Panasonic Lumix DMC LX3

The Lumix DMC-LX3 is the third compact digital camera from Panasonic to offer a 16:9 ratio image, following on from the original LX1 model that was released back in 2005 and the LX2 in 2006. The Panasonic LX3 additionally offers more conventional 3:2 and 4:3 ratio images via a switch on the lens barrel. Other improvements on the Panasonic DMC-LX3 include a brand new 10 megapixel, 1/1.63-inch CCD sensor, Venus Engine IV image processor, 3.0-inch LCD screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 460K dot resolution, and extended ISO range (80-3200). The Panasonic LX3 also has a wealth of options that will appeal to the more serious photographer. It features a 2.5x, 24-60mm wide-angle lens with a bright maximum aperture of F/2.0 at the 24mm setting, optical image stabilizer, full range of manual exposure controls, compact all-metal body, 2.5fps continuous shooting and support for both JPEG and RAW image formats. Panasonic have certainly made some bold claims about the LX3, stating that it offers "the highest image quality in compact camera history". And with a hefty price-tag of £399 / $499.95, you'd expect the LX3 to be near the mark.