Location Scout Equipment Reviews
Wherein I review my own location scout equipment, such as cameras, computers and other gadgets
Location Scout Review: Panasonic Lumix LZ8 digital point & shoot camera
This is a bit of a Johnny-come-lately digital camera review*, however, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ-8 (along with my Leica D-Lux 3) is one of of my day-to-day location scout workhorse cameras and I feel like it deserves a review! 🙂
* the LZ8 model series is actually several years old and currently out of production but (as of this writing) you can still find them new / used (above); I bought mine new within the past year to replace a defective Canon A85.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ-8 Digital Camera Quick Facts / Specs:
- Mfr / Description: Panasonic 8 megapixel point and shoot digital camera
- LZ-8 Operator’s Manual (pdf) / Complete Tech Specs
- Summary: Has many camera features / modes / settings one would expect from a quality point and shoot digital camera (including 16:9 format 🙂 ), ample resolution for viewing photos online full-screen or printing out 8.5×11, an easy and quick to understand user interface, image stabilization and a super sharp Leica lens at a very reasonable price. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ location scouting camera! 🙂 First-hand professional experience is that I can hand hold indoors (no flash) in many commonly-encountered lighting situations at ISO 400 on Program (P) Mode (see user manual if this all reads like Greek to you 😉 and bring back very acceptable location scouting photos.
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 & LZ10 at DPReview
- Other Panasonic Lumix Cameras
Leica D-Lux 3 Location Scout Notes
One of my latest pieces of gear is the Leica D-Lux 3 digital camera, which I bought (in addition to Leica’s reputation for fine craftsmanship and innovative engineering and design) on the merits of its ability to shoot 16:9 format.
Why is 16:9 aspect ratio important to me, you might ask?
I produce a significant number of panoramic photographs in the course of my work as a location scout, many of which, in the past, have required a considerable amount of time and work in post to assemble using multiple frames of traditionally formatted photographs. For many purposes, the single frame 16:9 photographs from the new Leica will serve to provide sufficient area coverage as to eliminate assembly after-the-fact. Yippee!
Photograph made at the 2007 New York City PhotoPlus Expo using the Leica D-Lux3 Camera, 16:9 Aspect Ratio
