First Impressions of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

In our continuing coverage of the Panasonic event over at Hong Kong, we got a chance to get a first-hand experience of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. After having spent two days with the LX3, our impressions of this new beauty are certainly strong.

We've always been on the lookout for a small compact that had the ability to produce decent high ISO shots, and after our night shooting stint over at Victoria Peak, we found ourselves quite impressed with the camera's capability to handle itself at high ISO values.

Below are the series of photos taken at The Peak, which were mounted onto the tripod to ensure that shutter speeds won't be affecting our comparisons. We went through a series of ISO values, from ISO80 to ISO3200 but not at ISO6400 because it's simply impossible to achieve a satisfyingly clean photo at that ISO value, especially for a compact. Do note that these shots were taken with a pre-production LX3, and what you see here might not be what the finalized product can do.

Sample shot at ISO80 from Victoria Peak. Taken with a LX3 pre-production unit.

Sample shot at ISO100 from Victoria Peak. Taken with a LX3 pre-production unit.

Sample shot at ISO200 from Victoria Peak. Taken with a LX3 pre-production unit.

Sample shot at ISO400 from Victoria Peak. Taken with a LX3 pre-production unit.

Sample shot at ISO800 from Victoria Peak. Taken with a LX3 pre-production unit.

Sample shot at ISO1600 from Victoria Peak. Taken with a LX3 pre-production unit.

Sample shot at ISO3200 from Victoria Peak. Taken with a LX3 pre-production unit.