Samples of output from Panasonic DMC-LX3

You may recall <a href="">this thread</a> about Panasonic's new DMC-LX3 (Panasonic's successor to the DMC-LX2,

which was rebadged by Leica as the D-Lux 3); there was a lot of discussion in the thread about the low quality of

some of the early samples from the camera which had been posted on the web. More samples are now up in various

places, and more information about the camera is starting to come out. It will be interesting to see if Leica

announces a re-badged version of this camera at Photokina; if they don't I think it will say a lot about the

future of their relationship with Panasonic.

<p>

<a href="http://www.neutralday.com/panasonic-lx3-image-samples/">This page</a> is impressed with the camera, and

points to <a href="http://david-lake-photography.smugmug.com/gallery/5645184_5aPzp#347196285_EMynp">a wide

variety of samples at all ISO settings here</a>.

<p>

<a href="http://www.seriouscompacts.com/2008/08/more-panasonic-lx3-sample-images-and.html">This link</a> includes

a comparison of in-camera JPEG vs. Silkypix-converted RAW files at ISO 1600, as well as an illustration of the 5

levels of in-camera noise reduction and a direct (side-by-side photos of the same subjects) comparison with the LX2.

<p>

<a href="http://www.seriouscompacts.com/2008/08/panasonic-lx3-studio-iso-test-from.html">This link</a> shows a

studio comparison of a single image at a wide range of ISOs with the camera; the image includes the obligatory

MacBeth ColorChecker chart. To my eye the ISO 400 output of the LX3 in this test is noticeably better than what

I got from the LX2 at 400.

<p>

<a href="http://dcuser.net/panasonic/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx3.html">Here</a> there's a short technical discussion

of the camera's sensor along with some samples.

<p>

A fairly detailed review is now up <a

href="http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews_panasonic_lumix_dmc_lx3.php">here</a>; <a

href="http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001468,43812104p,00.htm">this review</a> says that the

firmware in the review unit isn't final, which may explain some of the low-quality images posted elsewhere and

referenced in the original thread.

<p>

The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/843626@N22/">flickr group</a> has a little more traffic, including

images from a few users (I'm guessing these are pre-production units). And <a

href="http://panasonic.net/pavc/lumix/lx3/high_image.html">Panasonic's own page on the camera</a> is now replete

with information and pictures.

<p>

All in all, I'm still cautiously optimistic.

Anyone have any idea how much input Leica has into the design of those lenses?

100% as far as I know; I don't think Panasonic even has a lens design unit - they source their lenses from third parties.

Since this is a grade of camera where there won't be "snobbery" about plastic lens elements, I expect that a good number of those four aspheric lens elements are molded plastic. You can use a aspheric curve on such a lens that would be prohibitively expensive to generate on a glass element, but it becomes cost-effective when you just have to make one steel mold to that shape. The front element is hopefully a molded glass aspheric, so it won't be subject to scratches when cleaning.

 

Remember that the Kodak single-use cameras have an aspheric plastic lens, that's why you can build a 35mm box camera for cheap that has decent optics.

i think the jpeg quality would be of paramount importance in this grade. do panasonic make much money in the leica rebadged cameras?

I'd be prepared to bet that there are no non-glass elements in this lens.

Is this going to be the only fixed 24mm equiv point & shoot in the game, or are there others?

It has a zoom and not a fixed FL lens:

 

"4.5x Extra Optical Zoom

 

The Extra Optical Zoom function* uses the center part of the CCD to extend 2.5x optical zoom ratio (35mm equivalent: 60mm) to powerful 4.5x zoom (35mm equivalent: 108mm) at a resolution of 3-megapixel or less. Adding the Extra Optical Zoom to the 4x digital zoom** extends the total zooming power to a maximum of 17.9x (35mm equivalent: 430mm).

 

*In the U.S.A. market, the Extra Optical Zoom is called the Extended Optical Zoom."

Vivek's right; it's a zoom, not a prime. I do think it's the widest AND fastest lens on a RAW-capable compact presently in the market. If the sensor and software can hold up their end it should be an interesting machine.

oops sorry, I read that later.

John said:<p>

 

<< ... <i>I expect that a good number of those four aspheric lens elements are molded plastic. ... >> </i><p>

 

But Bob replied:<p>

 

<i>I'd be prepared to bet that there are no non-glass elements in this lens.</i><p>

 

So my question is this: Will the LX3 be one of those cameras that says on the box:<p> <i>"Real Glass Lens !"</i><p>

 

:-)

Nah. That's the Lomo. To distinguish it from the Holga.

Thanks, Bob. That helps to clear things up for me.