| Likes |
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- Native 16:9 aspect ratio CCD
- Logical menu design is great for beginners
- Extensive manual control options
- New image processor
- Quick burst mode (but short buffer)
- Noise levels were MUCH lower than predecessor
- Wide zoom lens with optical image stabilization
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| Dislikes |
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- Poor color reproduction (less accurate than predecessor)
- Images heavily sharpened in camera's default setting
- More than .6 second shutter lag
- Long start-up time
- Limited frame rates available for higher resolution video capture
- Manually opening of flash unit
- Easily lost non-tethering lens cover
- Joystick interface made manual adjustments a hassle
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Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is a great addition to the compact market if only for the unique 16:9 native 10-megapixel CCD. Photographers should keep in mind that the megapixel count will drop when shooting in other aspect ratios and when shooting at the somewhat ludicrous ISO 3200 level in High Sensitivity mode.
Manual controls for this camera continue to be a cut above the competition with ISO, focus, shutter speed, aperture, metering, exposure, white balance, and exposure compensation. The user-friendly interface and menu structure will certainly enable even novice users a comfortable transition into the manual control world. Fast adjustments to aspect ratio and focus settings were made possible through conscientious and function-first design that referenced mid-20th century analogue camera bodies.
The LX2 has certainly improved in many areas when compared to its predecessor, with advancements that include a new, faster Venus Engine III image processor, a wide-screen that is an optimized 2.8-inch LCD display, and a reduction in the initial MSRP to $499.
Theoretical improvements like the 1280 x 720 video capture come with setbacks like the stuttering 15 fps frame rate. With a nearly identical external design to the LX1, the same problems occurred when trying to make adjustments to manual control settings. The 13 MB of internal memory hardly captured two high-resolution JPEG images and RAW files could not be captured without the use of an SD/MMC memory card.
The noise reduction technology is at times, dangerous, with resulting images visibly marred in High mode. However, noise levels in general were a very noticeable improvement over the LX1 and the camera did produce sharp images with significant detail. The optically stabilized Panasonic LX2 certainly has a lot to offer consumers; unfortunately, its $499 price tag marks it as a niche camera, intended for those with a much more expensive plasma display hanging from their living room wall. For those who can easily afford the $500 price tag however, the camera will likely live up to expectations.
