Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Review

January 28, 2010 · Comments

I’m asked all the time which camera I use to make my videos for projects like Kitchen Table Talks, or my many book reviews. Well, here it is, the Panasonic DMC-LX3 (amazon affiliate link). It is my most favorite point and shoot camera that I’ve ever owned. What I like most about it is that it’s small and fits in my jacket or pants pocket quiet easily.

It takes SD memory and has a rechargeable battery pack. It shoots in standard size (4:3), widescreen (16:9), and even 3:2 (not sure what that’s called). I also quite like the fact that it shoots snaps really easily with the autofocus features but that it also makes for really great video quality in high definition.

I’ve had it sense September 2009 and it’s been my favorite camera and video rig to date. Obviously, it doesn’t have an external mic so it’s not like it’s *super* versatile, but it’s served me quite well.

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  • Zoe
    I used to work in Panasonic's Imaging Group and, as such, own a # of Lumix models - the ZS (formerly known as TZ) series has always been my favorite for ease of use and picture quality. After reading these comments and other reviews, I may need to step up to an LX3.
  • Great review! How do you upload to YouTube? Through the iMovie "Share" to YouTube? Export settings?

    I'm currently using the Kodak xi8 and think it shoots well-enough on the computer but when I publish to YouTube seem to lose a lot of quality. Have Final Cut but don't want to have to go through Compressor for quick little videos like this. Thoughts?

    tx!
    jake
  • jennbowen
    Thanks for sharing Chris. I figured you were using a Flipcam like just about everyone else nowadays seems to be. I've got a Panasonic Lumix also but haven't messed with the video setting much. Since I'm just beginning to venture into videos for my blog this was great to know.

    Thanks again!
  • I have also been using the Fuji F200exr and S200exr in 800% HDR mode for church interiors and indoor environmental portraits. The results are superb and much more realistic than HDR shots using Photomatix. Can I recommend a field test of these. Just shows how digital has improved over the last few years. How long will we have to wait for Canon and Nikon to catch up instead of introducing yet more DSLR dinosaurs using 50 year old SLR mirror technology?
  • The image quality is very strong. Not as good as the DP1/2, but that camera is a disaster in nearly all other regards. With F/2 and and 400 you'll likely get the indoor shot you need. And when that fails, 800 is tolerable. The LX3 is a zippy performer too. While a little slow on the startup, the auto-focus is decently quick (could be better) and the shot to shot performance is quite good. The full-auto mode is good too. Hand the camera over to a novice and he/she will get a good shot. Love the aspect ratio.
  • alisoncreamer
    Thanks for the review. I think the camera does a GREAT job !
  • Pros: 24-mm wide angle, FAST Leica lens, raw mode, great OIS, great manual controls for serious photographers w/o sacrificing "point and shoot" simplicity, VASTLY improved high ISO response compared to predecessors, versatile movie modes, 16:9 capable.

    Cons: Slight aberrations off-axis at widest FOV (but very good for cameras in this price range), rumors of underpowered flash are true, rumors of poor white balance are true but (I believe) overstated.
  • LOL

    3:2 is the old 35mm still camera format - the film frame is 36mm by 24mm - thus 3:2

    A lovely, graceful shape

    best,
    ck
  • KA
    It seems you seem to be pushing a lot of products/books these days. Is that your main approach for 2010?
  • Damn it, Chris. Every time I come to your blog I end up buying something.

    How does importing work on this one? I use iMovie as well...

    Do you use specific export settings for iMovie?

    Hugs!
  • Jason_G_Toll
    Excellent Review Chris. But what I really liked was your disclosure. How do I sign up for a pony? Good stuff...
  • acowboyswife
    As an LiHD Family, I have a whole suite of products from Panasonic. I haven't played with the video too much but will be trying out the GH1 HD video this weekend.

    Love the lens cap!!! Fantastic idea. Guess I'll be seeing you in Orlando Mr. Brogan:)
  • kat
    i find all the cool do-dads for him
    he just makes them look cool ;)
  • geschenkefrmnner
    Hi,
    The DMC-LX2 is unique in that it incorporates triple-“wide” features of 28 mm wide angle LEICA DC lens, 16:9 wide CCD and 16:9 wide LCD. Not only that, the LX2 is further distinguished from other cameras by its full manual controllability with a joystick allowing users to easily enjoy creative shooting. The DMC-LX2 also boasts Venus Engine III high performance image processing LSI to dramatically reduce the noise that challenged the predecessor, realizing image recording at max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution.
    buy r4
  • That sounds amazing. I seem to recall, however, that they're hard to come by these days. Is that so?
  • Excellent camera choice, Chris. It's a good all around camera while still being small enough to fit into pocket.
  • Great camera. I've been using it for more than a year and I absolutely love the widescreen and manual functions. It gives my photoshooting of my Gundam model kits the best shots and I use them as my wallpaper.
  • I'm amazed at the quality popping up in point and shoots these days for video. Your videos usually have great quality, I'm impressed!
  • Nice choice. I use a Panasonic DMC-ZS3 for photo and some video, and have been using my Canon Vixia HV30 to capture HD video straight into my Mac.

    Since you were recording using iMovie Chris, does that mean you do your editing in iMovie?
  • I try not to do much editing, but yes, if I have to edit something, I use imovie. I'm not smart enough to use Final Cut.
  • Thanks Chris. I use iMovie a lot as well, though I have used Final Cut. It takes a lot more time to do simple things, and for the type of video you are doing, I don't think it's worth your time.

    I look forward to many more videos as I finish my copy of Trust Agents. Awesome book.
  • I've been using this camera for years, If I remember correctly, I bought it the first year it came out. I'd like a newer model if only for the amped up pixels but after countless miles and thousands of images, it's still rock solid. It's really a great camera.
  • Chris, do you just use built in Audio or does it take a mic? Your audio always sounds pretty good if it's the built in mic.
  • There's only the built-in audio. I wish there was an external.
  • davidjrs
    Is it me, or is there a slight resemblance to Conan O'Brian in that still of Chris? Thanks for the info on the camera.
  • You sold your soul... nice job :D
    Do you have a lot of work editing or just point/shoot/upload?
  • I just shoot and upload. Editing seems like work. : )
  • mikedougherty
    Great review, but now I want a pony.
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