Probably the best compact camera out there: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Posted by Jorge Bernal July 17, 2009
Sorry for the title. Actually there is no overall “best camera”, “best laptop” or “best whatever”. It always depends on what you need. If you just need a compact camera to take some pictures of your family trips or your college parties, almost any camera will do the trick for a much lower price.
That said, if you are serious about learning photography you should probably get a DSLR. You can get a Nikon D40 for about $400 or a Canon Rebel XS (aka 1000D) for about $500. I own the older Nikon D50 and I love it. Most of the pictures in this website were taken with that camera. I would only upgrade to the Nikon D700 but the gain isn’t worth $3000 to me.
Then, why am I recommending the LX3? Simple. The only problem I have with my D50 (and any other DSLR for that matter) is the size. It’s not too big for a DSLR, but it’s not a gadget to carry everywhere.
So, if you want a portable camera which allows you to learn photography, the LX3 is for you. I won’t go too technical here, but let’s highlight some of the features
- 10 Megapixels (large enough for screen and print)
- Shoots in RAW
- It has manual exposure and manual focus modes, so you can learn all the basics
- And the automatic modes are really smart
- It’s actually a leica (in fact this one but with the lumix logo and $200 less in the price)
- Very good optics
- Shoots video in HD
If you want more details, read the full review at dpreview.
Some samples:
I added more contrast on this one, but the original was already amazing.
Macro focus works like a charm
Not actually a video, but a time-lapse. It has a hi-speed burst mode where it can take 3-megapixel stills at 6fps
Get a drink on Vimeo
Not mine, but shot with a LX3, although it seems to have gone through some good post-production
Words Don’t Mean The Same Thing To You… on Vimeo
If you like what you see, you can get the LX3 on Amazon for $567.99
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I’m pondering buying a compact camera (my Nikon D40 is small and light for a DSLR, but I cannot carry it all day long).
I’m undecided between the Panasonix LX3 and the Fuji F200. Any opinion?