Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 - Review Roundup & Sample Photos
Last update: Review & Sample Photos @ Steve’sDigicams (added on 06.11.06)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is a point-and-shoot digital camera (announced 19.06.06) featuring 10.2 million effective pixels, 4x optical zoom (28-112mm (35mm equiv) in 16:9 aspect mode), image stabilization, and a 2.8-inch wide Polycrystalline TFT. The camera is measuring in at 105.7 x 55.8 x 26.3 mm (4.16 x 2.20 x 1.04 in), weighing 187 g (0.41 lb) and running on Li-ion battery.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Latest Price
>> REVIEWS (last updated: 06.11.06)
Steve’sDigicams have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and write;
” Luckily, the LX2’s 10-megapixel results were good…Outdoors, the majority of our images were sharp, and showed nice exposure and color saturation. Noise levels were average for a consumer model. At ISO 400 and below, there are typical amounts present, however, as the sensitivity is increased (800 and 1600) noise is an issue…Bottom line - I have mixed feelings about this new Lumix model. While offering some awesome features, and a wealth of exposure controls, the higher noise and poor movie mode quality is disappointing. And, with an MSRP of US$499.95, it’s also a bit overpriced. Especially when you consider some of the alternative 10-megapixel models, like Canon PowerShot A640 which can be had for about $100 less.”
Photoxels have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and write;
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 has very good handling for such a compact digital camera. Though the controls are small and we do recommend that you try them out (especially the joystick) first before you purchase, they provide a superb level of photographic control that advanced photographers will appreciate…We find the overall image quality of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 at ISO 100 to be very good to excellent with good details in the shadows and highlights. ISO 200 is usable. Noise is objectionable at higher ISOs.”
ImagingResource have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and write;
“If this camera has any faults, it would be only that I wish image quality were slightly better. Yes, I know I said the camera produced very good images, but on the next version I’d like to see Panasonic tone down the color saturation a bit while improving the camera’s dynamic range. Noise is also still a problem at all ISO settings, especially at ISO 800 and 1,600, but it’s much better overall than on the LX1 thanks to the LSI Venus Engine III. With the great capabilities for shooting wide and the incredible automatic and manual functionality you get with the Panasonic LX2, the blips I’ve mentioned are certainly not make or break issues here. Like the LX1 before it, the Panasonic LX2 is quite worthy of a Dave’s Pick. “
CNET have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they rate the camera 7.4/10 and write;
“In all other respects, the LX2’s photos are quite decent, with excellent white balance, exposure, dynamic range, and color saturation. There are few optical artifacts, most notably fringing, and though there’s a bit of lens distortion at the wide end of the 28mm-to-112mm-equivalent, 4X zoom lens, it’s relatively symmetrical and fairly unobtrusive. Movies don’t quite measure up, though. They’re full of compression artifacts, and you can’t zoom while you’re shooting…The bottom line: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is a good choice for an enthusiast looking for a powerful camera that can fit into a jacket pocket. “
Popular Photography Magazine have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they rate the camera 7.4/10 and write;
“The LX2’s video capabilities are impressive. Its 16:9 HD mode shoots 1280×720-pixel frames at 15 fps and 848×480-pixel (wide VGA) at 30 fps. In the 4:3 aspect ratio, you can record normal VGA (640×480-pixels) and lower-resolution QVGA at 30 fps. Sound is mono, and the zoom doesn’t work while recording video, despite being described as “slow zoom” in the manual…In all, the Lumix DMC-LX2 is the kind of upgrade we like. It overcomes most of the weaknesses of the LX1, except for the limited flash range. And with its improved low-light noise reduction and image stabilization, you might not even care about the flash. What you’re sure to care about: this camera’s excellent image quality, delightful LCD, super Leica lens, and $500 street price.”
DigitalCameraReview have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and write;
“Overall image quality is about average (for 6 -10 megapixel P&S digicams) – general detail capture is very good and shadow detail is also impressive. Highlight detail is acceptable, but lacks punch and looks a bit flat. Noise is barely discernible at ISO 100, but it is noticeable at ISO 200. Above ISO 200 noise is so prevalent that it begins to affect image sharpness as the LX2 softens detail to hide the noise. ISO 800 and ISO 1600 images are so noisy they are essentially useless (unless the shooter happens upon the Loch Ness Monster or an Alien abduction in progress). “
Dpreview have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they recommend the camera and write;
“And so, in conclusion, we have what is becoming something of a theme with Panasonic’s high end models; a superb, innovative, unique and well-designed camera with an (apparently) noisy sensor and - much more importantly - a processing engine that replaces fine detail with smeary, watercolor-like artefacts. You can avoid this by turning the noise reduction down and sticking to ISO 100 or 200 (you REALLY want to turn the NR down at ISO 200) - or by shooting in raw mode and doing your own noise processing, if it bothers you. Of course at ‘normal’ print sizes the noise issue is largely moot, but if you want to make decent enlargements you will need to pay careful attention to the setting you use when shooting, and stick to the lowest ISO modes…Perfect for: advanced users (particularly landscape photographers) prepared to do raw processing, who rarely if ever need to go over ISO 200. Not ideal for: Casual ’snap shot’ photographers, anyone who takes most of their pictures in low light (particularly if you always leave your camera on ‘auto everything’). “
PhotographyBlog have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they rate the camera 4/5 and write;
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 produced images of average quality during the review period. The 10 megapixel images were a little soft straight out of the camera at the default sharpen setting of Standard and either require some further sharpening in an application like Adobe Photoshop, or you should set the in-camera sharpening to High. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2’s dealt quite well with chromatic aberrations, with limited purple fringing effects appearing only in very high contrast situations. Macro performance is average, allowing you to focus as close as 5 cms away from the subject. The built-in flash worked OK indoors, with little red-eye and good exposure…Anti-shake is a feature that sets this camera apart from its competitors and one that works very well when hand-holding the camera in low-light conditions or when using the telephoto end of the zoom range. “
Megapixel have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they rate the camera 70% and write;
“Combining an image format that is very appealing, with a good stabilized lens, the DMC-LX2 deserves the attention, in particular, of those that have already made the switch to HDTV, and would appreciate having a camera with the same aspect ratio. With the addition of the HDTV Photo Player (DMW-SP1), which converts the LX2’s 10-megapixel image to one that precisely matches HDTV’s definition, the LX2 can be both a digital slide projector, but also the source of excellent prints up to 14 x 8 inches….Positives: Very good image quality when RAW images are processed, 16:9 image format, Image stabilizer, All the most important capture modes, Excellent lens with no distortion, Excellent and powerful software. Negatives: Sensitive to noise, JPEG compression a bit too harsh, Best results are obtained with processed RAW images.”
CameraLabs have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they rate the camera 9.2/10 for functionality and 8.8/10 for photographic quality;
“It’s only when you shoot above 200 ISO that things start to go wrong. There may be several noise reduction options available, but as our outdoor results page shows, none deliver particularly pleasing images. Sure if you’re only producing postcard sized prints and rarely zoom-in closer than 50% on-screen, you’ll be fine, but the LX2’s so appealing to enthusiasts it’ll be hard for them to accept small prints and avoid 100% examination all the time. Besides, it’s crazy to buy a 10 Megapixel camera but be restricted to treating it as if it only had 5.”
DCRP have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they write;
“What I liked: Unique 16:9 CCD captures a nice widescreen image, Wide-angle, 4X optical zoom lens, Optical image stabilization, Widescreen 2.8″ LCD display; good visibility in bright outdoor light as well as dimly lit rooms, Robust performance, especially in terms of focus speeds, Full manual controls, plus plenty of scene modes, AF-assist lamp; good low light focusing, Support for RAW image format, Nice widescreen movie mode (though see issue below). What I didn’t care for: Over-aggressive noise reduction noticeably reduces fine details in images, Above average noise levels; drop in color saturation at ISO 800 and above, Unimpressive high sensitivity mode (and I’m being generous here), No optical viewfinder, Choppy frame rate at highest movie quality setting, No USB 2.0 High Speed support, Tiny amount of built-in memory”
DigitalCameraInfo has a preview of Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2;
“Who It’s For: Point-and-Shooters – Although the Auto mode is perfect for these consumers and the 18 scene modes would be a bonus, the LX2 is perhaps overkill for point-and-shooters. They won’t need the high end features like the high-definition widescreen videos and flip animation mode that it offers. Budget Consumers – If consumers are looking for a bargain, keep looking. Panasonic makes its customers pay for the full range of features. Gadget Freaks - Gadget freaks will like the uniqueness of the 16:9 shooting mode and the big screen. Manual Control Freaks – Although it has a manual mode, the real hard-core manual control freaks will hate the hand-holding the camera tries to do when you use it. Pros/Serious Hobbyists – Pros might like the LX2 for the uniqueness of shooting 16:9, but it’s not really a pro camera.”
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Preview Video by Gordon Laing
>> SAMPLE PHOTOS (last updated: 06.11.06)
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Sample Photos posted @ Steve’sDigicams
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Sample Photos posted @ Photoxels
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Sample Photos posted @ PhotographyBlog
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Sample Photos posted @ PhotographyBlog
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Sample Photos posted @ CameraLabs
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Sample Photos posted @ Megapixel
>> PRESS RELEASE
Featuring Intelligent Image Stabilizern by MEGA O.I.S. and World’s First Intelligent ISO Control
Panasonic today introduced the Lumix DMC-LX2, successor to the DMC-LX1, which has received high acclaim worldwide for its unique 16:9 wide CCD, plentiful functions, and smart design. The DMC-LX2 inherits the f/2.8 28mm wide angle LEICA DC lens, 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 112mm on a 35mm film camera) and MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) system in addition to an enhanced CCD capable of 10.2-megapixels and larger 2.8” 16:9 wide LCD.
