Panasonic Digital Camera Dmc Lx3 Operating Instructions

							51VQT1T27
Advanced (Recording pictures)
Note
When using a tripod etc., setting the self-timer to 2 seconds is a convenient way to avoid the 
jitter caused by pressing the shutter button.
When you press the shutter button once fully, the subject is automatically focused just before 
recording. In dark places, the self-timer indicator will blink and then may turn on brightly 
operating as an AF assist lamp  (P88) to allow the camera to focus on the subject.
We recommend using a tripod when recording with the self-timer.The number of pictures which can be taken in [BURST] is fixed to 3.The number of pictures which can be taken in [FLASH BURST] in scene mode is fixed to 5.Self-timer cannot be set to 2 seconds in Intelligent auto mode.Self-timer cannot be set to 10 seconds in [SELF PORTRAIT] in scene mode.Self-timer cannot be used while in [HI-SPEED BURST] in scene mode.
[REC] mode: 
Compensating the Exposure
Use this function when you cannot achieve appr opriate exposure due to the difference in 
brightness between the subject and the backg round. Look at the following examples.
Press [MENU/SET].
You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.The menu screen disappears after about 5 seconds. At this time, the selected item is 
automatically set.
Press the shutter button halfway to focus 
and then press it fully to take the picture.
The self-timer indicator A blinks and the shutter is 
activated after 10 seconds (or 2 seconds).
If you press [MENU/SET] while the self-timer is set, the 
self-timer setting is canceled.
Under exposed Properly 
exposedOverexposed
Compensate the exposure 
towards positive. Compensate the exposure 
towards negative.
3
4

P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  51 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							VQT1T2752
Advanced (Recording pictures)
∫Operate with the joystick
Tilt the joystick toward  2 to select [È], and then move 
3/ 4 to compensate the exposure.
A Exposure compensation valueSelect [ È] only to return to the original exposure (0 EV).Press the shutter button halfway to finish.
Note
EV is an abbreviation of [Exposure Value]. It refers to the amount of light given to the CCD by 
the aperture value and the shutter speed.
The exposure compensation value appears on the lower left of the screen.The set exposure value is memorized even if the camera is turned off.The compensation range of the exposure will be limited depending on the brightness of the 
subject.
[REC] mode: 
Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket/Multi Aspect
In this mode, 3 pictures are automatically recorded in the selected exposure 
compensation range each time the shutter button is pressed. You can select the picture 
with the desired exposure from the 3 pictures with different exposures.
With auto bracket  d1 EV
Press 3 [ È] until [EXPOSURE] appears, 
compensate the exposure with  2/1.
Select [0 EV] to return to the original exposure.
Press [MENU/SET] to finish.
You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.
Auto Bracket
 1st picture 2nd picture 3rd picture
d 0EV j1 EV i1 EV
1
2
A
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  52 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							53VQT1T27
Advanced (Recording pictures)
Pressing the shutter button once automatically takes three pictures with aspect ratios of 
[4:3], [3:2] and [16:9] (with a single shutter sound).
Press [DISPLAY] to display [MULTI ASPECT] from 
the auto bracket.
It is switched between auto bracket and multi aspect every time 
[DISPLAY] is pressed.
Press  2/1 to select [ON].
Press [MENU/SET]  to close the menu.
You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.The combinations of picture sizes are as follows.
E.g. If setting is 6.5M (3:2) 
7M (4:3), 6.5M (3:2) and 6M (16:9).¢When the multi aspect option is selected, the number of pixels cannot be set lower than  the above values. If values have been set previously, they are temporarily changed to 
the above values. 
Note
When setting auto bracket, [ ] appears on the screen.When setting multi aspect, [ ] appears on the screen.When taking pictures using auto bracket after setting the exposure compensation range, the 
pictures taken are based on the selected exposure compensation range.
When the exposure is compensated, the exposure compensation value appears on the lower 
left of the screen.
The auto bracket/multi aspect setting is canceled if you turn the camera off or [POWER SAVE] 
is activated.
When auto bracket/multi aspect is set, the auto review function is activated regardless of the 
auto review setting. (The picture is not enlarged.) You cannot set the auto review function in the 
[SETUP] menu.
Press  3 [È] until [AUTO BRACKET] appears, set 
the compensation range of the exposure with  2/1.
When you do not use auto bracket, select [OFF] (0).
Press [MENU/SET] to finish.
You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.
Multi Aspect
[4:3]-.[3:2]-.[16:9]
10M 9.5M 9M
7M 6.5M 6M
5M 4.5M 4.5M
3M
¢3M¢2.5M¢
1
2
1
2
3
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  53 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							VQT1T2754
Advanced (Recording pictures)
The exposure may not be compensated with auto bracket depending on the brightness of the 
subject.
When auto bracket is set, the flash is [Œ].When auto bracket/multi aspect is set, burst mode and [MULTI FILM]  (P76) settings will 
be canceled.
In shutter-priority AE and manual exposure, if the shutter speed is set to more than 1 second 
auto bracket is disabled.
The one set last will take precedence. (auto bracket and multi aspect cannot be set 
simultaneously.)
[REC] mode: 
Taking Pictures using Burst Mode
Pictures are taken continuously wh ile the shutter button is pressed.
Select the ones you really like from among the pictures you have taken.
Press  [  ˜ /‚  ] to display the burst mode selection 
menu, and then press  3/4 to select the burst 
mode.
A [˜ /‚ ]button
Press [MENU/SET].
You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.The menu screen disappears after about 5 seconds. At this 
time, the selected item is automatically set.
Take a picture.
Hold down the shutter button fully to activate the burst mode.
¢ The burst speed is constant regardless of the transfer speed of the card.
[OFF]˜ ò  
Burst speed (pictures/ second) —2
.5
¢approx. 2
Number of 
recordable  pictures A
 —m
ax. 4
Depends on the 
remaining capacity of the 
built-in memory/card.
›
 —m ax. 8
— max. 3 max. 3
—
—
1
2
3
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  54 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							55VQT1T27
Advanced (Recording pictures)
The burst speed values given above apply when the shutter speed is 1/60 or faster and when 
the flash is not activated.
Note
When the burst mode setting is set to Unlimited–The burst speed becomes slower halfway.  The exact timing of this depends on the type of 
card, the picture size and the quality.
–You can take pictures until the capacity of the built-in memory or the card is full.The focus is fixed when the first picture is taken.When the burst speed is set to [ ˜], the exposure and white balance are fixed at the settings 
used for the first picture for the subsequent pictures as well. When the burst speed is set to 
[ ò ], they are adjusted each time you take a picture.
When the self-timer is used, the number of recordable pictures in burst mode is fixed to 3.If you are following a moving subject while taking pictures in a place (landscape) indoors, 
outdoors etc. where there is a large difference  between the light and shade, it may take time 
until the exposure is stable. If burst is used at this time, the exposure may not become optimal.
The burst speed (pictures/second) may become slower depending on the recording 
environment such as in dark places, if the ISO sensitivity is high etc.
Burst mode is not canceled when the camera is switched off.If you take pictures in burst mode with the built-in memory, it will take time to write the picture 
data.
[ Π] is set for the flash when burst is set.When burst mode is set, auto bracket, multi aspect and [MULTI FILM] settings will be 
canceled.
Number of burst mode is fixed to 3 pictures when external flash is used.
[REC] mode: ±´
Taking pictures by specifying the aperture/shutter 
speed
Set the aperture value to a higher number when you want a sharp focus background. Set 
the aperture value to a lower number when you want a soft focus background.
Set the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to [ !], and then set the 
mode dial to [ ].
Tilt the joystick towards  3/4 to set the 
aperture value.
Take a picture.
When you want to take a sharp picture of a fast moving subject, set with a faster shutter 
speed. When you want to create a trail effect, set to a slower shutter speed.
 Aperture-priority AE
 Shutter-priority AE
1
2
3
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  55 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							VQT1T2756
Advanced (Recording pictures)
Set the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to [!], and then set the 
mode dial to [ ].
Tilt the joystick towards  3/4 to set the 
shutter speed.
Take a picture.
Note
Refer to  P57 for the available aperture values and the shutter speed.The brightness of the LCD monitor and the recorded pictures may differ. Check the pictures 
using the review function or playback mode.
Set the aperture value to a higher number when the subject is too bright. Set the aperture value 
to a lower number when the subject is too dim.
The aperture value and the shutter speed displayed on the screen turn red when the exposure 
is not adequate.
We recommend using a tripod when the shutter speed is slow.[ ] cannot be set for shutter-priority AE.
[REC] mode: ²
Taking picture by setting the exposure manually
Determine the exposure by manually setting the aperture value and the shutter speed.
Set the [REC]/[PLAYBACK] selector switch to [ !], and then set the 
mode dial to [
²].
Tilt the joystick towards  3/4/2/ 1 to set 
the aperture value and the shutter speed.
Focus can be set manually when [ ] is displaying.  
(P58)
Press the shutter button halfway.
The manual exposure assistance A appears for 
about 10 seconds to indicate the exposure.
Set the aperture value and the shutter speed again 
when the exposure is not adequate.
Take the picture.
∫ Manual Exposure Assistance
The exposure is adequate.
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  56 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							57VQT1T27
Advanced (Recording pictures)
The manual exposure assistance is an approximation. We recommend checking the pictures 
after taking them using the review function.
Note
Refer to  P57 for the available aperture values and the shutter speed.The brightness of the LCD monitor and the recorded pictures may differ. Check the pictures 
using the review function or playback mode.
If the exposure is not adequate, the aperture value and the shutter speed turn red when the 
shutter button is pressed halfway.
[ ] for flash cannot be set.
Aperture Value and Shutter Speed
Aperture-priority AE
Shutter-priority AE Set to faster shutter speed or larger aperture value.
Set to slower shutter speed or smaller aperture value.
Available Aperture Value
(Per 1/3 EV)Shutter Speed (Sec)
F8.0
8 to 1/2000
F7.1 F6.3 F5.6
F5.0 F4.5 F4.0
F3.5 F3.2 F2.8
F2.5 F2.2 F2.0
Available Shutter Speed (Sec)
(Per 1/3 EV)Aperture Value
8654
F2.0 to F8.0
3
.22 .521 .6
1.3 11/1.3 1/1.6
1/2 1/2.5 1/3.2 1/4
1/5 1/6 1/81/10
1/13 1/151/20 1/25
1/30 1/401/50 1/60
1/80 1/100 1/125 1/160
1/200 1/250 1/320 1/400
1/500 1/640 1/800 1/1000
1/1300 1/1600 1/2000
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  57 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							VQT1T2758
Advanced (Recording pictures)
Manual exposureNote

The aperture values given in the table above are values when the zoom lever is rotated to 
Wide.
Depending on the zoom magnification, some of the aperture values cannot be selected.
[REC] mode: 
Taking Pictures with Manual Focus
Use this function when you want to fix t he focus or when the distance between the lens 
and the subject is determined and you do not want to activate auto focus.
Set the focus selector switch to [MF].
[ ] is displayed while in manual focus mode.
Tilt the joystick towards  3/4 to focus on 
the subject.
MF assistance disappears about 2 seconds after 
you stop operating the joystick.
Focus range disappears about 5 seconds after you 
stop operating the joystick.
Take the picture.
If you tilt the joystick towards 3 /4  when [MF ASSIST] is set to [MF1] or [MF2], MF 
assistance is activated and the screen is enlarged. This allows you to focus on the subject 
more easily.
Select [MF ASSIST] on the [SETUP] menu.
Press 3/ 4 to select [MF1] or [MF2] and then press [MENU/SET].
Available Aperture Value
(Per 1/3 EV)Available Shutter Speed (Sec) (Per 1/3 EV)
F2.0 to F8.0 60 to 1/2000
A MF assistance
B Focus range
MF ASSIST


.1
1
?m
2
2
3
1
2
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  58 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							59VQT1T27
Advanced (Recording pictures)
Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu.
You can also press the shutter button halfway to finish.
∫Changing the zoom area
The magnified area can be changed while 
the screen is expanded using MF Assist. 
This is convenient when you want to change 
the focus position to take pictures.
1 Display MF Assist with  3/4  on the 
joystick.
2 Change the area to be expanded with the 
cursor buttons  3/4 /2 /1.
3 Press [MENU/SET] to set.

The following will return the MF assistance to 
the original position.
–Changing the picture size or aspect.–Turning the camera off.
∫ Technique for Manual focus
1 Focus by tilting the joystick toward  3/4.
2 Tilt it a little more in the same direction.
3 Tilt the joystick in the opposite direction to 
finely focus on the subject.
∫ One shot AF
You can focus on the subject with auto focus by 
selecting [MF] with Focus selector switch and then 
pressing the [FOCUS] button.
This is convenient for prefocus. [MF1]
The center of the screen is enlarged.  You can adjust the focus while 
determining the composition of the whole of the screen.
[MF2] The center of the screen is enlarged  over the whole screen. This is 
convenient for adjusting the focus in wide angle shots for which changes 
in focus are difficult to grasp.
[OFF] The screen is not enlarged.
3
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  59 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分 
						

							VQT1T2760
Advanced (Recording pictures)
∫Prefocus
This allows the camera to be focused in advanc e on an arbitrary point. It is useful when it 
is difficult to achieve a sharp focus usi ng autofocus or the subject is fast-moving.
This function is suitable when the distance bet ween the camera and the subject is certain.
Note

You can also use manual focus while in motion picture mode, but the focus cannot be adjusted 
during recording.
If you focus on the subject in Wide and then rotate the zoom lever to Tele, the focus may not be 
adequate. In this case, focus on the subject again.
The MF assistance does not appear when using the digital zoom.The distance to the subject displayed on the screen in manual focus is an approximation of the 
focus position. Use the MF assistance screen for a final check of the focus.
After canceling power save mode, focus on the subject again.
[REC] mode: 
Registering Personal Menu Settings (Registering 
custom settings)
It is possible to register up to  4 sets of current camera settings as custom sets.
Set to the mode dial to the desired mode and select the desired menu settings in advance.
Select [CUST. SET MEM.] on the [SETUP] menu.
Press 3/ 4 to select the custom set to 
register and then press [MENU/SET].
The custom settings registered in [ ] can be 
used with the [ ] of the mode dial. It will be 
convenient if the custom setting used often is 
registered, since it can be used by just setting the 
mode dial.
The custom settings registered in [ ], [ ], 
or [ ] can be selected in the [ ] of the mode dial. Up to 3 custom settings can be 
registered, so select the one matching the needs.
Press 3 to select [YES] and then press 
[MENU/SET].
When [YES] is selected, the settings that were 
previously stored are overwritten.
You cannot save the following menu items because 
they affect other recording modes.
–[CLOCK SET]–[TRAVEL DATE]–[SCENE MENU]–[RESET]–[NO.RESET]–[BABY1]/[BABY2] or [PET] birthday and name settings in scene mode
Press [MENU/SET] to close the menu.
1
MENU/SET
2
MENU/SET
3
4
P.PC_DMC-LX3_eng.book  60 ページ  ２００８年７月８日　火曜日　午後１０時１３分