This is a camera that many serious photographers want to buy, but may be leery of because of the image processing shortcomings in the first model, the LX1.
The latest release, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2, once again tempts our willpower. It has a 4X Leica zoom with image stabilizer (that is 28mm on the wide end), true 16:9 format option, 10 megapixels of resolution, 2.8 inch LCD monitor, beautiful metal body, RAW mode, ISO range up to 1600, and a brand new Venus III image processing engine.
The bottom line with this beautiful machine seems to be this... if you shoot at ISO 100, or even 200, you're going to be pretty happy with the results. But once you start pushing it to ISO 400 and higher, you're going to have some image noise to deal with. For more details about this, take a look at the review on photographyblog. If grappling with the noise at higher ISOs isn't a deal breaker for you, this is a gorgeous camera with a Leica lens that you can buy for around $500.
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Interesting feature set. I have the Lumix LZ2 and have been pretty happy with it thus far. In looking at the higher ISO shots with the LX2, they are noisy but overall it delivered pretty good results. Although Panasonic has not been as popular as some other brands they do have some nice features at a lower price point. I think the Panasonic line is worth a look for those with a moderate budget. If they could solve the noise problem and keep the price reasonable they would have a hard time keeping them in stock.
I agree, Harold, that Panasonic does a good job pulling desirable features together into an attractive package. And like I said in the original post, if high ISO performance isn't a priority for you, this seems like a great camera.
It's great that you commented on the LX2, Derrick. I appreciate your insights.
I was really looking forward to this camera. But, the reviews have been so negative. I've been trying to find out if the Leica version has better image quality. As yet, I've not seen any comparisons. If you hear anything about better image quality in the Leica version, please do pass along the info. It sure in an inticing little thing.
enticing not inticing. Why do I always catch spelling errors right after I hit the Post button?