Another week another new camera?

Last week Nikon introduced the D700. I am still waiting to see some real reviews before deciding to make the jump to the new model. This week Panasonic announced the Lumix DMC-LX3 to compete with the Canon G9 and possibly the Coolpix 6000 should it actually be anything more than a rumor. What do I like about the new Panasonic? Well here is the short list. For all the details head over DPreview for a great description along with a few hi-res product shots.

Why would I be looking at a new camera when I am still happy with my G9? First on the list is size. I love my Canon G9 as a great take everywhere camera but it is still a brick. Here is a quick size comparison I did over at sizeasy.com. Looks like the DMC-LX3 is considerably smaller than the G9 and much more pocketable Dimensions 108.7 x 59.5 x 27.1 mm Weight (with battery) 265 g

Next up is the wide angled bright lens. Shoots Wide (35mm Equiv.: 24-60mm) at• F2.0 – F8.0 The LX3 captures approx.213% larger viewing space compared to that of a normal 35mm camera, and even approx.136% larger compared to what a 28mm wide-angle lens can do. The G9 is 35-210mm f/2.8-4.8. The F2.0 lens on the LX-3 is about twice as bright as the F2.8 lens.

The LX-3 Boldly defies the trend to cram in the most pixels possible, Panasonic limited the LX3’s large 1/1.63-inch CCD to 10.1 megapixels. This made it possible to make each pixel around 45% larger than those in ordinary 10-megapixel cameras. As a result, both sensitivity and saturation is around 40% higher than in ordinary models, giving the LX3 exquisite image quality with both excellent sensitivity and a wide dynamic range.

And finally upon initial inspection along with shooting RAW (as must) the LX-3 captures dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480) using QuickTime Motion JPEG instead of the crappy AVI of the Canon.

The down sides seem to be a short zoom lens and no immediate time lapse feature which I have fun with my G9. Oh yeah and the fact that it has a ridiculous name. Canon G9, now that is a good camera name. LX-3 isn’t bad but Lumix! Come on. I know it is Lumix like luminance but I can’t help thinking of Lumicks every time I look at it. Which in my made up world is a big clumsy dumb guy. Maybe it is just me.