About
Reviews (4)
Aug 08, 2009
Choice
4 of 4 found this helpful When I saw the package outside my door, I was geeked. This was it. Hours of research had been poured into deciding which camera I would be taking with me to Indonesia and who knows where else after. I had studied abroad before. I remember how cumbersome my Fuji DSLR wannabe felt. It wasn't very portable and the anti-shake tech wasn't anything to gush over. The third honesty pill, I wasn't a good photographer.
This go around I wanted to sacrifice as little as possible; I wanted options. I wasn't sure how much time I'd have to devote to learning photography but I wanted a camera that would give me some viable manual controls so I could learn if ever I wanted. I knew I would be traveling a great deal and into foreign areas mostly. So, I wanted a camera that could be easily stowed away and shoot inconspicuously. I didn't want to draw attention with a gaudy tool.
Although it was to have manual controls, I wanted a camera that could get the shot even if I couldn't. It had to have a fast lens, a solid processor, and decent megapixel count. If I'm not sure where "the shot" is in the frame, I want to be able to zoom out a bit, take the shot, and crop it out later without losing much. How did this camera do?
The portability is excellent! I was also considering the Cannon G10, a beast of a camera. I was so happy when I got my LX3 in hand. Minus the lens barrel, which pokes out about an inch, the body is smaller than I'd imagined. I can tuck it in a pocket no problem.
The image capture is great. In perfect conditions, the shots are WOW-worthy. Imperfect lighting conditions can require a bit more of the photographer to get the best possible shot. But honestly, sometimes you won't need the best possible shot, just a good one. It does that fine. I've taken a few night shots and while they aren't the camera's strong suit, it does much better than my old camera. Remember the "shooting at night" pointers from your photography 101 class and you should have a good time.
This camera defines the market it's in. It is a high end compact that is meant to bridge the gap between compacts and DSLRs. The iA (intell-auto) can take over shooting and produce great pictures. I have only recently developed the confidence to work with the camera manually. The camera has helped me become a better photographer. I study it's choices, cross them with my own settings, and birth "my shot". It's been awesome learning about histograms, rule of 3s, focus, composition, etc. There are a myriad of options from frame size, Scene Modes, 2 customizable configurations, and video options.
I'd read several times that this was a fun camera to work with. I get it. It is. It's fun to play with. It can help you become a better photographer if you're thinking about learning the craft. If not, it can do the work and take great pictures in iA or SCN mode. I love it. My only con has been the limited zoom. The wide angle and picture quality are awesome, but you're giving up forward reach to get it. Grabbing the camera can be a bit disconcerting at first as it's pretty smooth. I wish I could wrap certain areas with a material for better finger traction. That's all. Love the camera. The pro reviewers are pretty spot on about its highs and low. If someone's had something to say about this camera, chances are I've read it and I'm happy to give my own, first-hand take.
Nov 23, 2018
Quality of life upgrade
Quality of life upgrade. I can talk to my lights with detailed directions and no matter how many times they comply, it feels like magic! I want my whole house done this will.
Also, being able to walk into the bathroom at some odd, pitch hour of night and not be BLINDED makes this pay for itself.
Nov 23, 2018
Great for auto dimming
Set up was pretty breezy. Once yo and running, it has made using the bathroom late at night safer, and much easier on the eyes.