I agree! I have the LX3 and it's a great camera with many features. I especially like the fast 2.0 lens - wide angle - dynamic b&w feature (the images straight out of camera are better than any I've seen coming from a digital camera including dslr). The IA mode actually chooses correct settings 99% of the time. It's a great camera IMO.Maybe I just drank the koolaide, but I feel like for a compact camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC LX3 is the camera to have in the prosumer compact area.
I voted for it. BTW all my other cameras except for one Panasonic years ago have been Canon. My main camera is the XTi which I love, but due to back/neck problems I use a p&s quite a bit, especially when I'm going to carry it around for hours.
I also have the G9, but use it much less than the LX3 today.
Liz