Panasonic Lumix LX3, UK Germany DL4 housing

Panasonic Lumix LX3 and UK Germany DL4 housing, £1,499

The LX3 camera is aimed at the seriously demanding compact user, and provides full manual control and RAW image recording as well as HD video capability. Combine this with the fastest (f2) and widest (24mm) lens and you have, to my mind, the ultimate compact camera.

The DL4 housing is made from aluminium, and it oozes substance and dependability with a simplicity of line and design that sets it totally apart. But then so it should, as it costs about £1,100 including taxes. And even at that price, you don’t get the ability to alter the aspect ratio or the focus mode underwater – but that isn’t a drawback for me, as I enter the water with one style of photography in mind and so devote the dive to that.

The housing can also trigger external flashguns in both manual and TTL modes via a built-in connection, and an accessory dome is available for the 18mm supplementary lens.

There’s no denying that this is a very expensive camera/housing combination, but if you already own the LX3, you are clearly very particular about your photography, having already chosen a camera that is virtually without compromise. As a result, it wouldn’t surprise me that you see the DL4 housing as an obvious choice.

AT A GLANCE

Housing UK Germany DL4
Megapixels 10.1
Lens (35mm equivalent) 24–60mm
Max aperture f2–2.8
Optical zoom 2.5x
Movie mode resolution 1280 x 720
LCD screen 3in
Internal memory 50MB
Memory card SD, MMC, SDHC
Manual white balance Yes
Underwater modes None
Max ISO film speed 3200
Depth rating 70m

Verdict
Top quality, deep-rated versatility – it’s pricey, but worth the outlay
Value 9 Performance 9

Contacts
Panasonic UK • 0844 844 3856 • www.panasonic.co.uk
UK Germany • 00 49 6484 6621 • www.uk-germany.com