View Full Version : Panasonic Lumix LX3 -- Baby M8?
35mmdelux
12-29-2008, 12:36
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.
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.
But the Panny LX3 did produce nice images in terms of IQ.
How did you find the speed/responsiveness of the camera? (Considering it's a compact.)
photomoof
12-29-2008, 13:35
I just went ahead and bought the optical viewfinder. But if you are not nearsighted like I am the arms length business is really awful with any of these non-viewfinder bodies.
I can see them all at a few inches without my glasses.
How did you find the speed/responsiveness of the camera? (Considering it's a compact.)
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 ?
johnastovall
12-29-2008, 14:58
Since you have Leica lenses, why not look to the Panasonic G1 with an M adapter?
digitalintrigue
12-29-2008, 15:02
http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=8769&thumb=1&d=1225419849
35mmdelux
12-29-2008, 15:18
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.
photomoof
12-29-2008, 15:47
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 ?
Yes it is a 24. Looking at your work however I cannot imagine any point-n-shoot is going to do it for you. I am actually surprised you use an m8, although after my use of the M8, it does have a certain look that you seem to exploit.
Tuolumne
12-29-2008, 18:50
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.
CameraQuest will start selling the M --> G1 adapters in January.
/T
CK Dexter Haven
12-29-2008, 19:00
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.
35mmdelux
12-29-2008, 19:23
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.
anselwannab
12-29-2008, 20:38
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.
photomoof
12-29-2008, 23:44
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.
It does not have depth of field preview if that's what you mean. It does however show preview in manual exposure mode.
Can you clarify?
Steve Ash
12-30-2008, 01:30
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
sepiareverb
12-30-2008, 03:00
One of the Ricohs?
sojournerphoto
12-30-2008, 03:06
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
johnastovall
12-30-2008, 15:35
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.
G1 Optional lens adapter chart (http://rangefinderrestorations.com/photo_posts/G1adapterlist.html)
Dave Wilkinson
12-30-2008, 15:47
I wonder how LX3 images compare to the DP1?.....that's currently giving me much GAS!
Dave.
Dave Wilkinson
12-30-2008, 16:07
CameraQuest will start selling the M --> G1 adapters in January.
/T.....I'm intrigued!, does the metering still work?
Dave
It does not have depth of field preview if that's what you mean. It does however show preview in manual exposure mode.
Can you clarify?
Sorry I wasn't clear... what I meant was that my Canon p&s shows the final image (as it will be captured) on the lcd before you trip the shutter. In other words, it has applied the metering to the image shown on the lcd screen as you look at it in real time. For example, if you meter the shadow with the sun in the background, the background will be overexposed... in the Canons, this is shown on the lcd before you completely press the shutter. Therefore you already know what you're going to get. The lx3 doesn't do this. If you were to meter the shadow with the sun in the background, the lx3 doesn't apply this to the image on the lcd. The only way to tell is when you review your shot after you trip the shutter....
Hope this makes sens....
.... really though... it's not that big of a deal. Plenty of us have been shooting long enough to know the outcome without having to press the "review" button on these digital cameras.
I just got used to the Canons... (been using their p&s for the past 7 years).
anselwannab
12-30-2008, 23:52
It does lock up slow to shoot. Just a split second hesitation, 2-3 times slower than a 20D as a point of reference. Focus seems to be slow. Of course, I was hunting the most elusive of prey, an 18month old looking for cookies.
Only pocketable in winter? How tight are your pants??? I'm a large man, with bigger pockets, but it fits in my shirt pocket. No M8, not even a CL, but way better than my G9.
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