Does it make sense to buy an LX3 today?

Am looking to supplement my Nikon SLR system (for trips when I cannot take my camera bag or don't want to haul everything but still want the chance to take a photo or two)

LX3 has been out for a while. I've never used a Panasonic camera. Thinking about the Canon S90 as well.

I need something small (fits in jeans pocket) that is good in low light.
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http://flickr.com/photos/rcaron/

The LX3 isn't a jeans pocket camera mostly due to the lens, which doesn't completely retract into the body. Cargo pocket--no problem.

The Canon S90 is smaller and from the tests a bit better in high-ISO performance, but also lacks several of the LX3's features. If pocketability is a key criterion it might be a better choice.

There are many cameras that are much smaller, but nothing that performs as well as these two. If I were selecting between them today I'd go with the LX3 because of the 24mm lens, hotshoe and variable aspect ratio, but would be happy with either.

Cheers,

Rick

Skeeterbytes said:

The LX3 isn't a jeans pocket camera mostly due to the lens, which doesn't completely retract into the body. Cargo pocket--no problem.

The Canon S90 is smaller and from the tests a bit better in high-ISO performance, but also lacks several of the LX3's features. If pocketability is a key criterion it might be a better choice.

There are many cameras that are much smaller, but nothing that performs as well as these two. If I were selecting between them today I'd go with the LX3 because of the 24mm lens, hotshoe and variable aspect ratio, but would be happy with either.

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I generally concur except I wouldn't be happy with the S90 because while lens ring control makes sense on a cam put up to ones eye like my FZ30 & 50 & a few other EVF & OVF based cams with zoom & focus rings.

IMO, it's got to be awkward on a cam mostly held away from the body like LCD-only cams tend to be...

I generally hold my LX3 a little further away than maybe most do & having to reach around front to twist a ring around the lens would cramp my style, unless it's something you set & forget, like Focus mode or aspect ratio, which are the only two controls that are not on the top or back of the LX3....

I've also become quite a bit more comfy with the joystick than I thought I would... As Mick sang: "Under-my-thumb" is the order-of-the-day with the LX3 & my right thumb pretty much is what does everything, regardless if its on the stick or the 4-ways.

However, I also don't pocket nor do I want to pocket a cam, so holstering the LX works best for me and even if I had something as small as the S90, it too would be always at the ready holstered on my belt as well...

Plus I was mostly enticed by the LX's 24mm & F/2 lens too & sorry but that extra 4mm on that end is pretty much just like the diff between 250mm vs 420mm at the other end only you can't crop 28mm to the equiv. view of 24mm like you can crop 250mm to 400mm...
YMMV

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Skeeterbytes said:

Skeeterbytes said:

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Skeeterbytes said:

Skeeterbytes said:

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kungfusion said:

Am looking to supplement my Nikon SLR system (for trips when I cannot take my camera bag or don't want to haul everything but still want the chance to take a photo

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G11?

kungfusion said:

Thinking about the Canon S90 as well.

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The S90's rear control wheel is ANNOYING to say it nicely Also it's high ISO tends to smear detail more so than most.

kungfusion said:

I need something small (fits in jeans pocket) that is good in low light.

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LX3 won't do that.

I've shot with a S90, LX3 and F200. I'm not a huge Fuji fan (requires more PP) but if you want low light plus pocketable the F200exr is hard to beat.

If you want compact but not pocketable, the LX3 is great. I think the F200 is 1 stop cleaner, but also 1 stop slower -- but the 60mm range can be limiting in good light. In which case I like the G11. I've shot with a G10 and its quite impressive. I'm assuming only better with the G11.

The LX3 is not a pocket camera due to the lens. I had for many years the first Canon EOS digital rebel and I was looking for a smaller camera, after my home work I did buy the LX3. I looove this camera. The manual settings are a plus 16:9 ratio is faboulus the HD movie capabilities are great and the look is really cool! If you have time read the booklet and studied a little bit you will enjoy this camera forever. I really recomend the LX3.

A review on the G11 just came out on this Forum, there is also a full review on the LX3.

From one who owns TWO LX3 cameras, three words: YES! YES! YES! Very soon after I bought my first LX3, I purchased another one and put it in the safe for future use. Yes, it's THAT good! My Nikon D300 has felt abandoned the past year!

Some LX3 images:

http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill/panasoniclx3

http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill/disaster_relief_baytown_tx

http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill/ncbmdisasterrelieftraining

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

NEVER BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING NEW.
REMEMBER, AMATEURS BUILT THE ARK.
PROFESSIONALS BUILT THE TITANIC!

panafan said:

kungfusion said:

I need something small (fits in jeans pocket) that is good in low light.

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LX3 won't do that.

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I wouldn't say it "won't do that"
I put an LX3 in my jeans pocket all the time.

Sure a smaller camera will be easier to fit, but when I know I'll be wanting to take pictures, I find it worth throwing in my pocket.

Is it the ideal pocket camera? absolutely not, but I do find it worthwhile when I want quality photos.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a Sony WX1 because if it's size and lowlight capability, but I just haven't convinced myself to pull the trigger yet. The small size is quite tempting though...

I have been using a TZ1 since they first came out, and I think it is the best P&S unit Panasonic ever built. If you learn its limitations, i.e., no EVF and no manual controls, it can produce great pictures and it fits in my shirt pocket and has a 10x zoom lens. Check out whatever the current descendant of the TZ1 is - it could be what you are looking for.
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POGO was right !

Buy the zs3 today and if you like it, keep it and get the LX3 or sell it and get the LX3. Since you have been using SLR cameras for awhile, it would be sad to spend $400 on the lx3 and you not like it because of the lack of a viewfinder.

Additionally, if you like the z3, you would probably like the lx3 more.

I have taken my own advice and bought the zs3 this past weekend and I'm going to give it a run for its money. I already like the small size of it. some complain its not small enough but small for me is that I can carry around in my hemp bag without any problems.