The wide array of unique functions in our previous model, the DMC-LX2, made it extremely popular, especially as a sub-SLR for high-end amateurs, who appreciate having advanced functions in a handy form. At a glance, the LX2 really did approach the perfect compact camera for its time. But we still felt there was room for improvement, basically in the area of image quality. We were convinced that the new DMC-LX3 could become the ideal partner for sophisticated amateurs and professionals who held their photographic tools up to very stringent standards. And the key to doing this was to bring the image quality as close as possible to perfection. We were starting with a strong LUMIX base, as evidenced by its widespread popularity. LUMIX cameras were already leading the industry with trendsetting functions like the optical image stabilizer and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, but the challenge was to rock the world with a totally new and soaring level of LUMIX image quality based on our accumulated technologies.

When we sat down to decide the actual specifications, the first thing on the agenda was the number of recording pixels. One problem was that the market had a general misconception that the higher the number of pixels, the better the image quality. Because of this, all the camera manufacturers were battling to put out models with the highest possible pixel count.
We decided to buck the trend by determining the number of pixels that were actually necessary to achieve the best possible image. It's certainly not difficult to raise the pixel count to 13 megapixels, 14 megapixels, or whatever. The thing is, though, that you don't get the best images by simply cramming as many pixels as possible into the CCD. More pixels would have meant a smaller pixel size, and that would have made the camera susceptible to noise when shooting in dim lighting. It turned out that maximum performance, which leaves the ideal margin for CCD processing, is achieved with 10 megapixels.

Naturally, we understood the risk that some people would view this pixel count as being low. The fact is, however, that 10 megapixels are more than sufficient for enlarging photos without losing resolution. The real question here was whether it made any sense to sacrifice the generous light-receiving area that was possible with the 10-megapixel configuration, and the beautiful, low-noise images and rich gradation that it provided, in exchange for a few more, actually unnecessary, pixels. Of course, the answer was clearly, "No."

On the other hand, it wasn't like we could just set the count at 10 megapixels and be finished. We had to work with our engineering staff to thoroughly revamp both the CCD itself and all of its peripheral circuits.

The world is full of cameras with high-power zooms. And the same is true for the LUMIX lineup, which already includes handy-sized models with powerful 18x zooms. So we had to ask ourselves just what the ideal lens was for this authentic, pocket-size, slim-shaped compact camera. What kind of shooting power would make the LX3 a perfect partner for high-end amateurs and professionals who want to take great photos with ease? The answer we came up with was a lens that has an unprecedented wide-angle capability and brightness level. We then set out to jointly develop the 24mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with Leica Camera AG. As a result, the LX3 is able to shoot in low lighting with a shutter speed that is about one stop higher than the F2.8 lens, and there is no need to raise the ISO sensitivity. It also gave the LX3 the kind of depth of field that you get only with an F2.0 lens and that was previously limited to single-lens reflex cameras.This lets compact camera users take beautiful shots with a gentle, softly focused background.
The 24mm wide-angle lens is another appealing point. In addition to being able to take wider-angle shots, this palm-sized camera lets users take professional-like photos with highly dramatic, highly realistic depth by enhancing the perspective. This achievement was due to the remarkable level of technology that is held by Panasonic, which offers the world's largest line-up of wide-angle cameras.

One more point that represents a major step forward from the LX2 is the large assortment of accessories for the LX3. We envision the typical LX3 user as a high-end amateur who will take advantage of its manual functions while enjoying more creative shooting than your average user. This makes it necessary to have a wide range of accessories. That's why we gave the LX3 a hot shoe, and provided a full complement of accessories, like filters and conversion lenses. Naturally, we also made the LX3 easier to operate. For example, it has a custom mode that wasn't available on the LX2, and by providing a focus button on the top of the camera, we made it possible to freely set the focal position for auto focusing. While the LX2 had a wide 16:9 LCD, we decided to use a 3:2 ultrahigh-resolution 460,000-dot LCD on the LX3 because it would feel more familiar to people who were accustomed to using a DSLR or a film camera. We also insisted on the highest possible quality in exterior design details. For example, we replaced the single-side strap with a strap that attaches to both sides of the camera, and used higher-quality materials. We also replaced the plastic lens cap with a cap that is partly aluminum. We demanded a high-quality finish for an authentic camera design that would make the LX3 a joy to carry, and a pleasure to use.

We take pride in the fact that the LX3 offers the highest quality we could possibly achieve in a high-grade compact camera at this point in time. We think the LX3 might just mark a major turning point for LUMIX, and possibly for all compact digital cameras. People who see photos taken by the LX3 are bound to change their view that high image quality depends entirely on a high pixel count. The LUMIX DMC-LX3 is actually a showcase of everything that a compact camera can offer. It packs a long list of the kind of advanced digital functions that you expect in today's rapidly evolving compact cameras, with a gentleness in handling and operation that is usually associated with film cameras, plus a diverse range of accessories that bring back the fun of shooting, and, above all, a stunning level of image quality that places it in a league all by itself. This is a very special camera, that we developed to bring a smile to the face of everyone who picks it up.