Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Review-Video

September 28, 2009 · Comments

I bought myself a Panasonic DMC-LX3K (amazon link) digital camera recently (because I didn’t seem to want to pack up my Lumix G1 or my Nikon D60 for trips, and I wanted something better than a lightweight shooter. Here’s a quick video review of the product:

Can’t see it? Click HERE

I really love it so far. I’ve used it mostly in the simpler modes, and also used it to shoot this vacaction video, which was really easy to do, and came out as MOV files for really easy editing. (Lazy folks can just port these straight to YouTube or whatever your viewing platform of choice is, by the way).

Basically, I got the camera for my own needs (something smaller than my SLRs but smarter than my point and shoots), but then justified it by shooting a family video. I love the camera. If you’re in the market, it’s a tough call, though. The camera costs just as much as a starter dSLR like the Nikon or Canon rigs, and every bit as much as the Sony Alpha (Sony Electronics USA is a client). So, it’s a really specific use that I purchased it to fill.

If you’re interested in more, here’s a link: Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera with 2.5x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

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  • Great recommendation Chris!

    As a photographer, people ask me to recommend them a nice point-and-shoot. The Panasonic DMC-LX3K you bought is an excellent choice. I have used a Panasonic dSLR-like camera (DMC-FZ20) when I started out with photography, and it worked really well. I've also used other Panasonic cameras, so I definitely recommend them!

    At a similar price point, I also highly recommend the Canon G11 primarily for its increased dynamic range (to me it is the most important part of capturing a particular scene). Interestingly, with the G11, Canon have dropped out of the megapixel race (the previous model, the G10, was 14.7 MP, whereas the latest Canon G11 has 10.0 MP). I believe this is a step in the right direction, because consumers think that megapixels are most important in capturing quality pictures. However, I think much more important than the megapixels are 1) dynamic range of the camera's sensor and 2) noise performance at high ISO.
  • I'd read about the 10MP stopping point on this camera and liked the idea. Why cram in more megapixels when we don't *really* use the ones we have. Rather, most folks aren't printing for billboards.

    I'm thrilled that the makers aren't going into the arms race mentality with ALL their products these days.
  • Precisely!

    The addition of more megapixels into the already-tiny sensors inside these point-and-shoot cameras creates more problems than benefits: more noise, for example.

    I think the 10MP is an excellent threshold for the average consumer. At 10MP, one can produce excellent 10"x8" prints (with little to no interpolation when printing at 300DPI). If the printer DPI is dropped down to 200, one can still make great prints up to 16"x20".

    Whenever I see a person using a point-and-shoot which boasts more than 10MP, I am curious whether they're printing posters from their images (usually not). Cameras such as the 14.5MP Nikon Coolpix S710 (link) are overkill!
  • Hey Chris - I got the Panasonic DMC-ZS3 for my travels and so far I've been loving it. It retails for $399, 10.1 megapixels, records video in HD 720p, and has a smaller form factor than the LX3K so it fits well in my pocket. The best thing about it is that it has a 12x zoom, which is very rare for a small point-n-shoot camera. Oh, and it takes great photos, even in low light conditions. Here's a link to more info on the Panasonic website. http://bit.ly/1HLARp
  • Oh very cool! I hadn't seen that. Thanks for sharing the info. : )
  • Great review - at Showhomes, a home staging franchise company where we are always taking photos of homes, we LOVE the wide angle Panasonic lumix cameras. They all have the Leica super sharp lenses, great image stabilization and they are small. I carry a Lumix FX07 which fits in your pocket with ease.
  • Very cool. I'll have to check that out. : )
  • Chris, This camera looks like another nice product from the Panasonic Lumix line. I am not surprised as I am on my second Lumix (I lost my first while traveling). This is appropriate, as traveling is exactly the reason I got a Lumix in the first place. My wife and I are big tennis fans and the Lumix DMC-TZ5 delivers great performance in an even more compact size (pocket friendly). In particular, I love the Leica lens combined with the 10x optical zoom (now up to 12x). It's a solid product that is drop friendly sturdy too. Here's a sample photo: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3656274958_...

    Thanks for sharing all the knowledge. Keep it coming!
  • Very good job!
  • Excellent choice. A couple of weeks ago my wife and I also bough a Panasonic Lumix (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ35-Digita...).

    It's great, and I am looking forward to taking pictures of our upcoming twins with this machine :-)
  • dmoore0021
    Great video Chris, although I'm not looking for a new camera right now it's good to know what's out there and recommended.
  • Hey Chris, great post.

    I especially like it when I hear one of my favorite photography mantras, "The best camera you have is the one that is with you." If you are a follower of photog extraordinaire Chase Jarvis, he has turned this mantra into a great iPhone App and book that basically shows you can make a great picture with nothing more then the 3MP on your iPhone.

    I have high-end DSLRs and low-end point-and-shoots, and I am finding that since I carry my iPhone everywhere, I am able to get some great shots just by working that little lens. I think it challenges you to think creative and shows you that the shots aren't made by the tool, but by the artist.
  • I like what you said.
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  • Congrats on the new camera! I've had the LX3 since February and I really like it. I considered a starter DSLR, but most don't have video capabilities. And I already have several SLR film cameras that satisfy my desire for more artistic control. For me, the LX3 was a perfect fit as far as quality, features, size/convenience, and price. (When I bought my LX3 it was only $400 ... demand has driven the price up since then!)

    Oh, another point in favor of a high quality point-and-shoot (vs. DSLR) -- If you photograph people, they act much more natural when you take photos with a smaller camera. Many people act shy or strange around big cameras, so I find I can take better candid photos with the LX3.
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  • Basically, I got the camera for my own needs (something smaller than my SLRs but smarter than my point and shoots), but then justified it by shooting a family video. I love the camera. If you’re in the market, it’s a tough call, though. The camera costs just as much as a starter dSLR like the Nikon or Canon rigs, and every bit as much as the Sony Alpha (Sony Electronics USA is a client). So, it’s a really specific use that I purchased it to fill.
  • As I now own the Lumix LX3 and have owned the Powershot G9 (a bit different from the tested G10), I think you better first ask yourself: what is the aim I have with the device? Both cameras have good qualities, depending on what you are going to do and how you will influence the results. For my aims the winner is the Lumix LX3, as it makes wonderful pictures under difficult light conditions. The Powershot G10 will produce other results under the equal conditions plus you have to do a lot of manual work to get these results. In all I think the G10 will satisfy those who like manual interaction and the Lumix X3 those who trust the "intelligence" of the camera.
  • Hi Chris, i am thankful for your sharing on LX3. I agree with your comments. I am pondering over to get a LX3 or GF1. i like god quality photos with portability. Pls advise.
  • Joe
    Anyone looking for a powerful campact camera should seriously consider Lumix LX3. Here is a blog that shows some good shots taken with LX3.

    http://nigelsim.blogspot.com

    Cheers!
  • I love the LX3. When I go on vacation, I take the LX3 along with the TZ5, and I'm all set. In good lighting, the LX3 takes pictures that can compare to a DSLR. They're stunning. Even in low light, the pictures are still excellent.
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