Great gift you don't have to shoot or trample anyone for,

[MichaelHarris]

the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. I know it should be in the photo forum but it's such a nice little camera that I decided to go balls to the wall and post in GD. This small point and shoot takes shots on par with with DSLRs. It comes with a fast, wide, and sharp Leica lens. Now fast and wide is not what you want when scoping the babes but it's a good thing in a camera. A few shots showing how wide you can go:

WSU vs UW Apple Cup





The dairy barn on the University of Idaho campus shrouded in fog



If you or a loved one is looking for probably the best point and shoot camera to date then the LX3 is for you. I actually carry it with me when I'm on assignment for grab shots when a DSLR is too big. I've heard some other professionals call it the "Professionals point and shoot".

[Attackthejugular]

1. I used to own a Lumix

One day it just wouldn't turn on, and my warranty was expired. Good bye Lumix.

[MichaelHarris]

2. Welcome to DU

This is my 3rd one, all different models. Lost the first one, still have two. My main work cameras are Nikon D300s

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Can I get it at WalMart?

:)

[Catshrink]

5. Oh my

:spank:

[MichaelHarris]

11. LOL

nawww Walmart doesn't carry that model.

[Suich]

4. Beautiful shot of the barn!

That game sucked!

:)

[MichaelHarris]

10. That game

was a work of art!

[MichaelHarris]

18. Here are some of

my shots from the game if you can stand the pain :)

http://www.palousephoto.net/gallery/6052510_HVQJw#423504330_FiEG3

[Missy Vixen]

6. Michael, I'll put that one on the wish list

I'm not a professional, but I really enjoy taking photos. Yours are breathtaking. Of COURSE I'm buying what you think is the best!

We're looking for a job, so maybe next year. In the meantime, we are loyal UW Huskies here... ;-)

Julie

[MichaelHarris]

14. Thanks for the kind words

Julie. There are two very good cameras on the market right now. This Panasonic which is a point and shoot that can shoot RAW and in full manual like the big digital SLRs. The other camera that has surprised everyone is the Nikon D90. The D90 has shot test resolutions higher than the D300 which costs 3 times more than the D90. If you want to go into a full system with interchangeable lenses then the Nikon D90 is the way to go. If you need a small pocketable camera then the LX3.

[MichaelHarris]

17. Also

if you didn't make it to the Apple Cup here are a few pictures I shot:

http://www.palousephoto.net/gallery/6052510_HVQJw#423504330_FiEG3

[BrklynLiberal]

7. Great shots! I have one of the first Nikon Coolpix cameras...10 years old at least.

I have been wondering what to get as a replacement. This sounds great. Thanks for the info.

[Crunchy Frog]

8. What sort of prices?

[KewlKat]

12. Lowest I found it was 399.95

Retailer Price
B&H Photo-Video: $399.95
1 Stop Camera & Electronics: $409.00
17th Street Photo: $449.00

[Lex]

13. Yikes, looks like $400 and up.

nt

[MichaelHarris]

16. I got mine for a little less

It has a larger sensor than all of the other point and shoots and that drives the price up a bit. The larger sensor means it has better noise reduction at highr ISOs

[KewlKat]

9. How is this camera on batteries? I have an Argus now

and tho it takes some great pics, it eats batteries. I've had it 6 yrs, bought on sale for not too much, but would really like a different camera that goes easier on the batteries.

[MichaelHarris]

15. not sure on this one

but all my other Panasonics did very well with batteries. The camera has a larger sensor than all the other cameras like it. That drives the cost up a bit.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

19. I'm recommending this solely for the subject line.

Oh, wait... that fog pic is lovely!

[MichaelHarris]

20. LOL

thanks!

[alteredstate]

21. Great photos!

Thanks for sharing them with us! I have a Nikon D80, but sometimes I wish I had something smaller and lighter. I almost bought a DMC-FZ28 yesterday, but after seeing your photos, I'm looking at an LX3!

[MichaelHarris]

22. Thanks!

There is one other point and shoot that is amazing, it's the Ricoh G200. I have one of those also. It's sort of pricey but is probably the best small digital camera made. It's hard to beat the Panasonic though.

[Liberal_in_LA]

23. beautiful pictures

[VOX]

24. Wow. Terrific photos, Michael. The camera is damned good, but you have a great eye for composition.

I appreciate what the camera is doing for you in terms of speed, width, etc. But your images show that you really have a real feel for framing the composition and balancing the fundamental elements that make for good design.

Super-nice work -- kudos to the camera and more importantly, to you! :toast: Keep on clickin'!