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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Discontinued

Reviewed

January 2009

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Great image quality
Better than average low-light performance
Lots of manual controls
Wide-angle lens

Cons

Short 2.5x zoom range
RAW image converters not yet universally available

Where to Buy

for $350.00

Our Analysis
Specs
191 Amazon Reviews

Most top reviewers have taken the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 for a spin. Top-quality reviews can be found at The Imaging Resource and DPReviews.com. The report at TrustedReviews.com is shorter, but perhaps easier to digest. DigitalCameraInfo.com also weighs in, but its reports can be overwhelming for all but the most dedicated shooters, and few cameras escape the editors' highly critical eyes unscathed. There aren't a ton of user reviews for this camera as of yet, but Amazon.com has a decent selection.

Critics love the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 with only few reservations. One issue is the short 2.5x zoom range. The other is that outside of the included Silkypix software, RAW image converters are hard to come by for some popular photo-editing packages (shooting in RAW format gives users the most editing flexibility, but you can also shoot in JPEG). After that, however, it's all clear sailing. The camera is lauded for its great image quality and well-above-average performance at higher ISO settings, all thanks to a new image sensor and a Leica-branded lens that's a cut above many others. There are tons of features as well, including face detection, optical image stabilization, a hot shoe and more. Advanced photographers will appreciate the full complement of manual controls, while beginning shooters have plenty of aids and automatic modes to get things picture perfect. The Canon PowerShot G10 (*est. $420) is also well regarded, especially when shooting at low ISO settings. However noise and the effects of noise suppression are a notable step behind, especially in lower light.

Where To Buy

Panasonic DMC-LX3 10.1MP Digital Camera with 24mm Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

(191 reviews)
Buy new: $499.95 $350.00 37 Used & new from $120.00

In Stock.

Our Sources

1. Imaging-Resource.com

This review at The Imaging Resource is detailed and comprehensive, yet not overwhelming even for non-experts. The short maximum focal length of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is a concern, but images are called "an unqualified joy to behold." Tons of full-sized samples are included so readers can judge image quality for themselves.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Review, Mike Pasini and Stephanie Boozer, Oct. 20, 2008

2. DPReview.com Forums

This comprehensive and well illustrated review has plenty of details for the experienced photographer, yet is written in a manner that makes it valuable for beginners as well. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 earns a very rare Highly Recommended rating here.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Review, Richard Butler, Nov. 2008

3. TrustedReviews.com

TrustedReviews.com's review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 isn't nearly as comprehensive as those above, but still does a good job of covering the essentials. The camera gets a Recommended award and uniformly high ratings across the board. A later review also gives the competing Canon PowerShot G10 a Recommended award, but a clear preference is expressed for this Panasonic camera.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, Cliff Smith, Nov. 13, 2008

4. DigitalCameraInfo.com

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is the top-rated "high-end" camera here (the Canon PowerShot G10 has not been reviewed as of our last visit), and among the best point-and-shoot digital cameras overall. Yet, as is the sometimes custom at this site, the review itself isn't overly flattering. Price relative to performance is the chief complaint.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Digital Camera Review, Tim Barribeau, Sept. 18, 2008

5. Amazon.com

User reviews are starting to come in for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1, a new digital camera. A couple of image-quality complaints can be found, but most users are very happy thus far, and the average rating is excellent.

Review: Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

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