I want this camera! Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
24-60mm f/2.0-2.8 Leica DC Vario-Summicron, 1/1.63" 10.1 Megapixel CCD
I’ve decided that this will be my next compact camera. I’d definitely take this over the Sigma DP1. Sure, it doesn’t have the APS-C sensor, but a 1/1.63″, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 10.1 Megapixel CCD is already huge for a compact; good enough for really nice, usable photos.
What really sold me, however, is the 24-60mm f/2-2.8 !! Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens. This is ultra fast for a compact shooter. Couple that with Mega OIS, and this is one capable lens. Plus, it’s a Leica. That alone makes peoples’ toes wiggle.
One thing that might not be good, however, is that Panasonic is usually overaggressive with noise reduction and sharpening out of the camera, often to the detriment of photo quality, but Panasonic is using their new Venus Engine IV, so who knows. Besides, I hardly ever shoot above ISO 400. WIth optical stabilization and the fast lens, I’d probably shoot at ISO 100 most of the time.
With Panasonic’s track record in digital cameras, this camera should be much easier (and faster) to use than the DP1.
The camera itself is gorgeous, especially in black. Plus it already has an assortment of add-ons like an optical viewfinder clipped onto the flash hotshoe a la Sigma DP1 and Ricoh, a wide angle adapter for those that want to go wider than 24mm, and even custom ND and polarizer filters.
Bottom line, this should be an amazing point-and-shoot, and I want it!
I agree that LX3 sounds great. The video was extremely useful for showcasing the basic features of the camera.