The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 has earned a reputation as one of the first choices for photographers who want an advanced camera they can carry around with them to capture great images without the complication and weight of a DSLR or other large camera. With features such as a very fast lens with an aperture of f/1.4, excellent image quality, and a solid array of burst-shooting capabilities, this compact camera has attracted an enthusiastic following in the photography community. However, the camera does not come with a detailed printed manual for reference, making it difficult for users to find answers to questions about the use of the camera’s many controls, menus, and features. With the release of this guide book to the LX7, White Knight Press has provided users with a comprehensive guide to all operations of this sophisticated camera. Using a patient, tutorial-like approach, the book provides guidance to beginning and intermediate photographers not only about how to accomplish things with the LX7, but when and why to use the camera’s many controls, menus options, and other features. The book does not assume specialized knowledge by the reader as it explains topics such as autofocus, manual focus, depth of field, aperture priority, shutter priority, exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO sensitivity. The book also provides details about the camera’s numerous menu options for playback, setup, and customizing the operation of the various buttons and other controls. The book contains more than 400 photographs, almost all in full color, which illustrate the LX7’s controls, shooting screens, and menus. The photographs also provide examples of the various types of photographs that can be taken using the many creative settings of the camera, including the Creative Control settings, which let the photographer alter the color processing and other aspects of images; the Scene shooting mode, with settings that are optimized for various subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and action shots; the Photo Style menu option, which provides the ability to customize the appearance of images; and the camera’s strong array of features for continuous shooting and shooting in dim lighting. In addition, the book goes beyond the bounds of everyday photography, and provides introductions to more advanced topics such as infrared photography, street photography, astrophotography, and macro photography. The book also includes a full discussion of the video recording abilities of the LX7, which can shoot high-definition (HD) video with stereo sound, and which offers manual control of exposure and focus during movie recording. In three appendices, the book provides information about accessories available for the camera, including cases, external flash units, and filter adapters, and includes a list of web sites and other resources for further information. Also, the book includes a detailed appendix with helpful “quick tips” that give particular insights into how to take advantage of the camera’s features in the most efficient ways possible.
