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The camera's optical image stabilization helped keep images sharp even at slow shutter speeds. Because the C-LUX 2 does not provide full manual exposure control we were not able to test image stabilization in the Pop Photo Lab, though positive results were noticeable in field tests. The slowest default shutter speed under the normal shooting mode is 1/8 sec, which proved inadequate while shooting in dark rooms at low ISOs, though a menu option allows the user to keep the shutter open for up to a second if desired. The Starry Sky scene mode allows you to extend the shutter beyond 1 sec, leaving the shutter open for 15, 30 or 60 seconds to capture night scenes, so use a tripod for these long exposures!
The camera's playback menu provides options for a basic slideshow with transitions and sound and basic image editing such as rotation, resize and trimming. You can also add brief audio commentary under the camera's playback menu. DPOF print selection is also available through this menu.
The camera body is slim and very attractive with its sleek black or silver finish. The C-LUX 2 is heavy enough to feel solid and durable but light enough to feel comfortable in your hand or even shirt pocket. The shutter release button provides enough tactile feedback so you're aware of whether or not you're fully depressing the button or pushing halfway to pre-focus. However, applying a slight amount of pressure to the camera's thumb rest results in a strange squeaking sound and a bit of flex to the body, which is a bit unsettling in a $500 digicam.
Metering was accurate in our experiences with varied subject matter. As our lab tests proved, barrel distortion was evident in our wide-angle shots, particularly with straight lines towards the edge of the frame -- skip the rule of thirds and center the horizon for those sunset shots, or you'll have smiling and frowning horizons.
There is little shutter delay and auto focusing is fast under good lighting conditions. An auto-focus assist beam helps the camera focus in low light -- slowing focusing time, but not too much.
The Leica C-LUX 2 offers additional software over the Lumix DMC-FX30, including Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 (which is a Windows-only version) or Photoshop Elements 3 and 4 for Macintosh users and a 2-year warranty, making the higher cost slightly more palatable. For the die-hard Leica fan, the C-LUX 2 offers a good feature set in a very attractive design, but unless you're dead-set on your next pocket digicam bearing the famous red dot, it may be difficult to justify the steep price when there's a Panasonic version for half the price.
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