Powershot G10 or Lumix LX3?

I'm looking for a new digital camera right now to replace my old Sony Cybershot. I have my eye on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Canon PowerShot G10 at the moment. Decisions decisions.

Although I really want to get involved in photography, I am finding I don't have much time to devote to it as I want to. I'm looking more for a digital point and click camera than a digital SLR just to take pictures as a hobby and use it for business.

Primary use

I sat down today and came up with a list of why I need it. The most important reason is to build a catalog of photos for my various websites.

• Family, nature, building photos
• Use for web print
• Build a photo library
• Learn basic photography

Features

I also want the digital camera to have the following features:

• 10 megapixel minimum
• Wide range of image aspect ratio sizes
• 3.0"+ LCD
• Flash
• At least 3x digital zoom
• Tripod capable
• RAW, JPEG file format
• USB 2.0 transfer
• Quality of photos above average
• 4GB+ memory module
• Additional flash memory cards
• Solid, well built body, easy to hold
• Not heavy
• Full motion 30fps 640x480 minimum
• Microphone/speaker
• Long lasting battery; 3 hours operation before recharge
• Cost less than $400

Too many digital cameras on the market

There are way too many point and click cameras on the market that it makes my head spin. On Amazon, there are 2140 point and click cameras alone. You would think that the digital camera makers focus down and offer a smaller lineup of their best, say, 20 digital cameras instead of releasing hundreds of different models to confuse the consumer. Canon, for example, has over 220 point and cameras alone!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

I read a review at DpReview on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and saw the sample photo gallery. It was quite impressive. But the price wasn't when compared to the Canon PowerShot G10. The camera is sleek and not bulky, although you will have a problem slipping it in your pants pocket. It also supports a wider aspect ratio range, supporting the 16:9 ratio.

Canon PowerShot G10

Why buy the Lumix when I could have a better camera at almost the same price? The PowerShot G10 has a 14.7 megapixel sensor and 5 times zoom. Compare that to the 10 megapixel and 3 times zoom on the DMC-LX3. The G10 however cannot match to the Lumix's range of aspect ratios. The DMC-LX3 supports 16:9, 4:3, and 3:2. It also is heaver and bulkier.

The Winner Is

The Canon G10 beats the Panasonic Lumix DMC LX3 on features. Being able to shoot at a higher pixel density, higher optical zoom, and best yet a lower price.

About Kerry Kobashi

Kerry is the founder of KerryOnWorld. He lives in Silicon Valley and has worked as an engineer and project manager. He owns Kobashi Computing a consulting company.