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Panasonic DMC-LC40K 4MP Digital Camera w/ Leica Lens and 3x Optical Zoom, Black
Manufacturer: Panasonic ProductGroup: Photography Binding: Electronics  All Panasonic
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ASIN: B000069V24 |
Product Description
A world leader in digital technology, Panasonic has developed an exciting new digital camera that breaks new ground in image creation. A digital camera is, first and foremost, a camera. Its main purpose is to capture clear, accurate images. But in developing Lumix, Panasonic took this concept a step further. The company's goal was not just to capture images accurately, but also to create the first-ever digital camera capable of rendering images with a beauty, subtlety, and delicacy that evoke a powerful emotional response in the viewer. With Lumix, Panasonic has created a digital camera that opens the door to an entirely new level of image creation. All of Lumix digital cameras are equipped with world-renowned Leica DC lenses to offer you the ultimate in digital photography. One of the Leica's most popular lenses, the Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens is now featured in Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC40K, bringing Leica's advanced optical technology to the world of digital photography. Thanks to Leica lenses, Lumix cameras can take digital photos that have the same emotional warmth, impact and subtlety as photographs shot on film. The DC Vario-Summicron lens features an exquisite soft-focus effect, vibrant colors and a general enhancement of nuance and depth. DMC-LC40K is equipped with a 3x optical zoom, capable of producing close-ups with amazing detail. The LCD screen on Lumix cameras lets you view your photos in detail before and after you take them. The built-in flash has an automatic setting, perfect for indoor use or in dim lighting, as well as a variety of manual settings, including "red eye" reduction modes.Customer Reviews:
Do not buy Panasonic.......2004-01-14
Great Camera.......2003-11-15
One-week impressions..........2003-10-20
One thing to remember is that the flash is sort of manual. If you open the flash (requires a flick of the finger, very easy), it becomes fully automatic, but if you keep it closed, the camera will not use the flash, no matter the lighting conditions. This was actually very convenient, and pretty much unique in point-and-shoot cameras.
The battery power was also excellent. We took about 100 photos all told, and still hadn't dented the substantial included lithium battery, which the manual, I think, said was good for 250 or so pics, depending on usage of the LCD, which was suitably bright. One feature missing from the camera is a delete button, which is included on newer models. (Deleting photos requires clicking a few buttons)...
Ultimately, however, we decided to return the camera, mainly because of its size. It's not a huge camera, smaller than most SLR's and quite manageable. But this was a gift for my wife, and this camera is bulky enough that she would probably only take it for major excursions -- not quick snapshots, etc. We decided to try the LC43 instead, which offers similar specs, although perhaps not quite the solid feel of the LC40, in a more compact package. The LC43 also can be a bit cheaper overall because Panasonic has a rebate deal going for a free 128 MB card. The LC43 also includes rechargeable AAs and a charger. That was also a consideration, despite the excellent battery power on the LC40. For starters, will you even be able to find the expensive proprietary lithium batteries five years from now? AAs are everywhere and cheap, rechargeable or not, and therefore are more convenient for the long-term, I think. Of course, perhaps in five years we will all have traded up to dirt-cheap 12 megapixel SLRs and these will all be on the electronic junkpile...
I can update this once we get the LC43 (it's in the mail) for a comparison. One thing I've gleaned from others is that the LC43 flash is a bit on the weak side, relative to the LC40, and has one or two fewer manual controls. But as an amateur looking for a convenient snap-shooter, I'm willing to live with that.
Good luck!
Fantastic "Leica Clone" - well, actually, it IS a Leica!.......2003-10-08
After spending much time learning about what the pros love, I basically decided to get the Leica Digilux 1 (www.leica-camera.com/digitalekameras/digilux1/index_e.html). Unfortunately, at 900 bucks, I was also planning to have to continue my wait.
Then I stumbled upon the Panasonic LC40 w/ a Leica lens. I read all I could about the camera, and noticed some serious similarities b/t it and the Digilux. In fact, I learned that Panasonic was sub-contracted to put their digital works in the Leica cam, while Leica puts their SAME EXACT lens (the Leica DC Vario-Summicron) in the LC40.
Got the LC40 for 1/3 the price of a Digilux, and got basically the same exact camera (minus manual focus and with a smaller lcd). If you look at the specs of both cams you'll see what I mean.
Most of the reviews here and elsewhere have highlighted much of what I want to say about this fantastic camera. But I have come across rare review-complaints about its darkening of pictures and bad low-light performance, color-shifting etc. These comments I have found to be completely untrue, and probably the unfortunate result of a lack of a basic understanding of photography. This cam is simply AMAZING in low light, without a flash. It focuses very well in extremely dim situations (we're talking DARK situations) and yields amazing results. The colors are crisp and neutral. Even in low light. I did not find a hint of even minor color shift.
Other nice features:
Clean neutral flash. Good redeye reduction. Multiple flash modes.
"Burst" mode a-la Girls On Film by Duran Duran ;)
SD cards (more $$, but smaller)
Fast USB xfer.
Ergonomically comfortable. Big enough to offer stability, yet quite compact.
Great price.
Minuses (almost a joke to bring up considering the price)
No manual focus
No focus tracking light
Minimal digital zoom.
No acc or flash sync (for external flash systems).
No remote.
In a world flooded with mediocre 4mp cameras and lenses, this one borders on pro for an extreme fraction of the cost. Go get one, because you'll easily have to go to the $1k range to compete with the LC40's results.
Best camera I ever owned.......2003-08-16
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