You can take a look at following:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/portraits/pool/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/74429622@N00/pool/
and see that it's still a capable camera.
No firmware update or any software downloaded whatsoever, the English menu is in the original camera. Didn't have to take it to service center.
What they did give me was an extra set of user manual (English) and i figured it out from there.
My point is, the english menu should be in your LX3...
Still no news about its availability ...
When i mentioned it in one of the local stores, they gave me a weird look; thought i mistook it for the 12-24
Now considering Sigma
With world trade being truly global as it can be nowadays (many reliable couriers i.e. Fedex, DHL, etc), what would stop us from shipping it to a repair center in OZ or US ?
Yes, Sony repair charges are outrageous.
May want to consider another Sony unit so you can use the old batteries (another expensive item).
The low end DV Sony units http://www.bargaincity.com.sg/oshop/index.php?cPath=4&sort=2a&filter_id=14
Some are around $500-$600.