Value (5.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is certainly a better deal than the previously released LX1, which debuted at a pricey $599. The LX2 boasts a new faster processor, 10.2 MP CCD, better resolutions in movie and still modes, a larger 16:9 optimized 2.8-inch LCD display, the same menus and many of the same control options. Add all these improvements and the new LX2 outdoes its predecessor in every way. While the hefty price tag is still excessive, it is really the only option for a native 16:9 chip at the moment. Expect the $499 price tag of the LX2 to drop with a little time. Considering the improvements made, this camera makes a far better option than the LX1, although I can't say its image quality justifies the $500 price.
Comparisons
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 - The T30 is part of Sony’s ultra-compact camera line that pairs a clean and refined style with a large megapixel count. In the case of the DSC-T30, 7.2 megapixels is paired with a large ISO range, a non-telescoping, optically stabilized 3x zoom lens, and an even larger 3-inch LCD screen which was impressive. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 also has a 16:9-formatted image size, but no widescreen movie capability. The major difference between a camera like this and the DMC-LX2 is the manual control options provided for users. The T30 has a truncated shutter speed and white balance menus, a terrible quasi-manual focus selector and a fully automatic aperture. This camera is inevitably meant to impress friends and family visually while providing an easy interface for quick point-and-shoot style shooting. With these shortcomings in mind, it should be remembered that on a night out partying this camera will easily slip into a pocket, a feat the DMC-LX2 cannot achieve quite as easily.
Olympus Stylus 1000 - The Olympus Stylus 1000 is a 10-megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom and an unfortunate digital rather than optical image stabilization system. This camera does boast an all-weather housing which is great when shooting in a light rain and more importantly, when getting sweaty in a club at the end of a long night. The Stylus 1000 also features Olympus’ unique Bright Capture Technology that combats low light situations prior to image capture rather than as a post-production process. Manual controls with the Stylus 1000 unfortunately have a limited palette of options with users lacking manual focus, minimal white balance control and a smaller shutter range with only a 4 second slow shutter available in its preset night mode. Users will have 28.5 MB of internal memory at their disposal in addition to movie mode, 24 preset shooting modes, in-camera playback editing and a smaller 2.5-inch LCD with a superior resolution level for better clarity in shooting and review.
Canon PowerShot SD800 IS - With the PowerShot SD800 IS, the photographer will be shooting with a wide angle 28 to 105mm Canon lens, Digic III Image Processor with face detection technology, along with an optical image stabilization system. This 7.1-megapixel digital camera has a marginally smaller 3.8x optical zoom range, a smaller 2.5 inch LCD with a resolution of 207,000 pixels, an expansive ISO range to 1600 and manual control over metering, exposure, white balance and flash. This camera lacks the RAW file format found on the LX2. The Canon SD800 doesn't have a native widescreen CCD and can't record 16:9-formatted movies, but does have a still image size option available for the wide ratio. This camera is smaller and lighter in weight, so if portability is an issue this may be a strong alternate candidate. The SD800 IS has an MSRP of $399 making it slightly less expensive than the LX2.
Pentax Optio A20 - The Pentax Optio A20 is a compact 10-megapixel digital camera that was released at the end of August 2006 with an initial retail price of $350. This camera has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD but with a 230K resolution users should find that they actually have more image information than when shooting with the slightly larger but lower resolution screen on the LX2. Manually speaking, the camera does come with metering, shutter priority, EV compensation, an ISO range up to ISO 800, a smaller white balance range, flash control and a backlight compensation feature – but misses out on typical manual controls over shutter speed and aperture. If price is more of a concern than a "true" 16:9 aspect ratio, the Pentax Optio A20 is certainly a more economic alternative.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - Simple menu structures, an easily attained auto mode and a wealth of preset shooting modes make this camera an interesting choice for buyers seeking a camera with image stabilization and a unique feature set. How many point-and-shooters are still willing to shell out $500 for a snapshot camera? We'll see.
Budget Consumers - With an MSRP of $499 and some problems with general image quality, the LX2 still needs some fine tuning and a serious, serious price-reduction before the budget market will take notice. Similar manual controls, CCD sizes, image resolution and other features are available for a little more than half the price of the LX2. Sure you lose the 16:9 aspect ratio, but with some time, a lower priced alternate will unquestionably emerge.
Gadget Freaks -For the gadget freak looking to impress with something new and unique that isn’t found elsewhere, the DMC-LX1 and LX2 are really tempting purchases. With marked improvements over the LX1, the LX2 should remain a coveted object for these consumers, eager as ever to display their native 16:9 snapshots on their new plasma.
Manual Control Freaks – This camera definitely has manual control options and a great menu interface, but the joystick controller may scare away this crowd.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – While the 16:9 aspect ratio is an interesting option, the pros and serious hobbyists are unlikely to pick up this camera due to noise and color issues that photographers shooting with higher-end equipment are unlikely to overlook. Although, with the inclusion of RAW capture, some pros use it on vacation or when a DSLR is not desired.
