To measure and compare the Panasonic Lumix LX2's
geometric distortion we photographed a test chart consisting of a grid pattern,
using it and a number of rival models.
Here are the results for each camera with their built-in lenses at their
widest focal length; where possible, the aperture was closed.
The images were analysed with Imatest using 5th Order line calculation and
the full areas presented here at a reduced resolution.
The image above was taken with the Panasonic Lumix LX2 zoomed-out to 6.3mm.
Barrel distortion was measured at 3.27% and 2.31% for 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios respectively. While the geometric distortion is noticeable here, it's not unusual for most lenses to exhibit such a result, but important to note some products sport lower figures, such as the Fujifilm F30 and Panasonic's own Lumix TZ1.
To measure and compare the Panasonic Lumix LX2's
geometric distortion we photographed a test chart consisting of a grid pattern,
using it and a number of rival models.
Here are the results for each camera with their built-in lenses at their
longest focal length; where possible, the aperture was closed.
The images were analysed with Imatest using 5th Order line calculation and
the full areas presented here at a reduced resolution.
The image above was taken with the Panasonic Lumix LX2 zoomed-in to 25.2mm.
Pincushion distortion was measured at 1.14% and 0.59% for 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios respectively, which even on the narrower frame is noticeably higher than any of the other models on test.
The LX2's lens may be sharp, but if you're into architectural photography, you may find some edges aren't as straight as you'd like.
