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- Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 17 reviews Back to product review
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4 out of 6 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Panasonic's positively near perfect point and shoot performer"
Pros: Lens, Beautiful photos, Lots of manual features, Aesthetic appeal of shape and diminutive all aluminium body, Fast
Cons: Protrusion of lens barrel, Lack of accessories, Proprietary battery
Summary: I read almost every review I can get my hands on, in print and on line, but after months of research and deliberation, I finally had my top 5 list for my next point and shoot: Leica D-LUX3, Canon G7, Panasonic DMC-LX2k, Ricoh Caplio R5, Sony DSC-H5B
The Sony had a super long zoom and the advantage of using a non-proprietary power source (AAs). The other advantage was that I could use my DuoPro cards on my PSP to view pictures on the go.
Ricoh had the best combination of a 7x zoom and a wide 28mm (35mm equivalent) lens in a compact camera. Certainly a deadly combination!
Canon G7 had classic old school styling, excellent build quality, 10 mega pixels, a great number of manual controls rivalling that of a small DSLR.
The Panasonic had a unique widescreen format, a wide 28mm lens, Leica optics, 10 mega pixels, a ton of manual controls and a stylish black body.
The Leica was the prettier smarter twin sister of the LX2k.
At the end of it all it was between the G7, LX2k, D-Lux3. Basically, the G7 got bumped because of its bulk and because it was only 35mm at its widest. The Leica would have been my first choice but it wasn?t worth the premium for what you get in return further LX2k prices just dropped making it the smarter investment for a mechanically identical product.
I have taken close to 500 shots with my LX2k now and have been very satisfied with my shots. It?s a little disappointing that no photolabs print at widescreen aspect ratio (yet) but I have been very satisfied with the results of my pictures printed and on the computer.
It performs very well as a simple point and shoot but really shines when you use its manual features and take advantage of its wide screen and 28mm wide lens. I?ve been able to take shots I wouldn?t have been able to before without stitching photos together with a program. I mostly take architectural and portrait pictures and this camera always continue to amaze me when I am able to compose and capture a picture perfectly.
At first I must admit that I was hesitant in purchasing the LX2k at first because of some of the not so stellar reviews out there. I just think that people expected too much from this camera (expecting and leaps and bound improvement from the LX1 and its very impressive specs) but most had a lot of good things to say. This camera had way too many pros going for it than there were cons in my perspective not to give it a chance. When I finally got the camera in my hands and took a few shots with it, I seriously did not understand why this camera did not receive better marks from reviewers. It is not a DSLR replacement but as far as a point and shoot goes, with that mentality and philosophy behind of photography, in my humble opinion I think that the LX2 is a very capable near perfect camera.
Its not perfect?but its pretty close. Good set of features, small and pocketable, great lens, excellent build quality, RAW, rangefinder like throwback good looks?etc?etc.
Improvements I would make:
Having all the analogue type controls physically available on the body would be amazing! ISO, aperture, shutter speed, zoom ring, focus ring?etc.
The capability to use non proprietary source of power like AAs.
A slightly longer zoom.
An included leather case or form fitting skin.
MORE ACCESSORIES such as standard filter adapters, slave flash, remote control?etc. <<couldn?t they use the ring that the cap clips on to for an adapter? I know there are universal adapters available and DYI projects you can do to make filters work?but whats the point of getting a sleek sexy camera when you are going to make it look like Frankenstein with a piece of PVC, hot glue and a yogurt cup?
Final word:
A good buy especially at the cheaper price. ($100 cheaper now!) Zero buyers regret. I can foresee many years of enjoyment and use out of this camera. Even when its 10mp sensor does get old in the megapixel race, certain features and innovation unique to this camera will be enough to give this camera longevity.
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2K (black):
$699.95
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