Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1K 8MP with an edge. A LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens delivers superior optics and an astouning 28mm (equivalent) focal length for a wider visual angle than most other digital-camera models offer. The DMC-LX1 features a 4x optical zoom with a 28 to 112mm capability (35mm equivalent). This and a 1/1.65″ diagonal CCD with 8.4 million effective pixels give you superb image quality over a wide shooting range. The Extended Optical Zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with digital zooming, gives you up to 5x zooming power. Normal hand jitter is a common cause for blurred results. The DMC-LX1 has a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won’t even notice it working–all you’ll see are the outstanding results. Multiple aspect ratios result in different still picture resolutions – 4 – 3 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) up to 2880 x 2160; 3 – 2 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) up to 3248 x 2160; 16 – 9 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) up to 3840 x 2160 Video movie capture up to 640×480 2.5 Bright TFT LCD screen with easy to follow menu operation 2 Self-timer modes PictBridge mode allows printing images without a computer Audio with movie and still capture modes (up to 5 seconds per still picture) Uses SD Memory Storage (32MB included) (J&R suggest purchasing an optional SD memory card of 256MB or higher for practical use) Includes Rechargeable Battery – Up to 240 pictures per charge (CIPA Standard) and AC Charger, Data Transfer Software, USB and AV Cables, Lens Cap, Strap Unit Dimensions (H x W x D) 2.20” x 4.16” x 1.01” / Weighs about 8 ounces
Helpful consumer’s review
Michael Reichmann brought this camera to my attention in his excellent photographic website, Luminous Landscape. He takes the little camera along with his more serious gear in order to capture snapshots and the occasional gallery quality image. Since his original review, he continues to prize the camera, most recently doing duty in a spring, 2006 photo shoot in Africa.
Having just returned from a trip, I find this a dandy little camera. I shot about two hundred photos with it. The issues with low light sensitivity (high ISO settings) are certainly there. I would limit use to 80 or 100 ISO. There is another issue general to all these little cameras. Because of their light weight, it can be difficult to maintain a steady grip so that images are not blurred. I also prefer to shoot through a viewfinder, not the back of an LCD screen – but that is the trade off for size. The LX1 has optical image stabilization to help you, and I found its use essential. The 16:9 aspect ratio, the same as for high def TV, is very pleasing in many exterior and interior situations. You can also pick two other, narrower aspect ratios through a switch on the lens. The sensor is a true 16:9 sensor, meaning you get full resolution, up to 8 mp, at all aspect ratios.
There are a number of camera friendly aspects to this camera. For one, it will fit easily into the inside pocket of a light outdoor jacket or the inside pocket of a suit. The battery recharger is tiny and light with no cord. Just insert the battery (about the size of a thick postage stamp) and plug the recharger directly in the wall. So it’s easy to pack for a trip. If you start the camera without removing the lens cover, the camera notifies you to remove the lense. This has the effect of training you to always replace the lense when the camera is not in use, protecting the excellent Leica optics. It has several modes for common situations, such as shooting at parties (I found it worked well to capture both the subject and background using flash).
It has a very easy to use auto shoot mode that let’s you get into the picture. It is located on a button in the back, so you don’t have to hunt through menus to find it. Because you can use manual focus as close as 5 cm in a wide angle format, you can shoot a picture of a group of people at your table – just place the camera on an overturned glass at the end of the table and wait for it to click. The auto shoot mode can also be used to deal with low light and less than steady hands. It has full manual mode capability so you can adjust parameters to you liking. It has a 2 or 10 second delay. Using the 2 second delay and bracing the camera on a nearby support or on your chest (hold your breath), you can capture excellent indoor pictures without flash. I used this several times to capture sharp, well saturated color panoramas of church and monument interiors. They look like picture postcards.
