Panasonic LX-2: Second Outing

Metropolitan United Church -- Panasonic LX-2

Took the LX-2 with me yesterday and shot around the Queen & Church area.  I really like the size of the camera, though I would like more if it's slightly larger.  The lens on it has pretty good resolution.  When processed through Lightroom 3 (which I couldn't resist the good deal that B&H had on sale for $69 about a week ago), the quality at ISO 100 is quite good.  I am now shooting at the 16:9 aspect ratio to maximize the solution of the sensor, though I don't really like it for still pictures.  To me, it's not as natural as 3:2.

In terms of image quality, there is really no comparison  to APS-C or even M43 sensors.  Even on base ISO 100, noise is visible and that DC look is staring you at the face at 100%.  I believe in print, up to 13x19, quality will be just fine.

It's a matter of time, the low end small sensor DCs will be history in a few years, replaced by cell phones, and most new DCs will sport larger sensors with much better image quality.  I do believe Nikon will have a upper hand on this, as the one inch sensor in the J1/V1 is perfect for digicams.  It's such a great balance between image quality and size/cost.  APS-C is a bit too large, as lenses that covers this size of sensor will have been be much bigger.

A Lucky Find

Taking Shape -- Panasonic LX-2

Few weeks ago I picked up an LX-2 at the pawnshop.  It had no battery, no charger, and a pretty badly scratched LCD screen.  It was a risk because I had no idea if it works, but for $30, I decided to take it.  Ordered the battery and charger from eBay and they came today.  Put the battery in, and it worked!

This little gem is well made and feels quite nice in the hand.  The lens is not as nice as the one on the LX-3 or LX-5, but it has a decent range and reasonably fast maximum aperture of f2.8 on the wide end (28mm).  The sensor produces 10MP but only with the 16:9 aspect ratio, and 8.5MP for 3:2 and 7.5MP for 4:3 ratio.  To me, the only usable ISO is 100 and 200.  Anything over that is too noisy.  That's the reason I love the NEX-5N.  The bigger sensor has its advantages.  I like the size of the camera and it can easily go in a large pocket and easy to carry around.  I know it will stay in my backpack all the time, along with the NEX-5N.  A backup camera, if you will, for the NEX-5N.  Since it's so cheap, I don't worry about it being scratched or bumped.

Pomelos -- Panasonic LX-2

In terms of image quality, well, it has a tiny sensor, so even on base ISO, you will see noise but is completely OK if you don't view it at 100%.  I am sure it will print fine at 8x10 or even 13x19.  The best thing about this camera is that it can shoot RAW, but with one frame buffer (like the Sony R1 I briefly had until I couldn't stand it).  Of course you can't really buy a new LX-2, but if you encounter a used one at a low price, it will make a nice backup camera, or even your primary go anywhere camera.