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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Color and Resolution
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03.Noise and Video
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04.Speed and Timing
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05.Components
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06.Design / Layout
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07.Modes
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08.Control Options
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09.Image Parameters
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10.Connectivity / Extras
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11.Overall Impressions
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12.Conclusion
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13.Sample Photos
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14.Specs / Ratings
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15.Comments
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
Previous: Page 9
Image ParametersNext: Page 11
Overall ImpressionsConnectivity
Software (7.00)
The software included with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is remarkably competent for bundled applications. It comes with a program for image editing, tagging and basic work that seems relatively intuitive and quite powerful. There's an image stitcher for making panoramas from a series of photos. There's even an included RAW editor for RAW shooting, which gives you extensive control over image parameters without sacrificing quality by editing a compressed file. These applications are available for both PC and Mac, and are some of the best we've seen.
Jacks, ports, plugs (4.00)
The Lumix LX3 has three ports underneath a small cover on the right side. This cover doesn't latch shut, but has a spring mechanism to keep it down. Beneath it are the ports for AC In, AV out/USB and Composite Out. The component out means you can plug this camera into an HDTV (with optional extra cables) and show larger images or your 720p video.

The ports are guarded by a small, sprung door
The LX3 supports both of the major technologies for printing without using a computer: PictBridge and DPOF. The latter, Direct Print Order Form, lets you earmark images for print, and then just hand over your SD card to a print professional for output. The LX3 has limited DPOF control, as you can only select how many prints you want, and not resize or set up an index print. There is also PictBridge, which lets you plug into certain PictBridge supported printers directly with a USB cable and print from the camera.
Battery (5.00)
The LX3 uses a rechargeable lithium ion 3.7v battery. Over the course of a week of relatively heavy use, it had to be charged three times, which is about average. It's not a stellar performance, nor is it horrible. The battery is 1 6/8' high by 1 4/8' wide, so it's just short of square.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 takes SD and SDHC cards, which are common, inexpensive and available in a wide variety of sizes. Splurge on a 32 gigabyte SDHC card and you ca take close to 10,000 full size JPEGs.
The SD card and battery share an area on the underside
of the camera.
External Viewfinder - The LX3 has support for an optional external optical viewfinder, which will please serious users, as it is unaffected by bright outdoor light that might was out the LCD.I It also fits well with the retro aesthetic of the camera.
Mega Optical Image Stabilizer - In our informal testing during the course of the review, the image stabilizer performed well, making a noticeable different shooting handheld at slow shutter speeds.
Shop for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3
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