Panasonic LX5

[biomed]

My beloved Panasonic DMC-TZ3 just died (black screen syndrome) after many years of use. I will miss the easy cary size and 10X optical zoom. I am thinking about replacing the TZ with the LX5. Yes, I am aware that the newest LX is out, but the LX5 is very tempting at the current low prices being offered by several dealers. I may attempt to disassemble the TZ3 to see if the ribbon cable came loose from the sensor. My last attempt at fixing a P&S taught me one thing - the taking apart is not too bad, but the reassembly is a pain. Any inputs or comments about the LX5 or trying to repair the TZ3?

Thanks,
Mike

[tekst]

I sold one recently, really liked it for what it was. Only reason I sold it was to fund an XE-1. I would spring for the newer LX7 personally; f1.4 vs 2.0, aperture ring, etc etc

[helenhill]

adorama has the new panny LX7 on sale with Instant Rebate for:
$299.00 plus free shipping

it has a 1.4 lux lens ...YUM !

[tekst]

That's a lot of camera for $300 dollars! I paid over $600 for my LX5 under a year ago! I may get one for my fiancee at some point; then steal it off her lol

[helenhill]

Originally Posted by tekst

That's a lot of camera for $300 dollars! I paid over $600 for my LX5 under a year ago! I may get one for my fiancee at some point; then steal it off her lol

Very WICKED Tekst ...

[biomed]

Originally Posted by helenhill

adorama has the new panny LX7 on sale with Instant Rebate for:
$299.00 plus free shipping

it has a 1.4 lux lens ...YUM !

Helen,
That must have been a cyber monday deal. The current Adorama price is $449.00. Sorry I missed it.

Thanks,
Mike

[kdemas]

It was a Cyber Monday deal. I almost pulled the trigger last night.

Originally Posted by biomed

Helen,
That must have been a cyber monday deal. The current Adorama price is $449.00. Sorry I missed it.

Thanks,
Mike

[Pablito]

LX5 is terrific, recommend you get the EVF. It's nowhere near as good a viewfinder as the NEX EVF but quite useable (and a lot cheaper).

[jky]

The lx5 is a fantastic camera. Some things I really like about it:
- a very good, bright lens
- 24mm of course
- quite speedy in operation
- manual switches for AF & ratio
- durable

...and of course can't have the (+) without the (-) though *my* minuses are only the following:

- slow zoom (has never bothered me though)
- only 90 on the long end (I never go beyond 50mm so ymmv)
- almost impossible to see the image if it's bright outdoors

Good luck.

[tekst]

Never understood the whole LCD been hard to see in bright light thing. If it's bright use your other hand to shade the screen? It's not difficult, and given the amount of light camera shake should not be an issue..

[peterm1]

I have the LX3 and never saw a reason to upgrade it. The LX 5 is the LX3 with a few tweaks including a longer zoom and support for an EVF. This whole family of top end Panasonic small sensor cameras produce superb results and I would not hesitate recommending one for a second PROVIDED you want to buy a small sensor camera. As a generalsiation such cameras do not perform as well in adverse lighting as the latest crop of large sensor small cameras though for obvious reasons. If this is not an issue then the LX5 will almost certainly be fine. BTW in my view there is no point spending good money to fix an older camera that almost certainly today will be worth little or nothing. I cannot imagine selling my Lx3. It is such a nice camera to use for those times when even a M4/3 is too big (and worth so little these days in any event) that I would rather keep it and use it.

[Frontman]

I have had the LX5 since it they were introduced, and I can't say enough good about it. Compared to the previous LX3, the LX5 has better high ISO performance, and it focuses more quickly.

A couple of my friends bought LX5 cameras after borrowing mine. It's amazingly easy to use, and IQ is superb for the price. Battery life is quite good, and it is a durable camera, mine has been beat up a bit, and has a few dents, but still works perfectly.

[jesse1dog]

I'm still using an LX1 with a 'Clear Viewer' attached - just love it.
There was some discussion about the LX5 lens being a bit softer than the one fitted to the LX3. LX7 prices don't seem to be moving very much here in GB, and I've been tempted, but think I can wait a bit.
Be interested in what you decide.

jesse

[daveleo]

Originally Posted by peterm1

I have the LX3 and never saw a reason to upgrade it. The LX 5 is the LX3 with a few tweaks including a longer zoom and support for an EVF. This whole family of top end Panasonic small sensor cameras produce superb results and I would not hesitate recommending one for a second PROVIDED you want to buy a small sensor camera. As a generalsiation such cameras do not perform as well in adverse lighting as the latest crop of large sensor small cameras though for obvious reasons. If this is not an issue then the LX5 will almost certainly be fine. BTW in my view there is no point spending good money to fix an older camera that almost certainly today will be worth little or nothing. I cannot imagine selling my Lx3. It is such a nice camera to use for those times when even a M4/3 is too big (and worth so little these days in any event) that I would rather keep it and use it.

Saved me a lot of typing !

[biomed]

Originally Posted by peterm1

I have the LX3 and never saw a reason to upgrade it. The LX 5 is the LX3 with a few tweaks including a longer zoom and support for an EVF. This whole family of top end Panasonic small sensor cameras produce superb results and I would not hesitate recommending one for a second PROVIDED you want to buy a small sensor camera. As a generalsiation such cameras do not perform as well in adverse lighting as the latest crop of large sensor small cameras though for obvious reasons. If this is not an issue then the LX5 will almost certainly be fine. BTW in my view there is no point spending good money to fix an older camera that almost certainly today will be worth little or nothing. I cannot imagine selling my Lx3. It is such a nice camera to use for those times when even a M4/3 is too big (and worth so little these days in any event) that I would rather keep it and use it.

Peter,
I will probably buy the LX5. The DMC-TZ3 was pretty much a everyday carry in the brief case camera for me. It did a great job for what it was. The current equivalent model is only $50 less than what an LX5 is currently going for. The LX5 is a no brainer for $50 more! I may try to fix the old camera myself before I throw it out.

Mike

[peterm1]

Thats good Mike. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

I recalled that I have the following page book marked. It gives you some good links to many reviews on the camera at other sites.

http://www.dcviews.com/_panasonic/lx5.htm


regards Peter

[jky]

Originally Posted by tekst

Never understood the whole LCD been hard to see in bright light thing. If it's bright use your other hand to shade the screen? It's not difficult, and given the amount of light camera shake should not be an issue..

Hmmm.... hold the baby or cover the lcd to get that Pulitzer Prize winner? Yep, tough choice.

[Saul]

LX5 is a winner of a camera. Easy to use, small, terrific IQ and very decent video. Get a Gordy wrist strap and one of those screw-on, self closing lens caps and it'll be damn near perfect.

BTW, does anyone have a good profile for this camera in LR4?

[helenhill]

Heads Up ...TODAY 29 NOV - Thurs
B&H has the LX5 for $249.00

though I WISH i had bought the LX7 on CYBER Monday...Lux glass...for 299.00

[biomed]

Thanks for all of the input! I ordered the LX5 and should have it by Tuesday.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Mike

[biomed]

The LX5 arrived Tuesday, but I haven't had much time to check it out. Based on the 2 or 3 snapshots at work I think I am going to enjoy using this camera.

[biomed]

The LX5 has turned to be a real gem! Here is one of my recent shots.

[Bike Tourist]

Having already had the LX-5 experience, I was looking for a lightweight camera to accompany me on the bike and everywhere. My D600 is just too bulky for spontaneous situations. Today, I ordered an LX-7 based upon my prior experience. It was just under $300. Of course, I had to pay an additional $180 to get the EVF viewfinder, an absolute necessity for me.

[biomed]

[quote=Bike Tourist;2076837]Having already had the LX-5 experience...... Today, I ordered an LX-7 based upon my prior experience. It was just under $300. QUOTE]

A friend at work bought one and is loving it!

[peterm1]

All of this series of Panasonic compact cameras are great. Small sensor yes, but not small in terms of performance. I own the LX3 and if anything the LX5 is better. I bought the LX3 in similar circumstances in that the LX5 had just come out and so it was a bargain. Grab it and use it with pleasure. As it is a small sensor camera keep ISO below 800 and you will find it produces wonderful results. Here is a review of the camera in a Singapore based photo forum.

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/revie...sonic-lx5.html