LX3 or LX5

[sara]

Soooooo.......

my birthday is coming up soon and I was thinking of finally getting that point and shoot. I already decided it's a Panasonic LX camera but I'm not sure if I should get the LX3 or 5?

I say LX3 as well because if there isn't much of a difference, then I can save a couple of quid, and if a LX6 comes out I can get that?

But if there is no LX6 then I can get an LX5?

🙄They're always upgrading cameras anyway...

 

[nobbylon]

I have an lx3 and love it. White balance can be a pain but the video quality is amazing.
60 at the tele end is a bit limiting though.

 

[lynnb]

I'm still very happy with my LX3, but the LX5 does have a few advantages - the main one for me would be the EVF. In bright light it's not always easy to see the LCD. The EVF also allows you to stabilise the camera against your face, rather than holding at arms length (note holding the camera extended with neck strap taught does help to minimise movement). Extra expense, though.

Hopefully someone here who's had both cameras will offer you some more advice.

btw, happy birthday!

 

[peterm1]

I am happy with my Lx3 but the 5 has three advantages I can think of. How much importance you palce on them is up to you.
1 EVF
2 A longer zoom
3 inbuilt square format with a sxitch on the lens barrel (LX3 has it by firmware upgrade acccessable in the menu)

I reckon thats about it apart from that these two cameras are pretty close in my book

 

[JMQ]

I have the D-Lux 4, which is the twin of the LX-3, and am generally pleased with it. I don't know how much you'll save by going with the LX-3, but as Peter pointed out the LX-5 has the longer zoom (35 equiv of 90mm vs 60mm), and the 5 has a larger sensor. I'd spring for the 5.

 

[jody36]

stick with the 3 unless those upgrades mean a lot to you. Love my LX3. Look around and you can save a few hundred bucks on a 3.

 

[aad]

I don't know how much you save buying a 3 instead of a 5, but the viewfinder, hotshoe, improved controls and lagless shutter of the 5 make me wonder why you would even consider a 3 if you don't already have one.

 

[_goodtimez]

My wife had an LX5 and it was such a crap in color management. Worse than any cheapo P&S she has used so far. She sold it and bought an X10 instead.

 

[jody36]

hope your reading right now amazon has a lx5 for 356 us and a lx3 for 369 us so to me the math is easy.

 

[River Dog]

I sold my LX5 for a Canon S95 - much more compact if you want pocketabilty, which I do. I don't see the point in a P&S otherwise. I carried the LX5 much less than I planned. I hated the lens cap. So I would buy a S95 instead since the S100 is out.

 

[TechCron]

I would suggest to go for what is the newest because it holds its value longer. The added zoom range makes the LX5 a bit more useful for me. If you're the type that tends to keep things for a long time then go for the latest

 

[Don Parsons]

I got a LX5 and found it almost a perfect travel camera for the way I shoot. I love the 24mm wide, the lagless shutter and the ability to change formats on the fly. I use the 1:1 a great deal more than I thought I would. The f-stop stays larger than the Canon does, esp. at the long end. Go to a shop and try them both out, see which you like best.

The 16:9 would be great for an Abbey Road shot. 🙂

 

[David Hughes]

Can't speak for either but my old LX2 is great and can be better on a tripod than a lot of others.

Regards, David

PS But I do wish it had a proper DV view-finder.

 

[jaimiepeeters]

I sold my LX5 because of the NOISE I got on the pictures... even on iso100... it sucked bolls

 

[Griffin]

I have seen comparison shots of the 3 vs the 5. Dynamic range is much improved. The EVF Ive handled in the shop, but it feels like a toy. Id go for the 5.

Still happy with my dlux 4 though!

 

[sara]

Thanks everyone I'll have a look around as well. I know it's Panasonic Lumix first choice but now friends have told me about that Canon S95, and also the Ricoh...something lol.

I think I just want one that's good enough, I mean I do photography so obviously something good would be handy. I get a bit funny about digital because of the white balance.

 

[jsrockit]

I look at the smaller zoom of the LX3 as an advantage. 24mm-60mm equiv is cool.

 

[malthusiantrap]

I used to have an LX5. Image quality is very good and the AF speed is fantastic; however, it was the menu system and the (IMO) poor interface that made me sell it.
I replaced it with a Ricoh GRD III a few months ago and I think the GRD is the best digital camera I've ever had. Great ergonomics and customizable options. Image quality is great and I feel comfortable using ISO 1600 in raw and then converting it to b/w.
I haven't checked but I think the GRD III and the LX5 costs pretty much the same.

To answer your question, I would probably get an LX5 as I think the upgrades would justify the added costs. But if you can find a new LX3 for dirt cheap then go for it 🙂