Lumix DMC-LX2

Just as Canon decided to drop RAW-format support from its compact enthusiast model, the PowerShot G7, Panasonic comes along and decides to add that very feature to its G-series competitor, the Lumix DMC-LX2. It’s packed with other amateur-oriented features as well, including a variety of focus modes, all of the essential metering and semi-manual exposure options, a wide-angle lens, and an overstuffed information display.

The DMC-LX2 was unique in that it was the first to incorporate a 28 mm wide angle LEICA DC lens, 16:9 wide CCD and 16:9 wide LCD. Not only that, the LX2 is also has full manual controllability with a joystick allowing users to easily enjoy creative shooting.

Here are a few of the technical specifications for the Lumix DMC-LX2 :

• Street price: $449.99 approx.
• 10.2MP
• 4x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom
• 28mm wideangle lens
• Focal length: f=6.3-25.2mm
• Aperature Range: Wide: F2.8 - F8, Tele: F4.9 - F8

Things I like
I was a little sceptical when I first picked up the Lumix DMC-LX2 purely because of the design. It doesn`t look like it`d be that great of a camera but luckily Panasonic proved me wrong. THe DMC-LX2 is a solidly built camera with a number of great features that any amateur enthusiast would want. I think the thing I like most about this camera is the fact that it shoots natively in 16:9 wideangle. The LX2 can also crop the images to shoot in 4:3 and 3:2 aspects.

I also like the quality of images that this camera produce. While their not as stunning as the Powershot G9 or other high end point and shoot cameras they are still very good.

Things I don`t like
For its fairly expensive price tag I would have wanted a little better performance from this camera. Don`t get me wrong, it produces great pictures and is very fast but it just isn`t at the level of the G9 or equivalent. The LX2 can only shoot 1.1 frames per second in its continuous shooting mode.

The other thing that I don`t like (and this is getting very frustrating), is the lack of an optical viewfinder. When will companies realize that if you`re shooting outside on a bright sunny day the screen becomes practically useless. While this 2.8 inch LCD screen isn`t as bad as some of the others it still becomse hard to see in direct daylight.

Pros:

• Great camera
• Wideangle lens
• Lots of manual controls

Cons:

• Mediocre continuous shooting
• Doesn`t live up to its price tag

Final Thoughts
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is a good choice for an enthusiast looking for a powerful camera that can fit into a jacket pocket. There are other options that might be a little cheaper but in general the DMC-LX2 is a great choice. Rating: 3/5