Panasonic DMC-LX3 10.1MP Digital Camera with 24mm Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Name | Panasonic DMC-LX3 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 10 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/1.6 inches |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Metering Description | 3D Color Matrix |
Exposure Control Type | aperture-priority, Program, shutter-priority, Manual, Automatic |
Form Factor | Ultracompact |
About this item
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
- Classic SLR-like manual operations include selectable AF spot/multi AF area, customization button, aperture, shutter, program and full manual modes
- 2.5x wide-angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized zoom lens
- 10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
- 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD screen; HD video capture
- 10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
- 2.5x wide-angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized zoom lens
- 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD screen; HD video capture
- Classic SLR-like manual operations include selectable AF spot/multi AF area, customization button, aperture, shutter, program and full manual modes
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Panasonic CGA-S005, DMW-BCC12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9, DMC-FX10, DMC-FX12, DMC-FX50, DMC-FX100, DMC-FX150, DMC-FX180, DMC-LX1, DMC-LX2, DMC-LX3Amazon's Choicein Camera BatteriesFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19
- Digital Camera, FHD 4K Autofocus Vlogging Camera 48MP 16X Digital Zoom Digital Camera with 32GB Memory Card YouTube Portable Compact Small Camera for Teens Adult Beginner KidsAmazon's Choicein Digital Point & Shoot CamerasFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19
- Panasonic LUMIX ZS200D 4K Digital Camera, 20.1MP 1-Inch Sensor, 15X Leica DC Vario-Elmar Lens, F3.3-6.4 Aperture, WiFi, Hybrid O.I.S. Stabilization, 3-Inch LCD, DC-ZS200DK (Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19Only 11 left in stock - order soon.
- KODAK PIXPRO AZ405-BK 20MP Digital Camera 40X Optical Zoom 24mm Wide Angle Lens Optical Image Stabilization 1080P Full HD Video 3" LCD Vlogging Camera (Black)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19
Important information
Legal Disclaimer
anyone is welcome
To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.
Top Brand: Panasonic
Compare with similar items
This Item Panasonic DMC-LX3 10.1MP Digital Camera with 24mm Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $278.00$278.00 | $119.99$119.99 | $64.99$64.99 | $49.99$49.99 | $1,159.95$1,159.95 | -9% $547.99$547.99 List: $599.99 |
Delivery | — | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | — | — |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Image stabilization | 2.5 | 4.0 | 4.6 | — | 4.6 | 4.1 |
Zoom | 2.2 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 4.4 | — | 4.3 |
Picture quality | — | 3.8 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.3 |
Battery life | — | 4.1 | — | 4.3 | 3.6 | 3.7 |
Auto focus | 2.7 | — | — | — | 4.0 | 4.2 |
Sold By | kamiyuto | Amazon.com | Pandos-US | Julaibao Direct Store | Amazon.com | Focus Camera LLC |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 2.8 inches | 2.8 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | zoom | Wide Angle | Fisheye | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Fisheye |
zoom type | Optical | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom | Digital Zoom | Digital Zoom | Depth From Defocus |
shooting modes | Scene | Automatic, Portrait, Landscape, Macro | Automatic | Automatic | Bulb Mode, Time Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Relaxing Tone, Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Night Shot, Soft Image, Appetizing Food, Dessert, Sports Shot, Monochrome |
connectivity tech | USB | USB | Type C | USB | Bluetooth | HDMI D (Micro), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0) |
What's in the box
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Single, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 460,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/1.6 inches |
Photo Sensor Technology | CCD |
Effective Still Resolution | 10.1 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 10 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
JPEG quality level | Normal |
Camera Flash | Built-In |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Video Capture Resolution | HD 720p |
Video Standard | AVCHD |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
---|---|
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium Ion |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 2.5 |
Wireless Communication Technology | Yes |
Flash Memory Type | SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal |
Memory Storage Capacity | 50 MB |
Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
Skill Level | Amateur, Professional |
Specific Uses For Product | Photography |
Form Factor | Ultracompact |
Hardware Interface | SDHC |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CCD |
Lens Type | zoom |
---|---|
Aperture Modes | F2.0-F2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 2.5 x |
Digital Zoom | 4 x |
Zoom Type | Optical |
Compatible Mountings | Micro Four Thirds |
Focus Type | Autofocus & Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 60 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 24 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 3200 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 80 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | aperture-priority, Program, shutter-priority, Manual, Automatic |
Metering Description | 3D Color Matrix |
Shooting Modes | Scene |
Model Name | Panasonic DMC-LX3 |
---|---|
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Number | DMC-LX3 Black |
Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #516,773 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #3,665 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B001CCLBSA |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Instruction Manual |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.29 x 1.06 x 2.36 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 9.28 ounces |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Product Description
Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the Panasonic DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.
From the Manufacturer
Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the Panasonic DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.
At the heart of the DMC-LX3, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD. Making the intentional choice to limit the number of megapixels to 10.1 on its CCD, Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation. As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and saturation is increased by 35 percent when compared to Panasonics 10 MP digital cameras, giving the DMC-LX3 outstanding image quality and a wide dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in low-light environments. The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in three aspect ratios -- 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9. The new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.
Another major upgrade to the LX3 is the F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens. The F2.0 is about twice as bright as a F2.8 lens and can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture clear, blur-free images in dimly lit environments. In addition, the 24mm lens captures approximately a 213-percent larger viewing angle than a normal 35mm camera and 136% larger compared to a 28mm wide-angle lens. The lens unit consists of eight elements in six groups with four aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces. As a result of the F2.0 lens, the LX3 produces high resolution and minimal distortion and artifacts -- such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring.
The LX3 also incorporates the Venus Engine IV, which provides more advanced signal processing technology for producing higher-quality images with reduced noise in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing -- as compared to the Venus Engine III. The Venus Engine IV supports high sensitivity recording enabling the DMC-LX3 to record at up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and even up to ISO 6400 when using high sensitivity mode, enough to capture subjects in low lighting without using a flash. The Venus Engine IV also supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode.
The easy-to-use joystick operation which was featured in its predecessor continues with the LX3, as its intuitive design makes selecting different settings on the camera, including focus, aperture and shutter speed -- easy and quick. Other convenient design elements include a switch on the side of the lens barrel that allows the user to quickly change the focus modes between Manual Focus, Auto Focus and Macro Auto Focus. When choosing Manual Focus, the focus distance and the depth of field according to the zoom range and aperture is also displayed. For setting white balance, the LX3 provides a new color temperature display function, and still includes the Two-Axis white balance adjustment settings offered in previous models. Users can also customize and store their own personal settings of up to four unique functions and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.
Furthering its creative options, the LX3 also features a Film mode with six color types and three types of monochrome selections. Much like selecting from different film types, this function gives the user the flexibility and creative freedom to take more expressive digital photos. Also, when using the Multi-film mode, the LX3 produces a maximum of three images from a RAW file for the user to compare the different textures. Another new feature is the multiple-exposure feature, which lets the user create artistic photos by overlaying up to three consecutive images; while still viewing the last image on the 3.0-inch LCD screen. The LCD on the LX3 is new and improved with a 460,000-dot high resolution.
While the LX3 allows full manual control for more advanced photography, it also includes Panasonics Intelligent Auto mode (iA), including the new feature, AF (auto focus) Tracking. AF Tracking automatically tracks the image subject and locks it into focus, making it easier for anyone to capture sharp, well-focused photos. The AF Tracking technology also improves face detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves or turns their face. Other iA technologies include Intelligent Exposure, Digital Red-eye Correction, MEGA O.I.S, Intelligent ISO, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection (up to 15 faces) and Quick AF.
The DMC-LX3 has the ability to record High Definition (HD) video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps. With the newly added HD component output capability, still and moving pictures can be viewed by connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). In addition, the LX3 features Image Leveling, so when a captured image "leans" to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, this feature rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges.
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, portability, and ease of use of the digital camera. For example, they say it's a great point and shoot camera with an excellent lens that produces excellent photos. Customers are also impressed with the interface and the ability to set controls quickly. They like the lens speed, saying it'll capture the image with little perceptible lag.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the digital camera. They say it's outstanding, and allows them to take some fantastic pictures. The fast lens lets them take high-def video, and is very good for portraits. They mention that Panasonic has made huge improvements in image processing between the LX1 model of 2005, and the newer model. They also appreciate simplicity and obtaining beautiful results.
"...regularly under low-light conditions, enjoy simplicity and obtaining beautiful results, this is the camera for you...." Read more
"...It is also very good for portraits, but at the widest angle, noticeable distortion occurs, so zoom out quite a bit for the best portraits...." Read more
"...camera a week ago and took alot of pictures with it, many of the pictures are quite nice, when I had set the camera properly and took the shots right..." Read more
"...Images are clear, sharp and the best I've seen from any digital camera...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the digital camera. They say it's a great compact camera, ideal for pocket carry, and fun to use. They also like its size and the crystal clear LCD screen. Overall, customers are satisfied with the portiness and versatility of the product.
"...wide angle is fantastic for getting a group in the shot, and it fits in my pocket so I don't feel like a geek lugging around a big camera, but when..." Read more
"...This thing CAN fit in a large pocket but i prefer to have my girlfriend carry it in her purse - where it fits quite nicely...." Read more
"...It's small; purpose built. You won't draw crowds using this camera. It's almost friendly. It looks quite nice too...." Read more
"...The LX3 does not make photos equal in quality to DSLRs, but it's much more carriable - and having it on hand when you want to make a photograph..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the camera. They mention that it has a good quality on the built and on the picture. Some say that it is a fantastic point and shoot camera, very solid, and has an excellent lens. The camera feels and handles like a well-constructed dream, and it has excellent body construction and ergonomics.
"...Even with the conversion lens attached to the LX3, it is still significantly cheaper (and lighter) than buying a DSLR and a wide-angle lens...." Read more
"...That alone makes this cranky camera worth the investment...." Read more
"...and casual travel photos, I cannot recommend this camera enough, it is fantastic, and you must go out and buy one immediately!" Read more
"...Awesome results almost every time.Overall - a solid product, one that is very very hard to beat...." Read more
Customers are impressed by the interface and image quality of the digital camera. They say the menus and interface are pretty intuitive. The camera is easy and fun to use, with easy access to important menu functions using the jog dial. The telephoto range and the controls/menu system is much better. Customers are also impressed with the macro and the 1cm focus range.
"...4. Great battery life.5. Easy access to important menu functions using the jog dial...." Read more
"...The build quality is excellent. The camera can be manually configured and used by an advanced user or you could run everything in auto program mode..." Read more
"...With my Nikon FM2, all settings are totally manual, and the camera is set up to make it easy: aperture is a ring on the lens and shutter speed is a..." Read more
"...and beautiful, the camera is quite compact and it has all the controls an advanced amateur would need...." Read more
Customers like the lens speed of the camera. They say that the ISO performance with the extremely fast lens is good, and the camera can be used with little perceptible lag. They are happy with the performance of the flash, and are happy the quality of images from the LX3 in all conditions. The start-up speed and refresh rate are very good, making it a great point-and-shoot. The very fast burst mode is about 2.5fps, which is really good for a point- and-shook. The construction and with a really fast SD card installed, make the camera a good choice for low light shooting conditions.
"...Start-up speed and refresh rate are very good, the wide angle is fantastic for getting a group in the shot, and it fits in my pocket so I don't..." Read more
"...Thats pretty quick for a compact camera and helps in low light shooting conditions...." Read more
"...It's a good thing this camera has good ISO performance at 400, and acceptable at 800; with the f2.0 aperture, it can take pictures in VERY low light..." Read more
"...Fortunately, with fast lens and image stabilization I almost never need to use ISO above 400.2...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the angle of the digital camera. They mention that the wide angle is amazing, perfect for scenics and travel, and has an excellent lens. The 24mm view is a very attractive feature, and the f/2.0 wide aperture is incredibly fast.
"...The LX3 is one of the best wide-angle focal lengths in the camera market at 24 mm (not many cameras can boast this!)...." Read more
"...What good I will say about the camera is that the f2.0 lens is great. The wide capapbilities are great...." Read more
"...Start-up speed and refresh rate are very good, the wide angle is fantastic for getting a group in the shot, and it fits in my pocket so I don't..." Read more
"...Really wide angle, if you like landscape or urban photography, it's the perfect focal range.3.)..." Read more
Customers like the brightness of the camera. They mention that it's great in low light, the best camera available for low light social settings, and is perfect for natural light photography. They also say that it takes the best night shots for its size and that it allows them to travel light.
"...This camera performed exceptionally under low-light conditions with the aid of the beautiful and fast f 2.0 Leica lens...." Read more
"...Pros:The LX-3 is the best camera available for low light social settings, including candle light...." Read more
"...Performance - Excellent low-light performance, REALLY excellent daytime performance...." Read more
"...gives you freedom from the tripod in more situations and allows one to travel light and work more candidly with this camera...." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the digital camera. They say it's almost friendly, has a real retro look and feel, and feels and looks good. Some customers also mention that it is charming to use black and white at a wide angle and fill the frame with an.
"...It is also a very attractive package when coupled with the Leica leather case. Very retro and styling!" Read more
"...the f2.0 aperture, it can take pictures in VERY low light, and still look great. Oh, and the hotshoe mount will accept a full sized flash :)4.)..." Read more
"...It also just felt and looked so nice that I was constantly afraid to use around my kids for fear of getting it banged up...." Read more
"...This might not look good in some shots (like if a straight like or someones face is close to the border) but nothing too bad for most of the..." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
The LX3 is one of the best wide-angle focal lengths in the camera market at 24 mm (not many cameras can boast this!). Granted, the zoom range on this camera isn't great (only 2.5x) so I believe that this camera is more geared towards those who are into landscape photography. Combined with the optional Panasonic DMW-LA4 Conversion Adapter (~$25) and the Panasonic DMW-LW46 Wide Conversion Lens (~$150), I found a winning combination by allowing me to have an even greater wide-angle coverage at 18 mm.
This was particularly important for me as I was going to Hawai'i and I wanted to capture as much beauty, detail and information the Islands had to offer and the LX3 did exactly that. The adapter also allows attachment of filters - another added bonus, so one can capture flowing waterfalls, include a protective UV filter and polarizing filter.
Even with the conversion lens attached to the LX3, it is still significantly cheaper (and lighter) than buying a DSLR and a wide-angle lens. For me, I get the opportunity to visit many places and the last thing that I want to do is lug around a DSLR with me. The LX3 is more like a compromise between a compact camera and the DSLR.
The LX3 also shoots HD-video but I use that less often. I enjoy subjecting the LX3 under complex light conditions as well as low-light conditions. I rarely need to "enhance" any images as the colour, detail and quality of such pictures are instantly fabulous. This camera performed exceptionally under low-light conditions with the aid of the beautiful and fast f 2.0 Leica lens. The LX3 has less auto-options visible on the dial (but easily accessible under the menu options) forcing the user to use his/her imagination while composing the shot. Thus, for beginners, this is a nice prompt to encourage their photography skills and creativity.
Some things I LOVE about the LX3 in a nutshell.
1. Aspect ratio dial = easy to change from 16:9 to 4:3 etc.
2. Focus dial = easy to focus manually in both normal and macro modes.
3. RAW = greater flexibility in post-picture processing.
4. Great battery life.
5. Easy access to important menu functions using the jog dial. Note, if your hands are not dainty, it might be difficult to access the button closest to the screen.
Here are a few things that people complain about but my thoughts on them.
The lens cap: I do not have a problem with removing it from the lens. If you have a DSLR, you have the EXACT same feature.
Poor flash: The bright f2.0 lens is so great at capturing light under low-light conditions, rarely do you need to use the flash. Use a tripod or buy a flash gun. The LX3 is equipped with a hotshoe!
Some things I would love to see in a future incarnation of the LX3 (The LX3 has been out for more than a year (as of May 2010) so there could be a new model coming out soon?:
1. Increased zoom let's up from 2.5x optical zoom to 5x or more! (If you decrease the MP down to 5MP, you will get 5x zoom).
2. Ability to zoom whilst shooting video.
One thing that might swing it for you: I have been stopped numerous times by people asking me about this camera while I have been out. It's such a great feeling to know you have a unique camera. It's such a rare build combining internal complexity and external simplicity into an all-round beautiful camera.
Final thoughts - If you enjoy landscape photography, shoot regularly under low-light conditions, enjoy simplicity and obtaining beautiful results, this is the camera for you. Although the LX3 is geared more towards the more advanced photographer, beginners will enjoy the delights of this camera. It costs almost twice the cost of a typical point and shoot camera but the pleasure of being able to capture an image under extreme conditions absolutely warrants this camera as a MUST HAVE. I am so glad I bought the LX3.
1. Within a few days of being in Thailand, the sensor developed a sizable black spot in the lower right hand corner...mostly visible in the 16:9 mode shooting zoomed in at a bright subject. VERY, VERY annoying for a professional photog. I have returned to the US and sent it in to Panasonic ($11 in shipping paid by me) and am waiting for its return. It was returned in a month's time and now within 2 weeks, it developed ANOTHER spot on the sensor and a blurry area in the lower right hand area in low light wide angle shooting. NOTE: the lens is not dirty on the outside. It is spotless. I have asked Panasonic for a loaner while they fix it and they refuse.
You can see photos and documentation of the spot and blurry area on my blog:
[...]
2. I returned to my home computer to find that about 50% of the photos I shot in RAW format were out of focus. WHAT??? My last Lumix never produced a single out-of-focus shot. I examined them all carefully and can see that in some cases the auto focus didn't grab my intended focal point...it grabbed something like a shirt color instead of a nose. Enough when using the camera in not-so-bright settings to ruin the shot. One has to be very careful about what exactly the camera is focusing on. Chalk that up to user error, but still, it was disappointing. The remaining unfocused shots were camera shake at 1/40. What?? What about that image stabilizer that worked so well in the TZ3 and ZS3? I think the stabilizer is not adequate.
3. The LX3 is not supported in RAW format on iPhoto. That is a BIG DRAG!! If you use Lightbox or Bridge, OK.
4. The zoom really does suck. We all know that at the outset, but I found myself using my travel companion's Lumix ZS3 b/c of its extraordinary zoom capability.
5. The VIDEO mode really is pretty miserable. It won't zoom. I knew that. BUT, what I didn't know is that the camera adjusts its aperture on the fly as you're panning from a bright to dark subject. But it doesn't do it gradually or elegantly. It does it abruptly so you have these SUDDEN shifts in exposure which are jarring.
What good I will say about the camera is that the f2.0 lens is great. The wide capapbilities are great. The sharpness and sensitivity of the sensor when shooting in RAW are better than any compact I've ever seen or used. That alone makes this cranky camera worth the investment. So if you can haul around a mono or tripod to ensure sharpness and you take the time to make SURE you're focusing correctly, and if you're not really into shooting video, go ahead and get this camera. But if you're NOT going to shoot in RAW, don't waste your money. Get the ZS3, an overall better camera for the good amateur.
It is also a very attractive package when coupled with the Leica leather case. Very retro and styling!
Top reviews from other countries
It is a little larger than most compacts and because of a slight lens protrusion, you will find that it is difficult to purchase a compact camera bag for it. I purchased a Lowepro Classified 30 and it is far from ideal. My cousin has his LX2 in a Lowepro Apex30.
Regarding the SilkyPix software that comes with the camera, I personally found the Nikon Picture Project software a little more intuitive. It is still quite easy to use and I managed to do everything ok without reading the manual.
All in all, I love this little camera and I've been carrying it around more than I have my Nikon D40x lately. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a smaller camera for everyday use.