January 28, 2010 81 Comments

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Review

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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  • mikedougherty

    Great review, but now I want a pony.

  • http://mjimenez.es/blog Manuel Jiménez

    You sold your soul… nice job :D
    Do you have a lot of work editing or just point/shoot/upload?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • http://vsellis.com Scott Ellis

    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.

  • http://vsellis.com Scott Ellis

    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.

  • http://twitter.com/gmastrion guy mastrion

    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.

  • http://blog.adsdevshop.com Robert Dempsey

    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?

  • http://blog.adsdevshop.com Robert Dempsey

    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?

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    There's only the built-in audio. I wish there was an external.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I just shoot and upload. Editing seems like work. : )

  • http://www.BeyondThePedway.com Tim Jahn

    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!

  • josephlimjh

    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.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    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.

  • http://hegeeks.com Marko

    Excellent camera choice, Chris. It's a good all around camera while still being small enough to fit into pocket.

  • 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.
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  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    That sounds amazing. I seem to recall, however, that they're hard to come by these days. Is that so?

  • 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:)

  • http://twitter.com/JGToll Jason G. Toll

    Excellent Review Chris. But what I really liked was your disclosure. How do I sign up for a pony? Good stuff…

  • kat

    i find all the cool do-dads for him
    he just makes them look cool ;)

  • David Siteman Garland

    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!

  • http://blog.adsdevshop.com Robert Dempsey

    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.

  • KA

    It seems you seem to be pushing a lot of products/books these days. Is that your main approach for 2010?

  • http://www.ckwrites.com ckwrites2

    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

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    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.

  • alisoncreamer

    Thanks for the review. I think the camera does a GREAT job !

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    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.

  • http://www.zoombits.co.uk/memory-cards/xd-card best xd

    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?

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  • 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!

  • annejaa

    Well this Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 has sharp and bright lens that have compact but comfortable design with broad manual shooting feature set.Its a good camera with an excellent feature set that positions it way beyond any conventional point-and-shoot on the retail shelves today.
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  • http://twitter.com/jberton jberton

    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

  • 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.

  • http://securityspy.tv Kyle

    Hey Chris
    You have a typo in this post, first sentence of last paragraph: “I've had it sense September……”
    sorry to point out, but given you're linking to it in your latests posts thought it best to let you know.
    Cheers,
    Kyle

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=706665238 facebook-706665238

    I love the lens cap too. Where do I find? Whats it called

  • callmeismael

    A little out of my price range, but I'll still run it by a photographer friend who is counseling me on my first purchase of a digital point and click.

    BTW, did u hear the one about them putting two small children, one an extravert, the other an introvert in a room with a pony, and the room was filled up to the ceiling with pony poop!

  • callmeismael

    Where's the link to the video that shows u unpacking the Tarmac bag. I dont see it in your email.

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    Sharp, bright lens; compact but comfortable design broad manual shooting feature set. Relatively nonresponsive Quick Menu button; proprietary connectors; artifacts under certain conditions; optical viewfinder is optional.

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  • http://twitter.com/momof3boys3702 Kelli Miller

    a pony, huh? Wow, I have only ever gotten about 3 cents! I bet a pony is pretty expensive. ;-)

    Good job, nice video! I need to think about some type of webcam, I guess…. hmm

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