Panasonic Lumix LX3 -- Baby M8?

35mmdelux

35mmdelux

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Some are calling the Panasonic Lumix LX3 the new Baby M8. I'd like to have some digital capture ability to back up my MP when I am out and about. The G10 is too large for my interests; Im looking for something smaller.

The LX3 looks to be pretty compact and easy to stow in my Domke's side pocket. The poor man's M8?

What say ye?
 
I had the same thoughts. Bought one and took it back after one week under Jessops return policy; a baby M8 it is not. Like all compacts it is fiddly to operate and for that reason you might find it a tad frustrating. I've had about 8 compacts over the last year and felt the same about them all. I'm with that group of people who want a high quality small camera with interchangeable lens without all the bells and whistles (gimmicks)

I'm banking on the Oly micro 4/3 as being my 'smaller' camera, but again I can't get used to holding the camera away from my eye to compose a shot and so that might fall short.
 
Lumixae Are Good...BUT

Lumixae Are Good...BUT

I do not consider ANY digital camera to be a "real" camera unless it has some sort of optical viewfinder. Yes, I know...TLRs were held at waistlevel and away from the eye...but even large format studio and field cameras require you to look through the lens.

The Lumix series of cameras is good (I've had five of them) but having to hold it out at arm's length kills it for me.The FZ-series of Panasonics all have EVFs and while technically not optical viewfinders, per se, they're more fitting and proper than an LCD to compose with.

My tuppence worth.

dc3
 
I agree with you DeeCee3. The lack of optical viewfinder in these compacts makes me feel like I lose connection with the camera. It's kind of like trying to play a guitar with a chopstick instead of a plectrum - or at least that's how it feels to me, and I play the guitar ;-) I know people say that you get used to it, but I can't and so I just have to accept that I might not ever get on with a compact.

But the Panny LX3 did produce nice images in terms of IQ.
 
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sahe69 said:
How did you find the speed/responsiveness of the camera? (Considering it's a compact.)
Click to expand...

Oh it wasn't too bad and I suspect that in reality it is very good - I just find the whole business of operating them fiddly but I guess some people gel with that aspect.

Doesn't the viewfinder only cover a certain focal length ?
 
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The G1 may not be such a bad idea. Would love to use my ASPH lenses. I was looking at it the other day. Are the M adapters difficult to locate? Thanks.
 
I have an LX3, but can't understand any comparisons to an M8, or a rangefinder of any sort. It's just a digital camera. I like the "24mm" wide angle. The size is okay, but with the non-retracting lens(+mount) it's not really pocketable except in the winter. Images are nice, but i'd love more resolution.

As noted above, though, it is 'fiddly' to use, with no real grip surface (or, not enough grip surface) and small controls. As it stands, i'm glad i got it instead of the G10, but i'll probably only keep it for a short while. Maybe just until the DP2 or DP1.2* are available.

*just a wish - not even a rumor.
 
Looks like the G1 is more versatile. My preference of course is to shoot with my MP or Makina but sometimes I need to post something fast.
 
I got one for the wife. Her old Nikon was about 4 years old and she was tired of crappy inside pics of the kids. She just takes snapshots. Fast lens, better than average (bad) sensor. Haven't noticed that it is slow, haven't really downloaded Xmas pics yet. Nice feel and build. Menus and handling a bit off.

As to a lack of tele for sports, that is what the 70-200/2.8IS is for.
 
Definitely not a baby M8... but it serves its purpose better than any compact I've handled thus far. Although the ergo could be a little better (I think the G9/G10 C@nons have the best feel in the hand), it's a fine camera once you get used to it. Re responsiveness - I find it quick enough for my use.
A couple gripes though:
1. Wish it had a way to remember the focal length & focus distance set when in MF mode. It doesn't do this even in the custom function, which for my uses, defeats the purpose.
2. The image on the lcd doesn't give you what the camera will actually record. Unlike the c@nons which show you on the lcd in real time how the image will look, the lx3 only does this on playback.

Overall, I've enjoyed the camera so far & it's pretty much the 24mm focal length of my M8.
 
If you are looking for a digital baby M8 then I would go for Minox DCC Leica M3 :p. It have not seen any pictures taken with it though.

Regards
Steve
 
Ricoh GX100 or GX200 - proper controls and you can put an evf on it or just use your preferred optical viewfinder. I use mine with an old russian turret finder sometimes and it works a treat, as well as attracting interested comments...

Mike
 
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