Panasonic Lumix LX3 Digital Camera Review

Boy. after reviewing the Nikon Coolpix P100 with a 26x zoom ratio, reviewing the Panasonic Lumix LX3 with just a 2.5 zoom ratio seems like a bit of a letdown when comparing zoom ratios on the two cameras.

That said, it’s not really fair to compare the two cameras as the Nikon is aimed at the photographer who needs the flexibility a 26x zoom lens offers while this little panasonic offers a much more compact size and many more features including high iso shooting quality that’s hard to beat.

What the Panasonic LX3 doesn’t offer in zoom ratio, it makes up for in speed with a very fast f/2.0 lens that combined with manual controls and high resolution, it’s a perfect fit for those wanting more customization options than what your standard point and shoot digital camera can offer

The f2.0 lens is twice as fast a f.2.8 lens would be, and to have such a fast lens on such a portable digital camera is a dream come true to a lot of professional or advanced amateurs wanting a small digital camera that can offer high resolution shooting without the limitations a slower zoom lens usally offers.

But the LX3 isn’t just about a fast lens. To make a camera a success, you have to have the right mix of other features – especially  considering the market for this digital camera: This isn’t some throwaway digital camera. The fast lens and high ISO’s should be a hint: this is a shooters’  camera.

Classic shooting controls such as selectable metering:spot and multi, and a selection of shooting modes to choose from: Aperature, Shutter, Automatic and for the purist: full manual control of the Panasonic LX3 is available for those that want to explore their creativity to the fullest when exploring digital photography.

I can’t write about digital cameras without mentioning megapixels, as though it’s important, the days where the digital camera with the most megapixels automatically meant that it was the best camera. This is not longer the case:   The best camera for you offers the size, lens options such a wide aperture or a long zoom ratio and control options all are now balanced when designing digital cameras that offer the most flexibily.  The Panasonic LX3 offer 10.1 megapixels,when combined with the high sensitivity sensor will result in poster sized prints that take your breath away.

The suggested list price on the Panasonic Lumix is $499, but most online vendors offer approximately 20% discount on the Panasonic LX3. Check Amazon, Ritz, B+H and Adorama for current pricing of this small compact camera that’s a dream to work with when shooting in low light.