Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (Black)

Pros: Image quality
Size
Level of control
Lens

Cons: No viewfinder

Summary: I bought this camera a week ago as a replacement for my canon 500d with 18-55 lens. This is because I wanted a more compact and lightweight camera to take walking/sailing/cycling. I also wanted a camera that had a wide angle lens as I like scenic shots. I was prepared to 'trade' these features against a drop in image quality compared to the DSLR. The benefits of this camera to me have been fully realised - the portability is fantastic and the range of options and film modes and control over the image recording is better than the Canon.
What really surprised me though is that there has been no (to me) discernable reduction in image quality - infact I prefer the images from the LX3 which are punchier and deal better with high contrast scenes. This is after comparing the results of images of the same scene from both cameras. I am really delighted with this and its got me thinking.............
I am sure that there are many people who would disagree after anally scrutinising the images to a level 99.9% of us would find irrelevant for our day to day needs. I feel a little annoyed with myself for having gone to the time and expense of DSLR ownership - I was suckered into the 'must-have-a-dslr' state of mind, where we obsess over the latest lens/body combination and specification hike. Lets face it - like most things in our world, its all about money and how much the Corporations can get out of you. You won't find a magazine that dares to suggest what I am saying as it would challenge the status-quo and we'd stop buying them and the over-priced equipment they hype.
Anyway, thats my rant for the day so back to the camera - if you are thinking of getting an LX3 then get on and get one.......... from my experience it's better than I imagined and more than enough for what I need