Looks like Panasonic pulled some stops out here - not going to be a cheap point and shoot but more like a flagship, as was the LC1.
I wonder if the price might stop many that might otherwise consider this camera.
After (finally) taking some time to properly read the press release I note that in some ways the LX3 out-performs the GX200 in a technical sense. The "intuitive" interface remains to be seen and used before we all agree that they have matched Ricoh.
Of interest is the DC Vario-Summicron f2.0-2.4 lens as this seems to be the same type as the lens in the LC1 which had the same specifications but over a 28-90 zoom range equivalent as opposed to the 24-60 equivalent range of the LX3. If the lens is as good as that in the LC1 then it will be a very good lens indeed.
Low noise high iso images in low light with quiter fast lens focus tracking might start shaking the last bastions of the dslr where it has reamined the camera to use when the going gets tough.
Panasonic seem to be on a similar course to that with the LC1 - that camera was very good and very expensive at the same time and was obviously sold in relatively small numbers to more discerning users who were not overcome by the retail price. I admit to being overcome by the price but was lucky enough to find a "half-price" one towards the end of its marketed period.
The projected price of the LX3 puts it at the top end of the compact camera range and it will be interesting to see if the market will pay the premium to get the goods.
From my previous Panasonic purchases and my iintimate knowledge of the LC1 as well I can have no doubt that the LX3 will be a great camera.
The debate will rage over whether the GX200 or the LX3 produces "superior images" or whether one or the other is "more intuitive" but the fact is that they are both exceptional small cameras and personal preference and the size of your pocket book are going to be the final deciding factors.
The LX3 has a few tricks in there that Ricoh might be able to catch up with through firmware upgrades but in the end they are both fine cameras and the jury might be out for some time on this one.
--
Tom Caldwell
I wonder if the price might stop many that might otherwise consider this camera.
After (finally) taking some time to properly read the press release I note that in some ways the LX3 out-performs the GX200 in a technical sense. The "intuitive" interface remains to be seen and used before we all agree that they have matched Ricoh.
Of interest is the DC Vario-Summicron f2.0-2.4 lens as this seems to be the same type as the lens in the LC1 which had the same specifications but over a 28-90 zoom range equivalent as opposed to the 24-60 equivalent range of the LX3. If the lens is as good as that in the LC1 then it will be a very good lens indeed.
Low noise high iso images in low light with quiter fast lens focus tracking might start shaking the last bastions of the dslr where it has reamined the camera to use when the going gets tough.
Panasonic seem to be on a similar course to that with the LC1 - that camera was very good and very expensive at the same time and was obviously sold in relatively small numbers to more discerning users who were not overcome by the retail price. I admit to being overcome by the price but was lucky enough to find a "half-price" one towards the end of its marketed period.
The projected price of the LX3 puts it at the top end of the compact camera range and it will be interesting to see if the market will pay the premium to get the goods.
From my previous Panasonic purchases and my iintimate knowledge of the LC1 as well I can have no doubt that the LX3 will be a great camera.
The debate will rage over whether the GX200 or the LX3 produces "superior images" or whether one or the other is "more intuitive" but the fact is that they are both exceptional small cameras and personal preference and the size of your pocket book are going to be the final deciding factors.
The LX3 has a few tricks in there that Ricoh might be able to catch up with through firmware upgrades but in the end they are both fine cameras and the jury might be out for some time on this one.
--
Tom Caldwell
And YES, I still do, ISO 100 only of caurse. Some pics have that 3D look. I'm wondering if I need to get one more, in case this one breaks