Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic DMCLX3 Digital Camera - Black (10MP, 2.5x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD

I am a professional photographer who also likes to be an amateur photographer and take photographs outside of my professional role. Working with DSLRs I am often frustrated and disappointed with compact cameras. I'd heard good things about this from other professionals and after some more research I took the plunge and ordered the camera.

The key things for me are the wide angle lens (24mm equivalent), quality lens, quality sensor and compact size for easy portability. I like to carry a compact with me all the time so I can take photographs when I'm out and about and I also like to take street photographs without drawing attention to myself. This camera is not as tiny as some compacts but it's also quite light and isn't too bulky.

I was also drawn to the camera for its retro styling. The non-integral lens cap took a little getting used to but I hardly notice it now and I just love the whole feel and style of the camera. The only thing I didn't like was the neck strap - I swapped it for a wrist strap as I like to hold the camera in my hand, it handles better that way for taking street photographs.

If Panasonic could increase the length of the telephoto end of the lens (60mm equivalent) without compromising all the great things about this camera then it would be even better. However, I rarely need to use more than the 60mm end of the lens and I did buy this camera for it's extra-wide lens compared to most compacts.

I'm more than pleased with this camera and since I've had it I've been enjoying taking more photographs for my own enjoyment than any other compact I've owned before. Highly recommended!

It's strange to call this camera a compact. It is beautifully compact in size but the manual features and image quality put this camera in a league of its own - not a DSLR but certainly so much more than a compact. It would take a lot now for me to choose any other compact. This camera is not only comfortable, producing excellent images but it is really beautiful. I have not regretted the purchase.

Stunningly good picture, easy to use if you have experience of digital cameras and a fabulous wide angle lens.
But...

At this price, would it really cut into the producer's profit margin to include a memory card, even a lowly 2mb one? I couldn't take more than a dozen pictures until I went back to the shop to buy a memory card, so if you want to actually play around with your camera when you get it, make sure you have one.
Also, it really nags at me that the manufacturer doesn't provide even a poor quality protective carry case to protect your (considerable) investment in their product.
Just small niggles, but ones that a good customer service policy would have eliminated.

Don't buy this camera if you want a telephoto-type zoom - it will disappoint you; BUT if you want a wide-angle compact with a host of features, this must be at the top of your list.

An excellent camera (as long as you don't need zoom) Just read the reviews!! Awesome!!