The LX3 is a small, stylish and solid body festooned with external controls,a lovely camera to hold, its metal construction giving a feeling of quality and solidity.
An impressive continuous shooting speed of 2.5 frames/sec (Max. 8 images Standard), (Max 4 images Fine), (Max 3 images RAW),Hot shoe for external flash.
The top of the camera is kept nice and neat, with a mode dial, zoom rocker, shutter button, power switch and focus button (for moving the focus point or autofocusing in MF mode).
On its barrel is a slider for changing between Autofocus, Macro and Manual focus mode. This level of direct control (seen throughout the camera) makes the LX3 ideal for people with some experience of photography but might be a little off-putting for beginners.
Another slider on the lens barrel allows you to switch between aspect ratios without having to delve into the menus. This direct access makes it easy to play around with the different modes.
In addition to the traditional four-way controller, the LX3 has a little joystick/button that controls the camera’s Quick Menu.
LX3 features-
- Multiple aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9)
- OIS image stabilisation
- Video recording – up to HD (up to 1280×720 pixels 24fps in 16:9 mode)
- 3.0″, 3:2 460k Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display
- 24mm wide 2.5x optical LEICA DC lens
- F2.0-2.8 maximum aperture range
- MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)
- Venus Engine IV
- Joystick-operated manual control
- Raw and JPEG recording modes
- Up to ISO 3200 sensitivity
- Up to 1280×720 (30 fps) pixel movie capture
- Manual exposure and focus options
- 1/2000th to 60 sec shutter speeds
- Available in black or silver
The design is well, not allowing the camera’s lens to extend when it is on and also ensuring the lens cap is unable to touch the glass.From a size point of view, its certainly very portable. It feels smaller and easier to carry.
A host of new accessories including a wide angle adapter,priced at $499.95.