Panasonic Lumix LX3 Digital Camera is the long awaited addition to the popular Lumix LX series of high-end, compact digital still cameras.

Designed for easy, creative shooting, the new LX3 comes two years after its predecessor, the LX2, which earned an enthusiastic following among both professional photographers and serious amateurs for its exquisite image rendering, superior operating ease, and unique triple-wide system comprising wide-angle lens, 16:9 CCD and LCD. Panasonic has gone a big step further in the new LX3, upgrading every component to achieve a camera whose performance surpasses that of any compact camera that has come before. Simply put, the LX3 smashes all previous perceptions about the limitations of a digital compact camera, setting a lofty new standard in performance, quality and creative capabilities.

At the core of the LX3 is a large, ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specially for the new model. The old formula equating pixel count with image quality does not always hold true. In general, if two CCDs have exactly the same physical size but different pixel counts, the one with more pixels is not necessarily better – in fact, it's likely to generate more picture noise, especially in low-light parts of the image. This poor low-light image quality has been a source of great dissatisfaction for compact camera users. In the LX3, Panasonic responds to this problem by boldly reversing the industry trend of pushing toward ever-higher pixel counts. Rather than cramming in the maximum number of pixels possible, it has limited the LX3's 1/1.63-inch CCD to 10.1 megapixels. The result is a CCD that provides a generous amount of space for each pixel while offering superb sensitivity and a wide dynamic range made possible by maximizing the size of the photodiode. Panasonic also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation. These enhancements greatly improve imaging performance, boosting both sensitivity and saturation by around 40% compared with ordinary 10-mexapixel compact cameras.* The CCD in DMC-LX3 can reproduce images shot with the lens set from 24mm to 60mm in any of three aspect ratios; 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9, so you can always capture dynamic, richly expressive shots with a wide perspective. The newly added Multi-aspect bracketing mode allows the camera to take a image in all 3 aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing the photographer to choose the one that best takes the advantage of the scene after shooting.

The LX3's F2.0 24mm ultra-wide-angle* LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens also represents a major step up from the LX2. The F2.0 lens is about twice as bright as the previous F2.8 lens, itself generally considered a bright lens. With the new F2.0 lens, the LX3 can shoot at higher shutter speeds and capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images even in lower lighting conditions. This advanced lens also makes it easy to produce beautiful photos with a pleasing soft-focused background. Also, the 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens – rare on a compact camera – gives photographers a wider range of composition possibilities. The super-high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens minimises distortion even at the wide end, so users can get stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail.

The LX3 is equipped with Panasonic's advanced image processing LSI, the Venus Engine IV. This high-speed high-performance imaging engine makes it possible to capture clean, beautiful, low-noise photos even when shooting at high sensitivity settings. Separating chromatic noise from luminance noise and low-frequency noise from high-frequency noise, and applying the optimal noise-reduction processing to each, the Venus Engine IV provides superior noise control and minimization of colour bleeding.

The LX3 is packed with features that enhance photo-shooting fun, ease of use and creativity. An easy-to-use Manual mode gives the user greater shot-making flexibility and control – ideal for those who want to explore the creative side of photography. The auto focus function lets the user select the number of auto focus points in the frame by pressing a button on the camera top. Pressing the same button after taking the shot enlarges the area surrounding the point of focus, giving the user a convenient way to check the focusing accuracy. The LX3's customized setting function lets the user assign functions to an independent button on the camera back. In addition, up to 4 settings can be stored in memory and instantly retrieved using the Mode dial. The colour temperature can be set when adjusting the white balance, which works with the conventional 2-axis compensation to allow even finer adjustment.

The LX3 offers a Film mode with 6 colour types and 3 types of monochrome to choose from. Much like selecting different film types with a film camera, this function gives the user the flexibility to produce more interesting and expressive images. A newly added multiple-exposure function also lets the user create artistic photo productions, overlaying up to three consecutive images while viewing the most recent image in the monitor.

The LX3 boasts a large 3.0-inch LCD with a 3:2 aspect ratio and high 460,000-dot resolution. Performance is outstanding for both shooting and viewing. A new LCD panel provides bright, easy-to-see images over a wider viewing angle. The Intelligent LCD function, standard on all Lumix models, assures comfortable viewing in virtually all conditions by automatically adjusting the backlighting of LCD as the ambient light level changes.

One key advancement over previous models is the LX3's superb expandability. Mounting the optional Wide Conversion Lens** brings the maximum wide angle all the way to an incredible 18mm. Other optional equipment such as the ND Filter** and new PL Filter** also broaden image-creating possibilities. The high-end aluminum External Optical Viewfinder provides bright, clear viewing without wearing down the battery. And the optional GN22 Compact Flash mounts to the hot shoe newly added to the LX3. These and other accessories let users build around the LX3 to create a powerful, versatile camera system that can take them as far into photography as they want to go.

This full set of functions draws a distinct line between the LX3 and ordinary compact cameras. The LX3 stands alone as a compact camera whose image-creating capabilities rival even digital SLRs. It's a camera that gives users the ability to capture beautiful, richly expressive images every time they shoot.

Available in black or silver*** the DMC-LX3 is an excellent choice as a compact partner camera for users who own an SLR. It is also an outstanding long-term camera solution for high-level users who want the best in image quality, operating ease, flexibility and creative freedom.