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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is being billed by Panasonic as a successor to the popular DMC-LX1. It has a 16:9 widescreen sensor, 10.2 megapixel sensor, 4x Optical Zoom, and has a wider 2.8 inch LCD screen.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is said to have a lower noise than the LX1 and now features the possibility of pictures taken at up to ISo 3200 as well as an automatic 'intelligent ISO Control' which boosts ISO if motion is detected in the shot.
Compare prices on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and get the latest price on the Panasonic DMC-LX2S at Amazon.
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.
The DMC-LX2 is unique in that it incorporates triple-“wide” features of 28 mm wide angle LEICA DC lens, 16:9 wide CCD and 16:9 wide LCD. Not only that, the LX2 is further distinguished from other cameras by its full manual controllability with a joystick allowing users to easily enjoy creative shooting. The DMC-LX2 also boasts Venus Engine III high performance image processing LSI to dramatically reduce the noise that challenged the predecessor, realizing image recording at max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution.
To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. system taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake – a feature which has long been incorporated into the LUMIX range of cameras. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images – movement of the subject – the LX2 is also equipped with the world’s first* Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects the subject’s movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the subject movement and the light condition automatically. Panasonic’s excellent image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation automatically, leaving everything to the camera.
The LUMIX LX series are distinct from other compact cameras in the way they feature extensive manual controls including manual focus and manual exposure which can be smoothly operated with a joystick. This joystick further provides operation shortcuts to the frequently used settings including white balance, ISO, image size, compression format, light metering and AF mode by simply pressing and holding it. It also allows exposure compensation and selection of one out of nine focusing areas.
The aspect ratio is easily selectable between 16:9 wide, 3:2 and conventional 4:3 with a switch located on top of the lens barrel to shoot in the framing aspect that best suits the subjects’ composition or image’s purpose of use. In addition, the DMC-LX2 is capable of recording wide 16:9 high definition (1280 x 720) motion image at 15 fps.
The other features that elevate the DMC-LX2 is the incorporation of 13 MB of built-in memory while the battery life is extended up to 300 pictures* on one charging, not to let you miss those great spur-of-the-moment shots. A print mode has been added to the mode dial so that you can print the images quickly and bundled software allows users to edit and develop RAW files.
The unique 16:9 wide CCD and 28mm wide angle LEICA DC lens provide a unique view of the world and which is refined by the Panasonic’s excellent image stabilizing systems of MEGA O.I.S., the high sensitivity recording and the I.I.C.
The LUMIX DMC-LX2 is like no other compact camera, enabling both high-end amateurs and entry-level users to explore the creativeness that surely enhances the joy of shooting.
* Based on the CIPA standard.
10.2-megapixel 16:9 aspect CCD and f/2.8 28mm wide angle 4x optical zoom LEICA DC Lens
The DMC-LX2 features a 10.2-megapixel 16:9 aspect CCD and f/2.8 4x optical zoom 28mm wide angle* (equivalent to 28 mm to 112 mm on a 35 mm film camera) LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens. Incorporating three aspherical lenses provides high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The aspect ratio can be easily selected between 16:9 or 3:2 in addition to the conventional 4:3 with a switch on the lens barrel on a shot-by-shot-basis to best suit the composition of the image. Even after shooting, the 16:9 ratio can be converted to 3:2 or 4:3 with the camera according to your purpose of use.
The Extra Optical Zoom, made possible by using the center part of 10.2-megapixel high resolution CCD, further extends the zoom ratio to 5.5x for 5-megapixel image recording in 16:9 aspect with minimal deterioration.
* In 16:9 aspect ratio.
More than just a MEGA O.I.S., LUMIX’s image stabilizing system further evolves
Taking advantage of its superior lens technology, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) to fight against the major cause of blurred images. It compensates for handshake and is now featured on the entire LUMIX range, and having been highly evaluated and appreciated by the users across the world. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency at 4,000 times per second and will be compensated to render clear, sharp images. In addition, movement of the subject, the other major cause of blurred images, is suppressed by the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III with the Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and max.ISO1600 high sensitivity recording capabilities. The world’s first incorporation* of this I.I.C. allows the automatic adjustment of the suitable ISO setting and shutter speed that best suits the situation by analyzing the speed of subject movement. If the subject is moving, the ISO setting would automatically rise to allow high shutter speed. On the other hand, if the subject is still and no movement is detected, you can take beautiful natural images with a low ISO setting.
Accordingly the new LUMIX automatically takes the best countermeasures against any causes of blurred images with MEGA O.I.S. compensating for hand-shake and the I.I.C. compensating for movement of the subject. Image stabilizing system is further evolving with LUMIX.
*For a digital still camera, as of July 19, 2006.
Dramatically reduced noise with Venus Engine III
The DMC-LX2 adopts the Venus Engine III to realize high sensitivity recording at max. ISO 1600 at full resolution. The noise reduction system is greatly improved by removing noise at the processing stages in series. First, critical noise is roughly undraped and the chromatic noise and the luminance noise are separated to respectively go through the supplemental noise reduction process so that the remaining noise is appropriately minimised.
Despite the significantly increased performance of the camera, the Venus Engine III consumes only 80% of the power utilized by the Venus Engine II and is able to achieve a longer battery life of 300 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time with a shutter release time lag of as short as 0.009 sec*. minimum and the shutter interval of 0.6 sec*. The DMC-LX2 enables easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. The DMC-LX2 also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD/SDHC memory card**.
* Not including the time for AF.
**The number of recordable pictures depends on the memory card size, battery life, picture size and image compression.
Joystick-operated intuitive full manual control
The easy-to-use joystick operation and good design, which were part of the highly acclaimed trademarks of the predecessor, are inherited by the DMC-LX2. The joystick was incorporated to facilitate operational ease and thereby get the best technical advantage of the multitude of functions offered by the camera. With the joystick it is possible to set focus and exposure manually, and also quickly shortcut to frequently used variables by just pressing and holding the joystick even while monitoring a subject on the LCD. The predecessor LX1 contained white balance adjustment, ISO setting, image size setting and compression format in its shortcut menu, and the light metering and AF mode settings are now added for the new LX2. It also allows the exposure compensation and selection of one out of nine focusing areas.
A switch on the side of the lens barrel lets you quickly change the focus mode between MF, AF or Macro AF. When you focus in the Manual Focus mode, not only the focus distance but also the DOF (depth of field) according to the zoom range and aperture is displayed. An MF assist function enlarges the center of the image to make focusing easier. The focusing area can be enlarged up to 4x and is movable, which also contributes to easy and comfortable manual focusing.
Crystal-clear, large 16:9 wide 2.8-inch LCD
To express the best of the extensive 16:9 wide image recording, a 2.8” wide and large 207 k high resolution LCD is newly equipped. The pixel mixed readout method performed at the CCD achieves high sensitivity to offer sufficient brightness for easy shooting even in low-lit situations. The Power LCD function boosts the brightness level by 40% to secure clear view even in sunny outdoors.
The High Angle mode makes the display extremely easy to view from low angles, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd and can be accessed easily and quickly by using the dedicated button.
High definition 16:9 wide motion image recording
The DMC-LX2 is capable of recording the 4:3 VGA(640 x 480) and 16:9 wide VGA(848 x 480) motion image recording at 30 fps. Shooting is one thing but viewing is another, and you will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide screen TV. In addition, the LX2 can record motion images even in high definition (1280 x 720) format at 15 fps. The pixel mixed readout method assists the bright motion image recording even in low lit situation.
Faster AF
The AF mode can be selected according to the shooting situation: 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point high speed, 1-point normal speed and Spot. In the 1-point and 1-point high speed AF mode, the AF area is selectable from the nine focusing areas with the joystick to best fit the composition of the subjects. Also, the AF assist lamp helps quick, accurate focusing in situations where focusing is difficult due to the lack of light. The AF/AE lock button is also succeeded from the predecessor.
A Variety of Scene Modes and Other Features to Enrich Your Photography
An even larger variety of scene modes are contained — a total of seventeen* scene modes to assist you in a wide range of photographic situations. The newly incorporated “Beach” mode is perfect for shooting in strong sunlight and the “Aerial” mode assists with shooting through the windows of an aeroplane. “High Sensitivity**” mode is made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method by the CCD, is ideal for shooting moving subjects clearly without blurring at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 3200.
For additional improvement, the Print mode is also added to the mode dial of the LX2 so that you can make prints by just connecting the camera to Pictbridge -corresponding printers via included USB cable. Of course you can get plural prints of a image or print only those you have selected as your favourite.
The DMC-LX2 includes 13MB of built-in memory to serve not just as a tool of shooting images but also as a digital album, to enjoy seeing and showing your favorite pictures.
Finally, to edit and develop RAW files, “SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.0SE” software application is included with the DMC-LX2. With that, you can freely adjust various setting such as exposure, white balance, and so on afterward with the RAW files to take maximum advantage of digital camera photography enjoyment.
* Not including Macro Mode.
** Resolution significantly decreases in high sensitivity mode.
DCRP reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and writes - 'The DMC-LX2 is a midsize camera with three "wide" features. First you have its exclusive 16:9 widescreen, 10.2 Megapixel CCD. Yes, if there's one thing the original LX1 didn't need, it's more resolution. Next we have the wide-angle lens, which covers a nice range of 28 - 112 mm. Completing the puzzle is the 2.8" widescreen LCD, something which was missing on the LX1. I found the LCD easy to see both outdoors and in low light. The LX2 lacks an optical viewfinder. One of the other standout features on the LX2 is its optical image stabilizer. I found that it works well for both still and video recording. In terms of build quality, the LX2 is well put together. It's made mostly of metal, and feels solid in your hands. You can buy the LX2 in either silver or black.'
Camera Labs reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and writes - 'The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is very much a camera of two halves. In use, it can be an absolute dream with its wide lens, sensor and screen inspiring your creative side, and the decent build quality and high level of manual control satisfying the demands of enthusiasts. In these and many other respects it’s an excellent product. It’s only once you get home and take a closer look at the images that you realise anything shot above 200 ISO is severely compromised by noise reduction and processing - see our outdoor results page.'
DP Review has posted their review of the Panasonic DMC-LX2 and gives it a rating of 'recommended' and writes - '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.'
Photoxels reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and writes - 'the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is, in my opinion, among the best of the compact models. It has many nice features that are well implemented and practically useful. The camera is responsive with robust performance and a very effective optical image stabilization. It supports RAW file format and has full manual exposure, so the advanced photographer should be able to make the most of this little gem.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and writes - 'As you can tell from the long list of Pros and very short list of Cons above, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 has a lot going for it. Though it looks virtually identical to last year's LX1 and makes only a few refinements, this camera is the better for it. For starters, the LX2 now offers a widescreen 2.8-inch LCD that lets you see images you captured at 16:9 in their full widescreen aspect ratio on the display without cropping. Other improvements include increased image resolution to 10 megapixels on shots captured at 16:9, increased light sensitivity of up to ISO 3,200 in High Sensitivity mode, and the speedy new LSI Venus Engine III image processor which has quickened the performance of the LX2 in just about all areas, while lowering image noise at ISO 400 and above.'
Digital Camera Info has posted their review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 where they write - 'The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is a great addition to the compact market if only for the unique 16:9 native 10-megapixel CCD. Photographers should keep in mind that the megapixel count will drop when shooting in other aspect ratios and when shooting at the somewhat ludicrous ISO 3200 level in High Sensitivity mode.'
PCAuthority has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and concludes, "Using the Lumix is a frustrating experience. Once the camera is focused, taking a shot is straightforward and fast, but getting the camera to focus took around a second for every shot we took — no use at all for sporting occasions, and tedious for portrait shots. The manual pop-up flash isn’t particularly user-friendly either, failing to notify you if you’re about to take a photo without it in a dark setting. You’re left with a striking-looking camera with decent image quality. ... it’s difficult to recommend the Lumix in spite of some redeeming features."
PCMag has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and writes, "In the daylight and flash test shots, the LX2 really stood out. There was very little noise in both images. Colors were vibrant and accurate. The images had very good contrast, with no loss in detail. Overall, my pictures were very balanced and evenly lit, although the flash was a bit too powerful. In my tests, the camera had an average of 1,925 lines of resolution, which is very good for a 10MP camera. ... Yet what keeps the LX2 out of Editors' Choice contention is its weak performance—the recycle time, at 7 seconds, is way too slow for an enthusiast camera. There was noticeable shutter lag, and the 3.8-second bootup time is also disappointing."
PCWorld has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and writes, "The DMC-LX2 earned excellent scores in nearly all of our image-quality tests. Most shots--even magnified enlargements--looked sharp, and the camera earned our top score for exposure quality. In our lab tests, cameras capture images while mounted on a tripod, but outside the lab, I tried the Lumix's two image-stabilization modes (one works continuously, and the other works only when the shutter release it held down, ostensibly to save battery life). Neither mode can prevent blurry pictures in extremely shaky settings (on a roller coaster, for example), but they will gain you an f-stop or two, which is enough to save some pictures, particularly in low light."
DPInterface has a review of the Panasonic Lumix LX2 and writes, "Image quality was good though the noise levels and camera post-reduction smearing are fair issues. Thank goodness there's a RAW image mode where you can save your photos from becoming paintings, to a certain extent. Movie mode is good, except the question about the usability of the choppy movies at the highest resolution. The Panasonic Lumix LX2 looks like a good choice for landscape photographers with its three "wide" features (Photos, lens, LCD) who will likely be shooting in RAW at the lowest ISO."
Compare prices on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 and get the latest price on the Panasonic DMC-LX2S at Amazon.
Posted by Darren in our Panasonic category on July 19, 2006