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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Coming to the States

The first night in Shinjuku, Japan, my uncle asked whether that was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 in my hand. After replying that it was my the DMC-LX1, he mentioned that the third generation is now on the market. Being a fan of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1, I was really interested to see what this new generation has to offer.

While browsing the department store in Akihabara of Tokyo, Japan, I saw the newly released Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 in person. The first thing I noticed was the detachable lens cap clip. Immediately, I almost jumped for joy. I am sure my wife saw the diamond-like gleam in my eyes. I seriously hoped that the detachable lens cap clip meant a lens adapter can be mounted to the camera. This had been a sourly missing feature from day one.

On this Japan trip, I had brought only the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 and the Sony Handycam DCR-HC90 due to luggage constraints. Afraid I would miss the capabilities of my DSLR cameras, I had also packed several accessory lenses for the camcorder. I had wished that these same lenses could be mounted to the digital camera as well.

After playing with the lens cap clip, I quickly grabbed a Panasonic digital camera product brochure. Sure enough, the Panasonic DMW-LA4 lens adapter can be mounted to the front of the DMC-LX3. At that moment I decided to buy the DMC-LX3.

In Japan the DMC-LX3 is being sold for 58400 yen. The DMC-LX3 is not yet available in the United States. However, you can pre-order it for $499 (see "Related Links" below). You can pre-order the lens adapter for $29. I am quite tempted to buy it in Japan. But if I don't, the first thing I will do when I get back to the United States is to pre-order it.

Other improvements of the DMC-LX3 includes a higher 10 megapixel resolution, a wider 5.1-12.8mm lens, a larger f/2.0-2.8 aperture, a higher 1/2000 shutter speed, an 1cm macro mode, and ISO speed up to 6400.

There are also plenty of accessory options, like the DMW-LW46 0.75x wide angle lens, various filters, the DMW-CLX3 body case, DMW-HDC1 high-definition video cable, and a hot-shoe for the DMW-FL360/DMW-FL500 external electronic flashs and the DMW-VF1 24mm optical viewfinder.

Chieh Cheng
Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:23:18 +0000

i want one! you still there?!

Sarcast
Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:43:42 +0000

please, tell me one thing, in Akihabara, you went in LAOX? the LX3 also have English menu?
Please, answer me because I live here in Tokyo and I really would like to buy this camera.

Luca
Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:06:30 +0000

No, I was at Yodobashi Camera department store in Akihabara. I didn't ask about the English version.

Yesterday, I went to Yodobashi-Umeda in Osaka. Apparently, the 58400 yen was the sale price. The price is now 64800 yen.

I found that the DMW-LA4 lens adapter costs 2100 yen, which is about $20. It is on pre-order for $30 in U.S., so I bought one to bring home.

Attached Image:

Panasonic Lumix DMW-LA4.JPG

Chieh Cheng
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:54:34 +0000

Pardon my ignorance, but what type of lenses does the lens adapter allow you to put on?

The camera is available for pre-order for an amazing $376USD at BroadwayPhoto (regularly $499).

Panamajack
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:51:21 +0000

The DMC-LX3 brochure only shows the DMW-LW46 0.75x wide angle lens being compatible to the camera. But the lens adapter allows any accessory lens with 46mm filter ring to be attached. And you can use other accessory lenses via step-up and step-down rings. I'm planning on trying with assorted accessory lenses when I get the camera. I'll post review of the lens adapter and compatibility with various accessory lenses on this web site when the time comes.

I suggest that you do not purchase from Broadway Photo. As far as I know, it is a bait-and-switch shop. See my "Where to buy cameras?" article and the "Broadway Photo...Don't purchase from them!" thread. I will probably buy it from Amazon with its free super-saver shipping. See "Related Links" below.

Chieh Cheng
Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:40:31 +0000

The silver version is now in stock at Amazon for $449.99 (see "Related Links" below). It is being sold by J&R through Amazon with free shipping. The black version is still on pre-order, but for a lower price of $479.99!

Chieh Cheng
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:22:44 +0000

I got tired of waiting for Amazon to stock it so I pulled the trigger and bought one at the Fortress chain here in Hong Kong for the equivalent of US$525 three weeks ago. The kit included a spare battery, 4GB SD card, and generic case. I just came back from a trip to Sydney and I couldn't have asked for better results from my DSLR. The one major drawback is that above ISO 100, the images are pretty lousy, but otherwise I have no regrets. Regarding Broadway Photo, they are shysters from Brooklyn (my old neighborhood) who will sell you the camera for that ridiculously low price only if you purchase add ons at ridiculously high prices. If it sounds too good to be true it is.

Hotspur
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:38:58 +0000

I just ordered this dream camera of mine. Waiting for it to arrive now . . . It's going to come in handy for my second baby's birth in a month and a half. :-)

Chieh Cheng
Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:26:54 +0000

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