 | $478.00 |
| Details: | View details | View details | View details |
Panasonic DMC-LX3 User Reviews
| Avg. Rating |
This item is reviewed by 136 people so far.
Click here for complete reviews. |
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Thrilled!
- Reviewd on: 3/12/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Matthew Peake
Couldn't be happier. The trade off for giving up zoom is well worth it. Living in Kauai allows me to do all sorts of fun stuff, and the landscape is other-worldly and surprisingly varied. There's this one cave on the north shore that is particularly dark. Going to Aperture priority and just setting the camera on a rock allowed the most beautiful shots. Video is great. Camera is easy to use. Photo quality outstanding. I am an amateur photographer, so I'm sure there are some nits I could pick, but I'm too dumb to know what they are. I'm a happy customer. |
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THe LX3 twin to Digilux 4 is a best buy
- Reviewd on: 2/23/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Ronald James Smith
Virtually Identical to the Leica Digilux 4 but at 2 to 300 less. I had the DLUX 4 sold it bought the LX3 and I needed a zoom so I also got the zs3 both for the same price I sold the Dlux4 for. The LX3 is expandable with filters and excellent add on lenses like the dmw-lw46 I use the dmw-lw52 ( it also fits the Digilux 2 and Sigma dp cameras ). Best compact ever made macro to 1cm -great lens -super wide with the lw52 very low light with a 2.0 lens. Many have found this camera to be almost as good as the Leica M8 at thousands less.Look for pros on the internet who use the Dlux4 and check out the pics .This is what this camera is capable of.The manual is much easier to read also. Plus the firmware has been updated giving you a better EV adjustment then Leica especially when taking bracketed shots. So also great for HDR photos.The micro 4/3rds cameras may beat this one out but at 2 to three times the price and thats with one lens.The JPG output is many times better then what you can do with the RAW. Add one point of saturation and one of contrast and you have the Leica equivalent of what they claim makes the Dlux4 better.See the dpreview tag elsewhere it says it all. Shoot raw and JPG in dynamic B+W and get a great B+W and if you need a color version use the raw image. |
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This is a beautiful little camera.
- Reviewd on: 2/22/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Mary Dickinson
I, like many others who have written a review, wanted a good point and shoot for those times when my Canon xTi(still a wonderful camera) or 40D with lenses, are too much to bring along. Additionally, I have arthritis in my hands, and sometimes I simply cannot handle my 40D. I had read many reviews of the Leica D-Lux 4, but I could not justify the price-even if I got the Leica name and leather case!. But seriously, I then did some research on the Lumix /country cousin of the Leica. I read ever review I could locate...pro and con. I realized that what I wanted, and what would suit my purpose was a compact w/ a wide angle..and the Leica lense in the Lumix would suit me. I went to the camera store and I held both cameras. Honestly, the Lumix is a little work of art. I liked it better than the Leica. It felt like the first Minolta my parents gave me in 1968; sturdy. At any rate, I was impressed with the packaging, with the in box equipment, and the sheer beauty of this little gem. I have been shooting for years w/ SLRs and for the past four years with DSLRs, and to be completly honest, the picture quality (4x6) even at a higher ISO is void of noise. The shots are crisp and clear with detail I could not have expected from a point and shoot (but of course, there is the Leica lense). I know some reviewers are not happy with shooting results in RAW, but I did not purcahase the camera to get creative in this manner/I have the aforementioned cameras for this purpose. I have not tried RAW yet, but again, for my purposes, the camera is so far working well. Now, for the technical issue I have with Lumix: In my opinion, the instruction book was written by someone whose first language is not English. If this camera is purchased by someone who has never owned a digital of any kind, I imagine there will be some frustration with plodding through the book. I have purchased many camera instruction books over the years to complement those that have come with my other camreas, and someone could write one for this camera. I figured out most of the menue selections because of being familiar with the Canon system, but I had to go on-line to locate some answers to a few of my questions. This being said, I recommend this camera as a suburb buy at under $450. I just love it. |
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Great utility camera
- Reviewd on: 2/22/2010 12:00:00 AM By: caleb
I've had my LX3 for over a year now and really enjoy it. I love the fact that you can change the aspect ratio by simply adjusting a switch. Its LCD is gorgeous, macro and low light ability sensational. It still though has a smaller sensor than 4/3 or traditional SLR so don't expect miracles. Its colors do tend to be a bit saturated and have a somewhat flat or canned feel to them but this can be tweaked. Even though its marketed as having high def video, its not really very that good and you would be impressed if you saw it on your big screen TV. Its best to use jpeg despite the fact that it has raw because the in camera processing when shooting jpegs takes compensates for some of the distortion caused by the wide angle lens. You can do this in post production but why bother and I didn't notice much of a benefit when shooting Raw. So to conclude, this is a fun compact camera that gets the job done and is very versatile. The low light performance will allow you to get shots that normally with other cameras you wouldn't attempt. I also have a Sigma DP1 that is far less practical and much more finicky but produces stunning images in day light, in almost every other situation though the LX3 is a far superior camera |
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An amazing camera
- Reviewd on: 2/21/2010 12:00:00 AM By: Chris Marlowe
This is an amazing camera. It's a compact camera that shoots as well as a mid-range DSLR. Best of all, it costs half of what a bottom-end DSLR costs. Don't get me wrong, it's not a DSLR, and if you go out taking pictures with your friends who have spent a lot on their kit, they'll take better pictures than yours. On the other hand, it's a compact camera. You can fit it in a jacket pocket. Okay, it's not small in a jacket pocket, but it does fit (I've done it many times). You can find other cameras that are more compact and are no slouches in the picture quality range, as well. With the LX3, though, you can use it in full-auto mode, or you can set everything to manual. Everything. Exposure, focus, everything. You don't get the range of control with smaller cameras. You get what you pay for and what you pay for is a compact camera that shoots like a mid-range DLSR. It has great low-light performance, and the amazing f2.0 Leica lens has everything in focus from a half-meter to infinity at 2.0. It's stellar. The macro capability is great as well. On the other hand, it's only 2.5x zoom, which is the only thing I miss elsewhere. It's more of a landscape camera than a telephoto camera. You can make it zoom more by having fewer pixels. Crank it down to 6MP and you can get 4x zoom, but I like the 10MP. You will hear it referred to as a wide-angle camera, and that is true. It's not got a lot of zoom. If you want more than a basic point-and-shoot, but you don't want a DSLR for any of a number of reasons -- like cost, size, or weight, then you want this camera. Understand what you are getting and you'll be as utterly delighted as I am. |





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