Mike Chaney's Tech Corner

First, let me start off by congratulating Mike on putting together this new forum.  I am really looking forward to following various discussions here that don't exactly fit into the Qimage & Profile Prism lists.

I'm looking for a digital camera to use when I don't feel like grabbing my DLSR and the Panasonic LX3 caught my eye because of its reported excellent low light capabilities (wide aperture lens, image stabilization, large sensor, etc).  I also like the fact that I can shoot in RAW and that the camera has a full complement of manual controls in addition to the auto modes.  I've also been very impressed by the quality of the pictures it produces across the ISO range.  I know that it has a relatively small 2.5 zoom range but for me the 24mm wide angle makes up for that.  One thing that does concern me, however, is its speed of operation.  I can't find any in stock around Baltimore so I haven't been able to pick one up and try it for myself so I thought I'd ask if anyone else on this forum has one and would like to comment on the camera.

Thanks,
Ralph

Hi--I have the LX-2, its predecessor, and have been quite happy with it.  I like the panoramic look and it gives you raw files. Some of my images done with this camera have ended up in magazines.

A lot of my professional friends seem to like it also, but a lot of pros also seem to like the Canon G10.  The G10 to me seems bulkier, however. Sometimes, the difference between taking and not taking a camera is the convenience factor, when we're not working.

Len Kaufman
Whirled Phamous Photographer
www.lenkaufman.com

I don't have the LX3 but I'm increasingly impressed with Panasonic's latest models.  The Canon G10 will beat the LX3 at low ISO for resolution but the LX3 pulls (way) ahead at high ISO.  I don't think you can go wrong with the LX3.  Just make sure you read the reviews to be sure it can do what you want it to do.  The sensor isn't as big as a dSLR so you're not going to get the depth of field or that dSLR look/feel.

Mike

I have had the LX3 for some time now and find myself grabbing it about 50% of the time - especially when I don't want to take the 40D, I shoot a lot of wide angle and the quality is remarkable in raw. I also have played with the picture modes, something I have never done before and dfind some of them very helpful. Nice camera at a good price.

Jim Cummings

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  Jim, Do you find the camera reasonably responsive while shooting in raw?  Also, how is the auto-focusing in low light?

Ralph

I have had the LX3 for about 8 months, and I've been very happy with it. It is quite responsive when shooting RAW, although their jpegs are good enough that usually I don't bother to do the RAW editing (there's an option for shooting both at once). Occasionally I miss a longer zoom, but more often I'm so happy to have a 24mm equivalent wide angle.

Liz

Very responsive in Raw - minor shutter lag, for all intents and purposes. Fair to good in low light.

Jim Cummings

Thanks again for the feedback. 

Another question.  Does the lens accept standard glass filters?

Ralph

You need an adapter tube to add any kind of lens or filter.

Thanks, Liz.

Hi, I have the LX3, used it for several months. It is a camera I keep in the brief case for estimates and day to day shots. It is fantastic! The detail and colour make it good enough to use jpeg only. I use a Canon 1DsMark111 for all my serious shots and use only RAW here. The wide angle is very useful. The video has been a little dissappointing, mainly I think the problems were to be expected, due to no image stabilization and poor audio. But it is a lot better than most other point and shoot. I am very happy to have this camera with me at all times. All the best, Keith

Hi I'm a newbie to this photography lark.....have recently bought a Panasonic LX3 and I love it......except for the timer....it apparently only has 2 options....2 seconds or 10 seconds. I'm a carp angler and when I occassionally catch a nice fish I like to photograph it whilst it is being held by myself......because of the fact that I fish alone it's very unusual to have somebody available to take the shot......so is it possible to make the timer longer than 10 seconds by accessing the software.....30 seconds would be good and then possibly a burst of 5 shots....this would give me time to set up the camera and then struggle round to the fish....lift it and have the shot......and there isn't an infra red option or even a remote wired shutter release......and anyway I have enough trouble holding onto a slippery 30Lb carp.... so a timer would be the best option.........anybody got any ideas?

I've seen somewhere a velcro'd on strap, with a standard socket for a mechanical cable release. You could fashion something yourself, maybe, with a small solenoid, remotely triggered by a foot switch, say.