A discussion of the design of the Lumix DMC-LX3, Panasonic's enthusiast compact camera.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
In addition to the standard PASM and scene modes, the LX3 includes two slots on the mode dial for custom settings. The camera also provides Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode, which performs automatic scene recognition and optimizes stabilization, ISO sensitivity, AF mode, exposure, and red-eye settings. Pressing the focus button doesn't put you in manual focus mode, as you might expect (OK, as I expected); it puts you in the mode to select your focus point(s). In one of its nicer touches, the LX3 lets you select from a variety of grouped focus points, such as the top row or left four.
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Choose your aspect
Unless you have a specific target aspect ratio for your final photo and don't plan on using the photo for anything else, I'd stay away from using the switch and crop the photos in software. The native aspect ratio of the sensor is 4:3, and anything else is simply a lower-resolution crop.
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Focus switch
If you're used to shooting with snapshot cameras, you may go nuts--as I did--looking for the macro and MF control. Of course, once you know where it is it seems like a perfectly reasonable location.
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Back controls
The controls are easy to feel and comfortable to use, but the etched labels on the navigation buttons are hard to discern in low light. I also found the Quick Menu joystick fairly nonresponsive at pulling up the menu; it usually took multiple presses to do so.
