I'm not even interested in the silver model. I want the sexy black Panasonic DMC-LX3 compact camera. For starters, this model has 24mm-60mm f-2.0 (at 24mm) Leica Vario-Summicron zoom lens. Then add features such as Raw capture, larger 1/1.63 inch CCD, three aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9), image stabilization, spot metering, 10.1 megapixels, 3:2 aspect ratio 3" LCD, and high definition movie capture up to 1280 x 720 at 30 fps - all in a handsome package that will fit easily in your jacket pocket.
I had the previous model, the LX2, on loan for about 6 months. And I have to say I really enjoyed using the camera. I liked the true 16:9 aspect ratio, especially combined with the excellent movie mode. I also liked being able to capture in Raw, even with my compact camera.
This latest model represents a trend at Panasonic. They are really trying to overcome the narrow field of view we usually have to tolerate with compact cameras. Often the widest focal length is around 36mms, which isn't really very wide at all. So to have a full 24mm wide angle lens, and at f-2.0 at that, is a real treat. This is a camera that you can shoot in tight quarters with. I do see Face Detection on the spec list. And that makes perfect sense given this camera has "event shooting" written all over it. And speaking of event shooting, the LX3 does have a hot shoe to support external flashes.
All in all, it looks like Panasonic has a real winner on its hands. I'm anxious to see images to determine if the bigger sensor and updated processing engine helps the LX3 control image noise better than its predecessors. The camera should be available in August, and it probably will retail for around $500 US.
Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, Technology, The Digital Story, Panasonic LX3
But were is the optical viewfinder?
It sounds be a bit old school to want one but there are a lot of reason:
- it is much more convenient to view from the eye.
- it saves a lot of battery life
- it make the camera much more steady when you hold it close to the body (the face in that case).
It uses an OFV that goes in the hot shoe. I wonder if we'll have 3 different VFs or a zoom one?
Anyway I'm confused about the sensor. Wuth the lx1 & 2 the 28mm was only in 16:9 mode, but this is 24mm in every mode...dunno how that works
Look at the dimensions for each picture at max size. None of them are the same at all. It looks like the sensor has 3 different areas for different aspects. So the total MP for this camera are 11.3 according to the Panasonic spec, but effective MP are 10.1. However the hughest res the camera shoots at is 9.9 MP in 4:3 mode. Also compare this too the lx2 @ 10.3 total MP on a 1/1.65 sensor. So are the photodiodes really bigger? Or is the lx3 sensor bigger than we think using 1/1.63 area for each aspect ratio?
Also what happens when you lay all 3 images on top of each other in PS? Can we get more Mp or a wider field of view? Someone could try creating a 3 layer shot with a red box for 4:3 mode a green box for 3:2 and a blue box for 16:9. Then see whats the usable area.
Also because NO in camera processimg (cropping) can be applied for RAW, will the RAW pics be some funky aspect ratio but at 10.1 MP?
Ok0 that's much too long for a phone.
It uses an OFV that goes in the hot shoe. I wonder if we'll have 3 different VFs or a zoom one?
Anyway I'm confused about the sensor. Wuth the lx1 & 2 the 28mm was only in 16:9 mode, but this is 24mm in every mode...dunno how that works
Look at the dimensions for each picture at max size. None of them are the same at all. It looks like the sensor has 3 different areas for different aspects. So the total MP for this camera are 11.3 according to the Panasonic spec, but effective MP are 10.1. However the hughest res the camera shoots at is 9.9 MP in 4:3 mode. Also compare this too the lx2 @ 10.3 total MP on a 1/1.65 sensor. So are the photodiodes really bigger? Or is the lx3 sensor bigger than we think using 1/1.63 area for each aspect ratio?
Also what happens when you lay all 3 images on top of each other in PS? Can we get more Mp or a wider field of view? Someone could try creating a 3 layer shot with a red box for 4:3 mode a green box for 3:2 and a blue box for 16:9. Then see whats the usable area.
Also because NO in camera processimg (cropping) can be applied for RAW, will the RAW pics be some funky aspect ratio but at 10.1 MP?
Ok0 that's much too long for a phone.
It uses an OFV that goes in the hot shoe. I wonder if we'll have 3 different VFs or a zoom one?
Anyway I'm confused about the sensor. Wuth the lx1 & 2 the 28mm was only in 16:9 mode, but this is 24mm in every mode...dunno how that works
Look at the dimensions for each picture at max size. None of them are the same at all. It looks like the sensor has 3 different areas for different aspects. So the total MP for this camera are 11.3 according to the Panasonic spec, but effective MP are 10.1. However the hughest res the camera shoots at is 9.9 MP in 4:3 mode. Also compare this too the lx2 @ 10.3 total MP on a 1/1.65 sensor. So are the photodiodes really bigger? Or is the lx3 sensor bigger than we think using 1/1.63 area for each aspect ratio?
Also what happens when you lay all 3 images on top of each other in PS? Can we get more Mp or a wider field of view? Someone could try creating a 3 layer shot with a red box for 4:3 mode a green box for 3:2 and a blue box for 16:9. Then see whats the usable area.
Also because NO in camera processimg (cropping) can be applied for RAW, will the RAW pics be some funky aspect ratio but at 10.1 MP?
Ok0 that's much too long for a phone.
Love for my LX2 + enticing list of upgraded features = Drool (and yes, it would have to be black this time.)
Glad you chose this shot, it looks like they've changed the lens cap (or left it out of the image?) The protruding nose (and frankly, a lens cap that you have to think about on a compact camera) is one of the minor drawbacks to the LX2, but on the LX3 looks a little less so.
At Dpreview they have a pic of it. I agree I'd like one too if I get the cam & if it's not too much money.
Also from reading it appears that the active area of the sensor is 1/1.8 for each aspect. Meaning it ises a different area of the sensor for each aspect, but keeps the same field if view. On a Lx2 or 1 the field of view for 3:2 was closer to that of a 35mm lens than a 28.
So is the 10.1MP for raw using about a 1/1.7 sensor? Also 9.9MP in a 1/1.8 isn't that great for noise.
PS sorry for the multiple posts Windows mobile said it did'nt work.
this looks like the camera i've been waiting for. Waiting to hear how it performs in low light with high iso.
this looks like the camera i've been waiting for. Waiting to hear how it performs in low light with high iso.
Thanks for posting this. Would be intrested to read more or possibly please contact me by email thank you!