As an update, i am working thru silkypix to process the LX3 raw files; somethings can be done in this program, but others need some photshop'in.

While I clean up some shots where i used the polarizer i described, here is a cool early evening shot that for some reason had these incredible colors in the sky - with a bright moon in the middle ... My wife is rocking away in the hammock for the time of the exposure.  And yes, it was as relaxing as it looks!

With two days remaining  before the trip, these two guys are packing. they are obviously happy to be the choosen ones. The three real kids left at home are a bit LESS pleased.

a few more pics, progress is slow in the supplied RAW converter with the time i have inbetween work, kids, etc.  While there are alot more, i will end this blog topic with these shots - obviously this is a great camera, well worth it to me.

inside the Lincolm Memorial

At the Vietman Vet's Memorial, I did not see the girl at the time and with a little Photoshop she appeared....

very fun museum to visit while in DC

definately one of my favoites, i had only a few seconds to take this shot of the capitol and the moon before the tour bus continued on after the stop light!

one more shot - the Washington monument prior to sunset. I must say, shooting in RAW and then needing to learn the "silkypix" software takes quite a while....so this may me slower that i expected.

On the LX3 - with two kids to keep track of, I immediately appreciated the neck strap system for the camera - i have never used that before. Pany includes and excellent beefy strap in the kit. Also, i thought the lens cap would bother me - not at all was the conclusion - even better, the solid cover for the lens proved incredibly useful when i dropped the camera later in the day!

One of the things i most appreciated were the real control dials - you know you pushed a button and turned the knob on this camera, which makes for more conclusive actions for me.

Below EXIF shows A priority, f4.5,

well over 300 shots, alot in panasonic's raw mode in need of development, learned alot about the LX3 and while it rests as below, i will get into some details in the days to follow.

a couple shots uploaded, the Lincoln Memorial -

and the Washingon Memorial (from the Lincoln Mem. steps)-

 The LX3 was very good at night, best i have ever used in in low light (just as advertised)

A 9 year old, a 14 year old, myslelf, three backpacks, headed for 6 hours of train travel going thru NYC, Philly and to DC....no shots to post with the LX3 since i do not have a 4th hand for that, but the manual is packed to read on the ride. Only meeting scheduled is later afteroon on the Mall for for photos of the White House and dinner at ESPN Zone ... pretty good work schedule for the day.