Hi JD,
Quite a varied set of work you have there ! I like the toning in #1, though the subject of #2 is really my favourite. The macro is also very nice.
You're right about the LX3 files: they can suffer quite a bit of mishandling afterwards. I was quite surprised when I worked on my language border pictures: just pushing the dark areas of the JPG files already did wonders. It seems to be a camera where I can expose for the highlights and develop for the blacks. All in all, a lot is possible afterwards, which is great.
What I'm starting to like most, is the relaxed way of working. Being very compact, I can carry it everywhere (and frequently do). As I'm getting used to working with an LCD, I find I can still work seriously, but it still feels more relaxed than with a VF. I've already stuck my LX3 through fences or held it over undergrowth to get the angle I wanted. Not something I can do when my head is tied to the camera :ROTFL: The zoom that goes from a very usable wide angle to a short portrait lens, is ideal.
Things I have to get used to are (minor quibbles): the AF, which is quite fast but still means I have to wait. With an MF camera, I had to do the focus myself, so no wait involved
Also, shooting raw+JPG with a 3 shot bracket, the camera needs a bit of time to write all the data to the memory card. I'm using a class 6 and it's bleeding fast in my PC at work. I guess it forces me to reconsider the next scene. Finally, I'm not a fan of AF assist lights: the subject will notice it and start posing. Maybe I should try MF on the LX3.
Anyway, good post. Keep them coming ! I find it inspiring to see how different people work in different ways: it helps me find my own style.
Peter.