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The most talked-about camera on PhotographyBLOG, but this review
will likely end that. I think you said it best, "a premium-priced product
which doesn't produce premium results."
There is still one thing I do not understand. It is obvious that the LX1
is two inches thick (with a lens cap) because Panasonic used a 1/1.8"
CCD (in 4:3 mode) rather than attempting to stuff 6 megapixels (again,
in 4:3 mode) onto a 1/2.5" CCD (used by all other ultra-compacts with
greater than 3x zoom. Had they used the 1/2.5" CCD, they could have
easily retracted the lens completely into its 1" thick body, and probably
achieved 5x zoom at the same time.
So why then is the LX1 so noisy? A camera with only 6 megapixels on
a 1/1.8" CCD should not be that noisy. If it is a firmware problem, then
maybe an update is in order, rather than having to wait for the LX2 (as
was "announced" in the review's Conclusion).
BTW, the next most talked-about camera on PhotographyBLOG is the
Ricoh Caplio R3. 
GARY POGODA at 08:12pm on Tuesday, December 06, 2005
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Bottom line is Leica liked it enough to put their dress on it and call it a "Leica", Haven't heard negative reports from those that ACTUALLY use it! Took picture # 2334 yesterday, absolutely stunning, still loving it!
nick in japan at 11:55pm on Tuesday, December 06, 2005
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Look, it's us 3 - the chatty lot, that we are. Haha. Right on top of things, I see.......
Hey, er, Mr Goldstein -
your ASPECT RATIO comparison layout SUCKS. Firstly, having WHITE edges at the top of the photos with white background of these pages here at PhotographyBlog makes the edge of the photo really hard to see!
Secondly, you need to re-size the photos so that the 16x9 doesn't seem like it's a squeezed-down version of the 4x3 (as would be the case if we're talking about the FX9). You need to make the 3 shots all match in size in height, and show the width differences instead, to get a real idea of the differences in the aspect ratios. Capisce? Comprende?
NOISE - a review somewhere said that the noise is mainly color-based, so can be easily removed with some of noise reduction software. And most reviews seem to say that the noise is mainly in the dark areas. Does that mean that it's a hardware problem? I dunno - has anyone done any real-world comparisons between this camera and other recent Panasonic cameras? Do any of you know? Have you see the differences? Are the other Panasonic cameras better at handling noise? Or is the noise problem mainly the LX1?
AA at 05:10am on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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Gotta agree with AA on the display, Black as album pages are Always Professional looking... IMHO, I think that there are NO cameras out there that are noise free! I have a Pentax S6 on order, cheap here with the yen breaking records, anxious to compare grain, user reviews were real good, Momma aint gonna get my 2nd LX for Christmas, I cant see myself without one, back-up worries are over.
The most wonderful thing Panaleica could do is develop some Firmware for the LX-1, AND the Leica Rip-off!
nick in japan at 06:34am on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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AA, I have updated the aspect ratio section with matching heights.
Mark Goldstein at 10:38am on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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AHA!
See, Mr Goldstein, that makes so much more sense, doesn't it? Now we can see the differences in the croppped widths of the aspect ratios! Excellent.
Nick - all you have to do is examine some of the images at 100% on the screen and printed, to see what the Noise fuss is all about. It's there. Pretty badly. When you look at dark areas, you can clearly see the "hairy" color noises of blues/magentas (they look like speckles of dust, actually), which can be removed fairly well, but not perfectly, even with the RAW. Increasing the contrast helps too, I am sure, making the darker areas darker, being careful not to blow the bright spots on the other end. But comparing this camera to some of the others in the same range, there are a couple of other cameras that have much less hairiness and "grain." The noise looks far too loose and unclustered.
AA at 11:32am on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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Thanks AA, Yes it's there, funny how it is more noticeable on some than others. I live with it, and have to do some work in Photoshop. I dont know if you have tried/ or use CS2, but there is a Highlight/Shadow selection that is amazing, I use that alot as well as the noise reduction, and I get excellent prints. I think this camera shop I use has a printer that also uses a noise reduction program too, maybe most commercial printers do.
I'm assuming you have your camera now, I sure hope you are enjoying it, as you know, I love using mine.
Even with a bit of grain , the other aspects of this camera make it so very much enjoyable to use.... I wonder if Mark used an increase in settings when he shot the test pictures or was at the default setting? I missed that...
nick in japan at 12:34pm on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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Nice catch, AA, on the aspect ratios, especially for those newcomers
to the LX1 thread(s) who might not have realized just how gorgeous
16:9 can be.
I'm still waiting to hear more about the LX2 which Mark announced in
the last line of his Conclusion.
GARY POGODA at 08:02pm on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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The 30 sec sample picture included in the review is also not a good example. For night shots, best results are got using a 4-8 second exposure. Exposures beyond that actually degrades the picture. The dark sky turns into a noisy grey colour - as in the sample. I wish Mr Goldstein tried more variations before posting that picture.
I've taken about 50 night snaps and they are all quite good (all 8 sec or less). I don't have anything else to compare but they are all definitely better than the sample in the review. For some I didn't even use a tripod - just rested the camera on the railing and stood *very* still - and it worked! IS ??
Li at 03:01pm on Thursday, December 08, 2005
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and now it comes with a digital lenses, that makes picutre more real and perfect.
lianda at 06:01pm on Thursday, December 08, 2005
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Quick note on RAW storage times with the DMC LX1- this can be speeded up by using the Clean Up command in the Play Menu. If the SD card gets fragmented, writing RAW files slows up.
Dave Williams at 05:17pm on Monday, December 12, 2005
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 does not work, says page not found. Please fix this I would like to see the quality at 848 x 480.
Thanks!!
FIX Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Movie Download at 03:38am on Thursday, December 15, 2005
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Please fix the Panasonic Lumix Movie download sample. Says page not found. Please delete these comments when fixed. Great reviews!!
Panasonic Lumix MOVIE sample does not work at 03:42am on Thursday, December 15, 2005
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Right, the movie link has been fixed - thanks for letting me know
Mark Goldstein at 11:13am on Thursday, December 15, 2005
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Panasonic is firm for me, a firm leader in R@D, "The Firm of the future" Firmly in bed with Leica !
nick in japan at 08:42pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2005
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An expensive noise maker. Why not make some some noise by beating the back of a frying pan with a ladle? No new investmeents necessary!
mememe at 01:10am on Friday, December 23, 2005
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The important question seems to be whether this noize issue is a software or hardware problem. If the CCD is extra noizy for some reason, then there's no simple fix possible. Even software correction would only be improving what isn't a problem with some other (sometimes cheaper) cameras in the first place. If it's a software problem, I'd think that Panasonic and Leica would get on the ball and fix it, especially since every review I've read points out the same weakness. Perhaps the fact that they haven't come out with a firmware update by now says it all. Too bad. I'd be willing to pay the extra price for a camera that lives up to its potential. When's that LX2 coming out? 
Kento at 04:28pm on Friday, March 17, 2006
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I've had mine for about 3 months now and I have zero regrets. Although I cant say the same for my friend who shelled out $980.00 + for her Leica. I got my LX1 for $480.00 -- The lens alone is worth the cost of the camera and @ the time, Panasonic had a rebate for a 512MB flash card.
I've found the noise issue is easily fixed with software Noise Ninja (stand alone or Photoshop plug-in) or (my preference) Neat Image. Ive taken some amazing low light pictures.
Ive also heard a rumour that there is a setting to adjust the noise but no one seems to know exactly where it is.
Doc at 03:34am on Thursday, March 30, 2006
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There are set-up settings that you can set to your own likes, I set all 3 to the max value, suits my style of shooting. Over 3000 images, still loving it! I bought a back-up camera after deciding that I can't be without this camera, still in it's box, it may never see the light of day!
nick in japan at 03:43am on Thursday, March 30, 2006
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I believe the "set-up settings" are called macros. Below is the quote from a review on C|NET.
------------------
Well, after using this camera for a couple of weeks, I discovered that there are two settings for internal noise reduction, HIGH and LOW. The camera defaults to LOW, which is almost none. If you can find the setting which is buried in the menu system, you can set it to HIGH and it alleviates a most of the problem. So, I guess we should read the manual!
------------------
I haven't been able to find this setting and as far as I know, nobody else (that I know of) has found it either.
Doc at 04:35am on Thursday, March 30, 2006
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My bad, the setting is right there. [NOISE REDUCTION] in [PICT.ADJ] High/Med/Low
Like the man said: "I guess I should read the manual".
Mud (Doc) at 05:04am on Thursday, March 30, 2006
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According to Page 79 of the LX1 user's manual, you cannot use the
Picture Adjustment settings in Auto mode.
GARY POGODA at 06:14pm on Thursday, March 30, 2006
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Maybe that's why I missed it the first time.
So Gary, do you actually own a LX1 or are you content waiting for your LX2?
Doc at 07:50pm on Thursday, March 30, 2006
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Thanks Gary for that tech support answer. There was , it seems another problem with using the Auto Mode, as sent to me from "Li"
I have never used that mode myself, so I cant help, I can say that using Manual is alot of fun , the histogram and toggle keep adjustments, and their results , easy to use, and good results!
nick in japan at 08:44pm on Thursday, March 30, 2006
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Doc, I am the proud owner of an LX1 user's manual. I downloaded it
when I was researching cameras for my wife's birthday.
Nick, I seem to remember something from Li about Auto mode, but I
can't remember what.
GARY POGODA at 04:43am on Friday, March 31, 2006
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I think Li had complained about a general feeling of dissatisfaction with the "auto" mode, which is understandable. As I remember , he switched to "Program" and all was well. I shoot , mostly in "P", unless I have some time to concentrate, which isn't much, then I like "M"
Cold this year, the cherry blossoms just started popping out here in Iwakuni, Tokyo is ahead of us.
nick in japan at 04:51am on Friday, March 31, 2006
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hijacked... post a couple if you have time.
And I concur - the auto mode seems to be useless about 50% of the time.
Doc at 05:19am on Friday, March 31, 2006
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Doc, do you print your own, or use a camera shop? maybe you know this, especially if you have followed the LX-1 ramblings.. The APS "High Vision" ( as it's called here in Japan ) print size is just about the same print as the 16X9 aspect. Shops here print APS sizes , so it's handy for me here, I have no idea what America has anymore, my last visit was in '94.
I love talking 'bout stuff like this, you can contact me easy, I'm at "Skype" as
pkonisdbonus8205, be glad to send some e-mails if you like, too.
nick in japan at 06:02am on Friday, March 31, 2006
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Cool, Im docismxp on AIM - but I'm not a real IM'r. Ive been sending my files to Costco Photo Center and getting my frames (which include glass and a nice beveled mat) at IKIA.
Costco will do a high-quality canvas print is wrapped around a 20x24” frame for 70.00.
Regular photo prints with a choice of glossy or lustre.
16x20, 20x30 4.99 ea
11x14, 12x18 1.79 ea
4x6 prints 0.17 ea
5x7 prints 0.39 ea
8x10 prints 1.49 ea
Wallet set 0.17 ea
Sorry no 16x9 aspect.
IKEA has tons of quality frames for very realistic prices. Here's a sample.
IKEA
W: 16 ½ " X H: 20 ½ " | W: 42 cm X H: 52 cm
category: 16x20" (40x50 cm) - $14.99
Again, I haven't seen any frames that accommodate any 16x9.
Im a noob in the whole photog world. The LX1 is only my 2nd dig camera and I just bought Digital Photography for Dummies 3rd so I can learn about ISO settings, f-stop, aperture, shutter speeds, exposure and all that she'it.
Ive been working with Photoshop for years so that helps a little... and meta files, now I know what they're really good for.
Doc at 06:23pm on Friday, March 31, 2006
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Great info, we have a Cosco in Fukuoka, I was gonna drop in when we go down to get the Kid's Passports re-newed, guess I'll skip that side trip now!
I suggest you find a shop that prints the APS "Wide" shot to see how nice it is, IMHO.
nick in japan at 09:45pm on Friday, March 31, 2006
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Costos in Japan... who knew? I had a print made for my mom on her birthday - the whole thing cost me a grand total of 17.00 and everybody that's seen it thinks it was done in a studio.
But, like you said, I lost both ends of the picture. I haven't really looked into it but my next print project will be of the moon pics I took and they will all be in the APS Wide mode. I need to find frames too.
Doc at 10:00pm on Friday, March 31, 2006
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HI all i am new here!
I just got this camera today, the Auto mode produce so much noise!
and i never really learn how to use the P or M. My las Sony V1 camera allow me to use auto and make perfect pic.
i guess now is finally the time to learn how to take a photo Manualy.
scoobychau at 07:00am on Monday, April 24, 2006
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Read our comments, I hope you have as much satisfaction as some of us !
nick in japan at 07:37am on Monday, April 24, 2006
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Youre on the right track Scooby - there is a solution to your... I hate to even call it a problem...
Thats how you can tell if someones old school, they make you work for it like they had to.[removed]void(0);
grin
Doc at 08:13pm on Monday, April 24, 2006
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Did really have time to learn how to use to cam yet.
Exam and work all packed untill the end of next month...
any how, i took some snap shot with the Lx1...
i am just amazed at how crappy the pic is... the Noise is just insane.. fuzzy pic like an oil panting...
scoobychau at 04:53am on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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I know how you feel, my Son is in college and REAL busy! I think I have the solution, 1. Repack the LX-1 and mail it to me 2. I will send you my, mint condition, V1. 3. You will be happy again!
nick in japan at 05:33am on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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haha Nick... that is actually not a bad idea..
but in that case i would never had learned how to take a picture in a Real Man's way...
Actually.. i just want some insurance to that this LX1 can really produce good pic with a better so call correct manual setting...
from the look of my snap shot; the extreme bad quality it gave me a distrubing feeling causing me think that this camera can never produce fine sharp pic... with me...
who know.. may be is just the Exam Period Pressure affecting me...
scoobychau at 08:23am on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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Sometimes alot of folks will set the camera to spot metering, or a very narrow metering, this will create lottsa problems if you are not careful, I recommend center weighted metering to begin with. I set all my adjustments to the highest setting to ensure sharpness and vivid colors. I would like to recommend you shoot in "A", Aperture Priority, and toggle to 2.8, this will ensure a high speed to help with sharpness, NEVER put the ASA on AUTO, always set it to no higher than 100..... Good luck, please stay in touch. If you continue to have problems , please e-mail me a snapshot and I will try and read the results!
Semper Fi, Nick
nick in japan at 09:17am on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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Is this camera discontinued?
Sites like(John Lewis, Amazon(only though other traders on Amazon is it still sold). Other sites seem to have no stock, Panasonic have just released many new cameras – is the DMX-LX1 about to be revamped?
stephen at 08:00pm on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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Alot of us sure hope so! A great breakthrough camera that needs a few improvements to make it an OUTSTANDING camera! A few of us love the 28mm, 16x9 wide view, and IS. The lie about it's thickness turned us off, and gave Panasonic a credibility issue, BUT, even Leica saw something there and gave it their logo!
The noise issue resolved, and a retained 28mm with a longer zoom, would be attractive, but, the basic fact remains, the thing is not "Shirt-pocketable", and there is alot of competition out there with non shirt-pocketable cameras, as well as real thin ons too!
I think it will morph into something, as, alot of folks like high resolution 16x9.
nick in japan at 08:49pm on Thursday, April 27, 2006
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I just bought a 42" Panny plasma... it has a feature for viewing my SD flash card - whootie!
Doc at 03:57pm on Friday, April 28, 2006
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In response to stephen above, I e-mailed a camera shop in the UK asking if they were getting stock of black LX-1 in again at some point as I was after one and they e-mailed back saying that the model had been discontinued. I also notice that its not available on the panasonic uk online shop either so fingers crossed theres a LX-2 coming shortly.
mutopian at 01:49pm on Thursday, June 22, 2006
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Silver (Ugh!) is atill available here in Japan, I, too, wonder if an upgrade will become reality, but the trend of thin cameras may prevent the decision from being made. This model would take up alot of room in a woman's purse compared to the wafer-thin competition.
nick in japan at 08:29pm on Thursday, June 22, 2006
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Yo nick,
haha i still do not have a chance to learn how to use this cam, nice that someone bump this tread back up, reminding me to learn how to take a Real pic with this hard Camera.
You still use that email stated above right?
want to keep in touch to seek help while takeing picture.
(btw, are u japanese?)
scoobychau at 05:34am on Friday, June 23, 2006
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I'm still here, 99% Lithuanian, 1% Welsh, glad to communicate with you about this classic camera!
nick in japan at 06:09am on Friday, June 23, 2006
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Seems to be plenty of the silver model in the UK as well but I just don't like the look of it. Very picky I know and I may have to set that aside just so I can get one incase there isn't an update coming out.
mutopian at 09:44am on Friday, June 23, 2006
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I was using the Auto mode and got noisy pictures because the camera was using higher ISO in Auto mode. After a chat with Nick I started using the P mode and now the quality is much better. Since then my camera is permanently in P & ISO 80. Occasionally I try ISO 200 for indoor shots without flash but never 400.
Also while shooting movie clips I choose 'Warm' in the picture effect setting and this makes the movies more pleasing to the eye.
Li at 09:22am on Tuesday, July 18, 2006
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In P mode from the menu PICT.ADJ. you can adjust the NOISE REDUCTION settings.
Some of the best pictures Ive ever taken have been with this camera in low light w/o a flash.
I recently sold my Canon GL2 so I needed a new camcorder - I purchased one of the low end JVC Everio models. Great concept but the video quality on my Lumix was so much better I returned the JVC.
Doc at 03:37pm on Tuesday, July 18, 2006
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D'oh, I need to get hold of an LX-2 before the 21st of Sept (in Europe). If I import a Jap model, does anyone happen to know if they come with an international warrenty?
Thanks...
Skid at 11:10am on Tuesday, August 15, 2006
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The warranty card is stamped with a date of purchase, it is a Panasonic warranty, the date indicates the time you have owned it, therefore any panasonic service should honor it. I guess, they better! There is no difference in the Japanese and European LX models as far as I can determine, not so with some Sony stuff. Best you call your local Panasonic folks to verify my speculation.
nick in japan at 11:24am on Tuesday, August 15, 2006
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