A diamond in the rough

A diamond in the rough
By Charles E. Buban

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WITH so many new digital compact cameras available in the market today, it’s easy to overlook this 2-year-old model from Panasonic. And camera buyers may be missing a lot.

The Panasonic Lumix DMX-LX3 may look unassuming. It is a bit boxy and full of tiny buttons. But for those who are able to get past these issues, they are rewarded with SLR-level pictures.

The LX3 is Panasonic’s flagship compact digicam for enthusiasts, meaning this particular model is meant for users looking for a high-end point-and-shoot or a supplement to their existing professional SLR setup.

What makes this 10.1 megapixel compact digicam a prized possession among serious amateurs and professionals is the fact that it has a manual mode that allows users to have full control over what creative output they desire (like setting both aperture and shutter speed separately).

With the LX3, a user may also take pictures in RAW format (by the way, RAW doesn’t stand for anything, as it just means raw, unprocessed data).

Equivalent of the negative in film cameras, RAW format delivers unmanipulated raw data that lets the user bypass the automatic data conversion process that digicams offer (usually in the compressed Joint Photographic Experts Group or JPEG format).

With RAW data converter software (make sure you have the LX3’s SilkyPix image-processing software CD), the user now has the ability to adjust the images’ final output by allowing for any number of personal decisions on how to define it.

Wide angle

While a number of compact digicams may also offer these features, the LX3 trumps them all by sporting a wide angle lens with coverage equivalent to 24mm to 60mm, as well as a Leica-branded lens that offers a bright focal ratio of f2.0-2.8 (which is at least a stop brighter than most sold in the market).

This is definitely the clincher for this writer as the LX3’s f2.0-2.8 lens has the ability to gather double the light, which in turn means quicker exposures or less reliance on higher ISO sensitivities that usually results in grainier pictures.

The LX3’s lens also features Optical Image Stabilization to help combat camera-shake.

While this digicam supports up to ISO 3,200, you really don’t want to shoot at anything beyond ISO 800. For best results, stick to ISO 400 and below.

Flash hot shoe

Another interesting feature is the fact that the LX3 has a flash hot shoe.

This compact digicam is equipped with a tiny built-in flash with a reach of no more than 8 meters. But Panasonic engineers decided that a flash hot shoe would enable users to attach a more powerful external flash that would allow them to be creative with the lighting (the compatible Panasonic DMW-FL500 or DMW-FL300 could bounce light to a certain angle as well as regulate the light intensity striking the subject).

This flash hot shoe is also compatible with an optional clip-on viewfinder.

Custom settings

Another wonderful feature of the LX3 is the C1 and C2 custom modes where users may store customized setting that can be instantly retrieved using the Mode dial.

This high level of customization is usually reserved for digital SLRs, and this writer is pleased to enjoy it using the LX3.

At 265 grams, with dimensions of 10.87 cm wide by 5.95 cm high by 2.71 cm deep (with lens retracted), the relatively compact LX3 will fit comfortably in a jacket pocket.

There’s a slightly pronounced grip up front and a small, bumpy thumb rest on the back. But neither will be enough to keep the device from slipping, so make sure the strap is secured to your wrist or neck.

Won the hearts

Indeed, the LX3 has won the hearts of many serious amateurs and professionals. With its solidly built body and class-leading optics, the only drawback is its 2.5x zoom that is only capable of reaching 60mm.

While this may be short range, many are more than willing to forego this shortcoming for a wider coverage and brighter aperture.

While the LX3 now sells for about half of its original price, (when it was launched it carried a P35, 000 price tag) its number has significantly dwindled.

Of course, the LX3 is now being replaced by the LX5.

Although the newer model now sports a 3.8x zoom equivalent to 90mm (same 10.1MP resolution, 3-inch LCD screen, still is 24mm at its widest and f2.0 at maximum aperture), improved ergonomics, longer battery life, it differs only slightly with the already rare LX3, which has become an even more sought-after device these days.

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