Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
Let’s get a couple of points straight from the start. If you already own a D-SLR, the LX2 won’t render it redundant. Nor should it be considered a viable alternative to buying a D-SLR in the first place. Nope, this is a camera designed for a very specific purpose. It’s perfect for those times when you don’t want the bulk of your D-SLR kit, but do want to retain an SLR level of control over the pictures you take.
This means you get a plethora of manual and semi-automatic options in addition to the usual point-and-shoot features you’d expect to find on a digital zoom compact. Feeling creative? Then advanced features such as manual exposure, manual focus, auto exposure bracketing, spot metering, RAW file shooting and both ambient and flash exposure compensation will do nicely. Want to take snaps? The 17 subject modes, nine-point AF system and image stabiliser function should do the job perfectly.
Particularly worth mentioning, is the switchable aspect ratio facility. Choose from 16:9 wide, 3:2 and conventional 4:3 via a switch on the top of the lens barrel. At the 16:9 ratio you’re using the full sensor to realise the 10.2 million pixel resolution and 28mm wide-angle lens setting. At 4:3 ratio you use 7.5 million pixels and have a widest focal length of 34mm.
While not as user-friendly as an SLR, the LX2 still manages to retain functionality in use. A top-plate dial and cluster of buttons on the rear provide access to the camera’s myriad functions. Aperture and/or shutter speed settings, meanwhile, are controlled by a small ‘joystick’ next to the whopping 2.8in LCD. If you’ve got hands like shovels you might struggle with the LX2’s diminutive proportions, but handling shouldn’t create too much of a problem for most.
If you’re a committed SLR user who hates the idea of going anywhere without a camera, the LX2 will be right up your street. Its wealth of features and simple operation make it easy to shoot compact-style snaps, but the additional manual controls mean you can take over and capture some great images if conditions allow.
Picture quality is sound and noise is well controlled; the LX2 has tight control over image noise at the ‘normal’ ISO sensitivities, but tell-tale grain does become apparent at ISO 800. At ISO 1600 – the LX2’s most sensitive setting – noise is prominent, particularly in areas of a single tone or colour. Although Panasonic claims this to be an improved performance over the LX1, we’d advise you to leave this setting alone, unless you’re desperate. Stick to ISO 400 and under and you’ll be rewarded with quality shots.
When you consider what’s on offer, it’s reasonable value for money. Not every photographer could justify spending nearly £300 on a compact, though. Just be aware that the 10.2 million pixel resolution and 28mm lens setting are only available when using the more unusual 16:9 aspect ratio.