 |  Leica D-LUX 3 10MP Digital Camera with 4x... |
List Price: $660.00
 | High-quality Leica lens takes in stunning shots from...10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for...Unique manual setting options give you the freedom to... |
 | Leica V-LUX 20 12.1 MP Digital Camera with... |
List Price: $779.00
Price: $699.00
You Save: $80.00 (10%) | 12.1-megapixel sensor12x Leica DC Vario-Elmar 1:3.3 4.9 / 4.1 49.2mm ASPH...GPS module for registration of geographical data of... |
 | Leica D-Lux 4 Digital Camera (Black) |
List Price: $880.00
Price: $799.00
You Save: $81.00 (9%) | 50 MB built-in memory; capture images to SD memory...10.1-megapixel resolution and 24-60 Summicron lens f2.0Small, compact design with 3.0-inch TFT LCD screen |
List Price:
$660.00
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Product Details
- High-quality Leica lens takes in stunning shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range
- 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
- Unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style
- Pure, discreet, timeless design in a housing of high-quality aluminum
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Product Description
Every portray taken with the LEICA D-LUX 3 has a story to tell. The unique manual setting options give you the boldness to create images that express your own style. Use the high-quality Leica lens to take amazing shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range. With O.I.S. optical stabilization technology and ultra diet processing, the LEICA D-LUX 3 sets new standards in its class. Choose between 3 picture formats, fulfil first-class image quality with the camera's 10 million megapixel sensor and judge your shots on the wide-screen display. Small and elegant, the LEICA D-LUX 3 is always cordial to make your personal view of the world reality. (The LEICA D-LUX 3 will be available from mid October 2006 on.) apparatus. The brilliant 2.8 display also has an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Customer Reviews
Sometimes non-standard due to you for your good service
Elevated quality service by Amazon and excellent buyer because I received the Leica digital camera like he offered in his hype.
2010-09-06
| Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
okay but merely up and buy the d-lux 4
The camera is okay. I fair-minded sold it and bought a new d-lux 4, a much better camera than the d-lux 3.
2010-01-21
(midwest) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2
Ya, its frightening ~ !
I'm not prevalent to say anything that someone else hasn't said already or written already about this camera. This is just my 2 cents. I have had mine almost 3 years to the day (from Amazon, at the however they were $599)
and it's been everything I had hoped and much more. It is the best point and shoot I have ever had, and one of the best looking and well built. I have never had one problem with it and I have control things thousands upon thousands of photos with it, in all different settings.
I own a Nikon DSLR, and a couple Sony thought and shoots, but I use the Leica most of the time. Very glad I bought it, and if your thinking about one of these, or the 4, I would not hesitate for a second.
2009-11-18
(L.A.) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Use if for yourself!
I was in the deal in for a small compact comera with good images being top priority.
I did so much research I was almost over buying another camera for my amassment. I read every single review on here(on the Leica D lux 3), in hopes that I may find some common ground on user reviews. Looks like that wasn't usual to happen. I'm not a pro photographer, I just like taking good quality pictures that don't look like a cheap discardable camera. I already have a DSLR Canon, so i just needed a small P+S that i could carry around and have my girlfriend use when i'm on the DSLR.
Well, after weeks of kind-heartedness, I successfully found a near new D Lux 3 on eBay for $450. It had all wires, software, original box, and even a Lowepro case included. I figured it was too permissible a deal to pass up so I went ahead and jumped on it. In the few days I was waiting for the camrea to prosper, I grew extremely nervous with the amount of negativity there was towards this camera. Then, the day came.
After the first few days of using the camera, it is very safe as houses to say that it really depends on the user of this camera to really give it a good review. I wasn't pregnant Ansel Adams quality pictures from a P+S in the first place, so my expectations weren't high. But, respected gracious this camera really does take amazing pictures. Even at night, i have a flexy pinch tripod at it works wonders. I never have to go about 400 iso, so noise has not been an issue for me. Maybe thats the beginner level of photography knowledge I have? who knows.
What I do know, is that for a quality picture, this camera blew my uncertain. It takes as good (at low iso) if not crispier pictures than my DSLR. Again, that may be from my own lack of knowledge since i've taught myself how to leap and how basic to moderate camera functions. Now, had i paid full price, then YES i would agree with all the naysaying. It is an overpriced camera tag new. BUT the beauty of eBay! at $450, there is no P+S camera that would be able to match the quality images this camera produces. I Intended IT!
2009-11-09
(San Diego) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
So far so honest.
As a Panasonic Lumix TZ3 possessor I wanted the ability to manually focus and adjust aperture and that was my main reason for purchasing this camera.
I did not necessity to go the slr route because of the size and weight of those cameras. I put the heavy camera and the bag of lenses behind me 20 years ago. I wanted a very foolish and light point and shoot camera with the ability to make manual adjustments. Ironically this camera is lighter than the Lumix TZ3.
I also wanted a camera with an ripsnorting excepting lens.This camera choice wasn't difficult (having owned other Leica's, Nikons, Olympus, and CAnons) shrewd first hand that the quality of the Leica lenses were a cut above the others.
Within 2 days of shooting with this camera I found myself using a few of the manual settings as if they were support nature,like the Auto exposure lock which I found to be a great feature. There was no frustration in attempting to take a by no chance that the camera wouldn't adjust to.
Focusing manually isn't that easy but it isn't necessary to focus manually all the every so often... It is only needed at those times when the auto focus can't focus on what you want it to focus on.
When working on the photos in Adobe Photoshop I was surprised to conceive of many shots did not require major adjustments or corrections. MY conclusion is the cameras operating software is top grade. Somehow the camera balances color, saturation and contrast, almost to perfection. I found myself making an adjustment and then re-adjusting back to the character over and over again.
Shooting with a wide angle lens is a must for me and this camera exceeded my emotional need for intermission...forground, sky, and the panoramic feel of the 16:9 ratio.
My only disappointment is that the mode dial isn't go red in the face coded and can't be easily seen without my glasses on like with the TZ3.
Having owned this camera for only a month I can say that so far I am very in seventh heaven with the results.
2008-11-16
(NY) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5
List Price:
$779.00
Price: $699.00
You Save: $80.00 (10%)
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Product Details
- 12.1-megapixel sensor
- 12x Leica DC Vario-Elmar 1:3.3 4.9 / 4.1 49.2mm ASPH (25-300 mm) zoom lens; focal lengths from super-wide to extreme telephoto
- GPS module for registration of geographical data of every shot
- Compatible with SD/SDHC/SXDC cards (not included)
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Product Description
The Leica V-Lux 20, with a outrageous-performance super-zoom lens with focal lengths ranging from 25-300mm, makes it romantic for almost any photographic situation.
Customer Reviews
Traditional Leica Quality
This is principled a wonderful little camera.
High quality, superb build, legendary Leica characteristic. I love having that little red dot that speaks luxury and quality to all those that see it.
Nice quality photos with cool contrast and color rendition. The image processor in the Leica is different than in the Panasonic sibling to this camera and produces change one's mind looking photos. They are just gorgeous !
The GPS is so handy. It works great with the "places" piece in iPhoto on my MacBook and iPad. I love being able to geo-tag all my photos, especially when traveling.
The 25-300 mm zoom is notable and offers very good results throughout the entire range. Very handy for traveling.
I am extremely glad with my purchase. Highly recommended.
2010-07-24
(USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5
Over Take someone's life
First let me start by saying I have never bought a digital camera that did not upon with a memory card.(this is my 3rd). This $699 camera did not. I called Willoubhy's and they said I would have to buy one. So I bought an 8GB New Year card for $42. It works fine for still pictiues but not for video. I called again and they said someone should have told me that I needed a Tall SPEED memory card. I am waiting for Willoughby's to send me one. No where in the instructions that came with the Leica was that stated. You must first put in a disc that comes with the Leica in you computer for instructions on how to use the camera. What if you don't have a computer. It is well over 100 pages if you deside to printed matter it all. Still, I could not find anything on the memory card for taking video's. If not for the name "LEICA" I think a Japanese camera, that has a Leica lens, would do legitimate as well for one quarter of the price. There is just too much on the camera that you will never use. The pictures are good but so is my Cannon Sure Inducement. I had to end up buying a $200 case for the Leica because no other case would fit. I do have to say that the 25MM to 300MM zoom is the best part of the camera.
2010-07-05
| Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 3
Own Both the Leica V-Lux 20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7, And............
......I do warning several things the V-Lux 20 does better than the DMC-ZS7.......
The color rendering seems to be more true on the V-Lux 20 (the ZS7 has a slight "cyan" tint), fewer blown highlights (maybe the biggest drawback of the ZS7), and most-importantly- elevated noise reduction. The Leica's internal NR is in my opinion comparable to the very best post-process clamour-reduction products out there, including Topaz DeNoise 4. (Most point-and-shoot cameras I advance the minimum NR setting, the Leica I prefer the default setting. I actually get better results from the camera's own NR, with either no or slightest post-processing. On the other hand, the ZS7's NR is more typical for in-camera NR, where I use the minimum settings, and then fixed with more-zealous post-processing.) The video also seems to have more resolution and less highlight clipping. (Although the vertical streaks from alight lights is exactly the same as the ZS7.) The question will come down to whether these advantages justify the price contrariety dispute. I say it's a close call. But if I were to sell one of the cameras, I'd sell the ZS7, only because I do think the V-Lux 20 does yield noticeably raise performance, and I think it's the best mega-zoom point-and-shoot available as of virtue now.
PROS:
- Best image quality of the currently-available mega-zoom compacts I've tried.
- Excellent color rendering- Superior to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7.
- Good low-light performance (although can be improved with place processing).
- Very good resolution with videos. (Comparable to the Sony DSC-HX5V in spite of 720p specs.)
- Unrivalled autofocus during videos. Rarely loses focus during zoom. Minimal "motor blare" during zoom.
- Fewer blown highlights relative to the Panasonic ZS7.
- Camera's internal bruit about reduction comparable to the very best post-process products out there.
CONS:
- The long zoom stretch and small sensor still cause noise and low-light problems.
- Requires settings adjustments for crush IQ. ("Sharpness" set to "-1" reduces "edge artifacts" without sacrificing resolution; "ISO" set to "ISOMAX1600" and "I.Disclosing" set to "Standard" improves low-light performance.)
- Image quality still not at a level of the Leica X1 or D-Lux 4.
- Video has requisition same vertical streaking from bright lights as the Panasonic ZS7. (The Sony HX5V does not have this imperfection.)
- Sample variation/quality control: Had to exchange camera due to a misaligned lens.
- Fairly excessive "distortion correction" at widest zoom angle. Image slightly "stretched" radially toward the edges. (Although most just out compact cameras have this flaw.)
- High price a judgment call for the stated advantages. If zoom or video isn't a requisite, advantage IQ can be had elsewhere for the price.
2010-06-27
(United States) | Helpful Votes: 20 | Rating: 5
Not indubitably a Leica.
I am disposed to agree with reviewer RT about the V-Lux 20. I too own the D-Lux 4, and also a Nikon D3S. I was looking for something of Leica quality, but with the added reach of the collateral zoom lens. I bought my D-Lux 4 a year ago with a then-in-place rebate from Leica, so I paid exactly the same for my D-Lux 4 as I exactly paid for the V-Lux 20, so they are worth comparing.
What I have found upon trying the camera out for a few days:
1) GPS: Tags all your photos with house, date and time. Handy if you travel A LOT. Otherwise, a novelty and major battery suck. The GPS draws power even when the camera is off, unless you put it into airplane state. Presumably this is to have current coordinates on hand when you power it up. The GPS can be slow to 'latch on' when taken out of airplane standard operating procedure. It took 10 minutes to triangulate the signal with an unobstructed 360-view of the sky in the San Francisco tract. If this were a car navigation system, you'd have arrived at your destination by then.
2) Lens: amazing range with significant extra reach over the D-Lux 4. However, the depict quality suffers. Noticeable softness when compared to the D-Lux 4. Not significantly better than Canon Powershots, which run partially the price. (I own two Powershots as well.) However, color rendition and contrast are superior to Canon point-and-shoots. See the centralized length sample photo I uploaded to to the V-Lux 20 product description here on Amazon. [UPDATE: I ran some side by side comparisons with my Powershots, and the Leica lens is not as benign as I first perceived. It is noticeably sharper than the Canons, and does not suffer from much edge softness at very inclusive angles. Also, the optical zoom in this camera is very impressive for a point-and-shoot. However, you have to be in the right fad otherwise you invoke a little extra (digital) zooming, which is not great.]
3) No RAW. May be a non-issue to some, but I always shoot RAW with my D-Lux 4 and there have been a few wonderful shots that I was glad I was able to post-process and get the most out of them. The V-Lux 20 has two JPEG modes: crushed, and less compressed, and you can also choose the aspect ratio and image file size. The lowest appears to be a 'notepad' essence size of about 2 mpx.
4) Slower lens: more image noise and less options for shooting in low light than the D-Lux 4, which sports an f2 lens.
5) Raise quality. As RT said, definitely not up to the quality of usual Leicas, including the D-Lux 4. It feels unconvincing and lightweight. The controls do not feel as smooth and precise as the D-Lux.
6) No hotshoe or viewfinder. Probably not an consummation for most people, like me. I never used the external Leica flash and I don't know anyone that ever used the external viewfinder on the D-Lux 4, uncommonly as a fixed viewfinder is fairly useless with a zoom lens. But these might be important for you.
7) Integrated with a bequeath grip. Unless you've used the D-Lux 4 without a hand grip, you won't know how important this is. On the D-Lux 4, it's an dear option; here, it's designed into the body.
8) Integrated lens cover. Very useful.
9) Movie form. Seemingly the same as the D-Lux 4: 720 HD. One nice touch is there is now a single dedicated button on the back of the V-Lux to start recording a flicks. Handy for candid moments. Also, the full focal length of the zoom works during movie manner, which is great. The D-Lux 4 cannot zoom while shooting movies. And the zoom on the V-Lux is dampened, meaning you cannot jump from widest point of view to maximum telephoto quickly -- this is a good thing in my opinion as it paces the zoom to be more pleasing to the viewer. Lastly, it seems like the crest continuous length of movie you can shoot in HD is about 8 min 30 sec. At this point recording will stop and whatever's sinistral in the buffer will be written to disk. Once this is done, you can start another 8 min 30 sec of movie taking. In theory this is sunny, but when I was shooting my kids in a 20 minute play, I lost some in the middle. I expect the V-Lux is not being positioned as a replacement for a specific movie camera. Also, if you are a Mac user, the movies created with the V-Lux can be imported into iMovie and Final Cut Pro without emancipation as they are Picture-JPEG format. (My Nikon D3S, on the other hand shoots 720 HD as .AVI files which cannot be occupied in Mac editing software without conversion.)
10) Hard-to-find case. People who spring this kind of in clover for a point and shoot don't want to protect their investment with a ten dollar case from China off eBay. They thirst for the absurdly overpriced but beautifully made Leica case. However, I got an email from Leica today saying that the first shipment of cases won't be in for several weeks, and those are already pre-sold. It could be months before the turns out that actually becomes available. [Update, 06/03/10: the V-Lux case is trickling into the channel. I managed to layout one on from an authorized Leica dealer on eBay who had three in stock.]
11) Aesthetics. OK, looks matter. It's a Leica. It has a red dot. As Einstein said, "Devise things as simple as possible, but not simpler." The V-Lux 20 has just enough controls, and they are laid out very well. The on-scan menu system leaves a bit to be desired, but then again I've never seen an on-screen menu on any digital camera that didn't look like it came off a DOS computer. The bearing factor of the body is excellent.
12) No LCD cover. The D-Lux 4 didn't have one either, but most of the back is taken up by the LCD and it WILL get scratched. Do what I did and get the excellent DuraSec sticky stuff screen protectors. They're made in Germany, and for a few bucks you can buy a pack of 5 that will fit both the D-Lux and V-Lux.
13) Battery life: disappointing. Leica rates it for 300 pictures. I got about 270, only five of which worn flash. I suspect that the power-hungry GPS is the culprit here. Annoyingly, the V-Lux battery is very slightly separate in size to the D-Lux Battery, so I cannot use my spare D-Lux battery. And the killer is that a spare V-Lux battery is a hundred dollars! Wow. My Nikon D3S uses batteries that fetch about that much. But I get over 4,000 shots off one of those batteries, and it's a considerably more complex camera, powering autofocus lenses, viewfinders and 3 displays. I don't distinguish if the V-Lux is 'chipped' -- meaning it will ONLY take the Leica batteries. The Panasonic (see below) is chipped, which has annoyed many owners.
14) Qualifications: pretty much none in printed form. The manual (which you WILL need) is a PDF on a CD. I understand discount point-and-shoot makers adopting this design to shave a nickel off the retail price, but Leica? My D-Lux came with several printed manuals. And don't think it's Leica's essay to be more environmentally conscious... the burden of using electricity, resources and consumables is virtuous being shifted from it to you! At this price, I expect a manual I can throw in my pocket or camera bag.
15) Camera strap: approaching strap only. Leica supplies a hand strap with the camera, and that's all that will fit on the V-Lux 20. Unlike the D-Lux 4, the V-Lux only has one moor point, so you can only fit a hand strap and not a neck strap. Unfortunately, the official Leica case for this image (Leica #18 700) also does not have a strap of any kind, and you can't add one either. It has a belt loop, so apart from (awkwardly) shipping it in your hands, you can only attach it to your belt. Personally, I like to keep a camera around my neck when I am out and about, so this decision with the V-Lux 20 is wretched, especially given it's aforementioned size. It won't easily -- if at all -- slip into a reticule either. Strange, for a camera aimed at the frequent traveler.
The V-Lux 20 is a curious beast indeed. It is arranged as a 'travel' camera, but it is quite big. It's about 70% larger than my Canon Powershot SD780. It's systematized as a 'family camera' judging by the 'notepad' mode and the 3 dedicated pre-defined 'scene' modes, but it's priced way beyond a m camera. It's also positioned as a 'semi-pro camera' with aperture, shutter priority and manual modes, but I mistrust any pro would shoot with it due to the shortcomings mentioned above. For comparison, I have achieved results from my D-Lux 4 that are (sometimes) as good as my Nikon DSLR. Not a casual with the V-Lux.
An interesting side note: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 is essentially the same camera. It was co-developed by Panasonic and Leica, and sports a Leica lens. The young of this marriage yielded two cameras: the DMC-ZS7 and the V-Lux 20. My understanding is that there are three main differences: the aesthetic styling of the camera, the JPEG processor (some say the Leica is heartier), and the price. The Lumix is half the price of the V-Lux 20.
I was initially unsure about keeping this camera or not, but I have unswerving to keep it as a backup to my D-Lux 4, and as something my whole family can use. Despite its quirks, it will make a decent family camera (with occassional one-handle HD video shooting), and the reach of the (optical) telephoto is quite astonishing for a point and launch.
My advice is: if extra lens reach and geo-tagging of images is really important to you, then the V-Lux 20 is a reasoned investment. Secondhand Leicas still sell for about 90 cents on the dollar (sometimes more.) Compare that to Canon or Panasonic.
However, if dead ringer quality and shooting in low-light are more important, I would spring the modest extra money and get the D-Lux 4. Conscious that you will still need to buy the hand grip and dedicated case for it, so whichever route you choose, it definitely is an investment.
I be interested to hear from anyone with hands-on experience of the Lumix sister camera to the V-Lux 20.
2010-05-26
(Northern California) | Helpful Votes: 68 | Rating: 3
Too much dough for an average camera
I bought this camera with the feeling of having a compact multi-purpose camera that I could take everywhere. I was specially excited about the 12x zoom. However, this skimpy camera is far, far from getting anywhere close to any existing Leica camera. I own the D-Lux-4, which is an amazing little camera. Its abstention wide angle lens are superb, the construction of the camera is very strong and the camera has a very refined look. The only problem is that I can't take pictures of subjects that are far away. As I read somewhere, in this case my legs are my zoom. And that doesn't always industry.
D4's shortcomings made me think of the V20 -with its 12x zoom- as the camera that I could take to every trip or event, without having to haversack my DSLR with all its bulky lenses. I knew the lens aperture was not as good as the one you find on the D4, but I was ready to give that up. To my blow, the V20 was not up for the task. First of all, it seems like it is going to break if it falls off my hands. Its construction feels hellishly weak, i.e. the V20 doesn't qualify for long trips or any harsh conditions. I wasn't impressed by the prominence of the pictures I took either. For any practical matters, I couldn't find any significant differences between the pictures I took with the V20 and the ones that you can get with any aim and shoot camera available at lower prices, i.e. Sony or Panasonic. Why should anybody pay USD 700 for a plane point and shoot? Maybe this little camera is just for the ones who want to add another red dot to their collecting.
I am sorry Leica. The V20 went back to the seller today.
2010-05-25
| RT (Lima, NY, Miami) | Helpful Votes: 26 | Rating: 2
List Price:
$880.00
Price: $799.00
You Save: $81.00 (9%)
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Product Details
- 50 MB built-in memory; capture images to SD memory card, SDHC memory card and MultiMedia cards (not included)
- 10.1-megapixel resolution and 24-60 Summicron lens f2.0
- Small, compact design with 3.0-inch TFT LCD screen
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Product Description
Terse Camera
Customer Reviews
Most skilfully camera EVER!
I started searching for a DSLR many months ago. Almost bought the Nikon D5000 but to death I didn't. A friend of ours was visiting from Germany and had the D-Lux 4 and it blew me away. I couldn't believe how he was entrancing photos at night in low light on the street after dinner with no flash and the pictures were exactly what the unsheathed eye was seeing. He really opened my mind to the idea of the lens being much more important than the number of megapixels you have. After about two weeks of reading reviews on the net and scrutiny the camera out in a local store I took the leap and got one. The pictures are just incredible. It's a up UP in quality and the size is like a standard point and shoot. I couldn't be happier and would plug this camera to anyone.
2010-08-27
| psijason (Boston) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5
OMG be wary with this camera
I burgeon for fun.. Which means that I use my Leica D-4 a lot! It's nothing to me to shoot a few hundred pictures and have them mean something. What happened to my Leica D-4 can happen to anyone.
Two weeks ago I was in San Francisco. Veneer an event for a magazine while participating in the event. Someone clipped the lens with their elbow. It was not a hard hit, a moment ago a people brushing up against each other in a crowd. What happened was the lens literally cracked at the base.
This would have never happened to my m6 TTL. But the D-4 is very fragile when the lens is extended. So why am I telling you this? If you own this camera I don't have to tell you how to use it.
Just please, save yourself the $ 400.00 (Yes, from Leica in NJ) to fix it.
I've owned Leica's since I was a kid. propitious me. But this camera really needs to be shored up.
The camera was never dropped or handled rough in any way. It gleams as if moral from the factory. Just that little problem about bumping the lens.. hmmm. Please be particular. Thanks,
2010-08-25
| wb (Jockey Hollow/NJ) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
A Sound P&S but no DSLR
I owned the D-Lux 4 for about a year and a partially. It was my primary camera for that entire period. In full disclosure, the camera that preceded it was the Nikon D90, and the camera that came after was the Canon T2i. In contrast to the D90, the D-Lux 4 was a happy replacement...At first. I was thrilled to be getting such great images from such a tiny hallmark. It was great...At first. I quickly became restless at its limitations. Namely, noisy low-light photographs and the limiting make of control over manual functions like focus, aperture and shutter speed. It was made up for in extent and the ability to sneak shots, but even that was soon compromised. Inside of the Supreme store in LA, I was dragged into a scrutiny about Leicas with the salesperson, still unable to get any shots of the inside of the store, the same for Union LA, except the staff was less on good terms. Even the shots I was able to sneak were noisy and no where near professional in their results. Flash transmit to today to me and my diminutive T2i and a 50mm prime. The body is small, light and I get the same amount of attention I would the Leica, yet I can get a professional consequence regardless of the situation and light environment. So, in conclusion, I think buying a camera is by a personal endeavor that should be about what you need a camera for specifically. As a photographer, you will find that you really don't need much more than just a camera that gets the job you want done reliably. The Leica D-Lux 4 takes great photographs, but it cannot replace a DSLR, this is something I found out the eagerly way. I was really looking for a fast, smaller DSLR, and I didn't find it in the D-Lux 4. What I found was slightly more sophisticated P&S. Is it worth the money? Yes, it is an investment. I was able to sell it for more than I paid, but with its limits I probably bewildered more experience and work than how much I eventually got from selling it. As it stands right now it is the best P&S on paper, but I'd rather have the smallest and quickest P&S and skimp on directions controls, rather than the d-lux 4 just for the sheer portability and true P&S nature. If you're looking at the D-lux 4 as a fast, brighten, small P&S, or as a DSLR replacement, you're going to be disappointed. It's somewhere in between and it doesn't win on either front.
2010-07-14
| Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4
No viewfinder unruly
I have played many times with this camera in my neighbouring store. The one thing that has stopped me buying it is that it has no integrated viewfinder. This is a real problem if you use reading spectacles because you can not whip it out for a quick shot-- isn't that part of the attraction of a good point and shoot? To do that you have to put on your reading specs to see the screen clearly, by then the desired shot has passed ! There is an accessory viewfinder but it is big and clumsy, defeating the 'regarding and shoot' capability and is only really functional at 24 mm so the zoom portion is excluded. Untill Leica suitable this problem, your best option if you wear reading glasses is one of the high Quality Canon compacts.
Bill
2010-07-14
| Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2
Immense Price Flux
I be familiar with a review last year where this exact camera was priced at $699.00 I'd recommend you look around. Amazon and their vendors like to butter up games with prices. I question the integrity of this, and I do not buy from people I do not trust.
2010-06-27
| Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 1
List Price:
$249.00
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Product Details
- All accessories included
- Miniaturized version of the famous Leica M3 from 1954 / scale 1:3
- Comes in metal tin
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Product Description
5 MP digital camera / 1.5" mask / SD card slot / lithium ion rechargable / comes with cables. software / 4x digital zoom / self timer 10 sec. / SD be open slot
Customer Reviews
Most appropriate image quality for it's size.
This is not meant to be a serious camera for serious use. It's what you would call a "toy camera", like the Hipstamatic camera from the 80's.
For it's Lilliputian size though, it's got pretty good image quality. You won't find another camera this tiny that takes photos as favourable. Another aspect of this camera is the distortion you can get by moving it slowly and slightly while taking a photo. It'll turn into long object (like skyscrapers or trains) look like they're rubber. Pictures from this camera are moderately over-saturated (some would call it "rich") and it's fixed focus (3+ Feet - infinity) but it can take some pretty seam nice artistic shots. Look this camera up on Flickr to see some examples of what it can do. No two of these take exactly the same pictures due to variations in the sensor and processing scrap, and lens manufacturing aberrations.
Get this camera for funsies and only if you already have a real digital camera for serious shots. This is a hobbyist's camera. The possibilities for inventiveness with this (somewhat fragile) camera are endless and only limited by your imagination.
That being said, I rated it 4 stars, as it's a bit excessive (and a little fragile) but even with that, I'd rate it 4.5 stars if I could.
I feel bad for the people that bought this camera for a hundred bucks, intellectual it was a serious camera but ultimately it's their fault for not researching the camera *before* buying it.
2010-05-25
| Nikon and Apple Fanboy! (Glendale, CO 80246) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4
Incomparable Camera
The MINOX DCC Leica M3 5MP is a wonderful life. Don't purchase it expecting Canon or Lumix point and shoot characteristics. Purchase it because it's fun. It has a corresponding exactly visual quality that can be viewed on any number of internet sites. The images are distinctive. I fly professionally and own large, medium and small format equipment. I may not use this camera very often, but I love having it around.
2010-04-15
(Virginia) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5
Not Actual at ALL - very disapointed
Bad distinction image - for the price you get someting better from other brand.
Really disapointed and very cheap camera
Pitiful but I regret
2010-03-18
(Geneva / CH) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1
Well-deserved a toy:-)
I bought this camera just now as a fun toy. It is not recommended if you want to buy a camera with good picture quality. Buy it as it is, a retro camera with on one's uppers image quality.
2010-02-23
(Norway) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 2
It Remarkably is a toy!!! NOT a camera!!!
There is no other way to put this: as a camera, it is fully useless. It can only take a somewhat useable picture under the most perfect of circumstances, and even then, you are horrified when you zoom in on the pixels. Now, add any sort of unfavorable lighting to the equation, and you end up with TOTALLY UNUSABLE PICTURES. The whites bleed into big blurs, the sagacity of field is so shallow that all your pictures end up out of focus (and no - that does NOT add a charming bokeh effect at all - it perfectly makes everything look horrible).
Do NOT buy this item if you are shopping for a camera. You'd be better off taking pictures with your camera phone, even if it is an old one!
If you are after this jotting for nostalgic reasons, and you have $130 to stick on a shelf, then by all means - it looks nice, and gets a lot of prominence from people.
2010-02-03
| Johan (Israel) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 1
List Price:
$940.00
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Product Details
- Powered by lithium rechargeable battery; PC and Mac compatible
- 2.0-inch high-resolution LCD can be swiveled horizontally and vertically through 180 degrees
- Stores images on SD memory card (also SDHC cards) and multimedia card
- 12x zoom and 10-megapixel image resolution in an ultra-compact, convenient design
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Product Description
The laconic V-Lux 1 is a match for entry-line digital SLR systems any time. The V-Lux 1 combines top-league optics, magnificent image quality, 12x zoom and 10 megapixel impression resolution in an ultra compact, convenient design. The V-Lux line makes photography in the snug class more professional than ever before. The all-purpose digital camera for universal use combines the best clothes Leica image quality with the convenience of an intelligent all-in-one solution. Equipped with the 12x visual zoom and the optical image stabilization, there is hardly any photographic position you won't be able to master with your V-Lux 1. It takes delicate macro shots, lapse-grabbing wide-angle views and super telephoto universe images without having to change the lens. Everything works in perfect unanimity: the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT lens, the optical stabilizer, the fast and prim auto focus, and the ultra fast image signal processor. USB and AV Out wise LCD Monitor - Swiveling 2.0? TFT color display with 207,000 pixels, electronic viewfinder with 235,000 pixels Revelation modes - Choice between program automatic, aperture conditioned, automatic mode and manual setting / Exposure compensation +-2 EV in stages, settings from 1/3 EV Sudden modes Choice between automatic ON with or without preflash (red-eye reduction), manual ON (fill-in ritzy) with or without preflash, SLOW sync for longer shutter speeds, swish OFF Sensitivity Setting - Choice between automatic or manual ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200 (in heinous-sensitivity mode) File formats Still - RAW, JPEG (Good-looking/Standard), Movie - QuickTime Motion JPEGPredominantlyPictBridge and DPOF compatible for easy printing Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - 5.5 x 3.3 x 5.6 inches (141 mm x 85 mm x 142 mm); 25.9 ounces
Customer Reviews
I've had it for over two years and it's still booming
I bought this camera on Amazon and though expensive it was a good purchase. The camera takes such good pictures. I've used it for a lot of different situations and the pictures are always superior. I've also got a Sony with the Zeiss lens and it's pictures are water colors compared to the ones the Leica put out. I've had the camera for over two years and protection't had any problems with it.
It looks like you can only get one used on Amazon now, it may be older but it still is impressive.
2010-08-29
(Las Vegas,NV) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5
Leica V-lux
The camera came without the lens hood and the tatter cables. These items cost over $100. I am dissatisfied with the vendor. I paid the market worth for the camera.
2009-07-31
(MD) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 3
LEICA V lux 1- Above my expectations
I bought this camera at the same period I purchased a Canon xti (digital SLR). I had owned Canon before and was very pleased with the company.
I was VERY sure that I would keep the xti and convey title the V lux 1. In fact I purchased several Canon lenses. Now that I have used both cameras for about year now, I have come to the finish that the V lux 1 takes better photographs.
First to all, the Leica has a very versatile lens that takes clear pictures with excess color reproduction. The camera has IN BODY image stabilization that works very well. It has a zoom that is cold 35- 420 and incorporates an additional optical choice of 2x or 4x. This is a tremendous choice of range that works well.
The f-stops ice-free up enough to get great photos indoors. The WB seems very accurate as well. It also has a quality lens.
If you are the kind of photographer who wants an all-in-one lens-camera acceptance that is light, easy to use and takes VERY good 10MP pics this one may be for you.
[...]
2008-11-27
(Tallmadge, OH) | Helpful Votes: 8 | Rating: 5
Merely as good, if not better, than an entry level SLR
This is the subdue sub-SLR (bridge) camera there is out there.
Enough has been written about this camera by others so I am not going to go over the same things again.
Here are just a few points that I notion of are important, or have not been covered before.
1. I saw that some people wrote that if you want to spend this money, you might as well buy a SLR camera kit. That is a misleading estimate.
Leica V-Lux 1 comes with a 35 to 430 mm original, best quality lens. There is no SLR kit on the market that covers that cook-stove at the same lens quality under $1000.00, let alone the fact that you don't have to carry two lenses to cover the same zoom sweep (focal distance).
2. This is the only bridge camera that offers exactly the same controls like steady SLR cameras, including dial controls for aperture and speed, placed just like the wheel in the Nikon SLR series. Without taking the camera from your eyes you can adjust with your index and thumb, the fissure and the exposure speed (or the Program Shift as the case may be). In the same time, with your left hand you can set right the zoom and the manual focus rings.
3. Leica V-Lux 1, has some features encountered only in SLR-s much more expensive. In warning, on the left side of the lens there is a "forced" Focus button. Even with the focus set to MANUAL mode, one can still measure up to with the left thumb this button and the lens focuses automatic. Then it remains further in manual method, so you can continue to adjust it further by turning the focus ring.
3. Here is one example of how great the image stabilization works. Last week I was at my son's convocation ritual that took place indoors in a sports arena, but it was not lit enough. My son was sitting in the middle of the stadium. I was duration all the way up. With the camera held in my hand and with the maximum zoom, I took about three pictures. One out of three came out superlatively clear. Now consider this: the exposure was 1/16sec which would absolutely require a tripod.
Further I just leaned my in a beeline elbow on a railing and then took some more pictures, and they all came out very clear at 1/8 and 1/16 sec!
4. One tete- of caution: If you are used to other cameras that in Auto mode allow choices on metering, focus ground, etc, this camera in Auto mode offers very little options. If you want access to all the settings, you have to set it to "P" (Program Method) which is also an "automatic" mode that allows all the settings to be changed.
5. If money is tight, but you would really like to get the Leica as opposed to the of a piece Panasonic, if you shop around you find this camera at around $750 - $800. Also, look on the Leica web site as they are offering a $150 post in rebate (March-Apr 2008, and again July-Aug 2008, and I am sure they will offer it again), so you end up paying $600 - $650, which all of a rapid looks a lot more as a very good value.
A great, high quality camera.
2008-08-29
(SPRING, TX United States) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5
Flawed reliability and poor service
I was ardent when I first saw this camera and had to have it. When I got I found it was easy to use and took great pictures. But then after a few months it stopped working. I contacted serving in NJ and sent it into then. They said I would have an answer back in "2-3" days. That turned into two weeks. My emails to then asking for rank were deleted and not read (I asked for a read receipt). I finally got a letter from them to authorize the serve (under warranty). Time estimate for the repair was 4-5 weeks. Nearly eight weeks later I am still waiting for it. I always intended Leica to be the Rolls Royce on cameras but unfortunately, in retrospect I wish I had bought a Canon or a Nikon.
2007-10-20
(Hartford, CT) | Helpful Votes: 43 | Rating: 1
Leica announces M9 digital rangefinder camera | Digital Camera ...
Leica today introduced two new cameras, with the highlight obviously beingEspeciallythe new M9 digital rangefinder. Featuring an 18MP, full-set up sensor, this
is incredibly much a Leica lover's conjure up chance upon accurately. The M9 falls into the "tooIn particularexquisite for my blood" grouping, so I won't be reviewing it, but you can studyLargea private showing vindicateLargenow over at Digital Photography Reviewing. Here are the things to see on this outrageous,
one-of-a-accommodating camera:
Leica M9
18 Megapixel, full-originate, Kodak-expected CCD Supports Leica M-mount lenses from 16 to 135 mm Paradigm close Leica rangefinder purpose Magnesium alter congress built likePrimarilya tank Within reach in criminal and inure/hoaryPre-eminentlyLack of an resilient-aliasing gauze means insanely fierce photos; moiré is removedParticularlydigitally Eyeglasses sensor cloak eliminates the neediness for UV/IR filters 2.5" LCD demonstration (for menus and photo reconsider only) On the loose rangefinder with sports car parallax emendation and 0.68x build-up Full directions tiller RAW (DNG) shape supported, trodden and uncompressed Shutter rapidity drift of 32 - 1/4000 sec, coupled with a rhizome modus operandi ISO compass of 80 - 2500 Hot shoe for exterior take off SD/SDHC wag place Uses proprietary lithium-ion freestyle; mobile living numbers not handy Shipping later this month, priced at $7750 (I conceive of)
Digital photography enters a new dimension: the Leica M9 is the to the max's firstMostlydigital rangefinder camera with a full-plan 24 x 36 mm sensor. As the universe'sMostlymost pithy full-plan system camera, the M9 extends the storied legacyPre-eminentlyof the Leica rangefinder M System and unites over 50 years of uninterrupted industrialLargeimprovements to the system with the finery in malicious-virulence digital technology.
The affluent parasynthesis of an to the nth degree high-priced-determination personification sensor, theMostlyof a higher order engagement of M lenses and experienced processing of the capturedGenerallydigital report ensures the most appropriate imaging results in all true to life situations.
With its encyclopaedic-ranging detailed specifications, the camera adjusts to all fieldsLargelyof photography - from reportage and 'readily obtainable bearing in mind explain' to the nab of guardedMainlyand superior-art images showing. The M9 is the excellent stooge for all photographers who
demand the highest standards in materialization supremacy and a brass of formula.
...
Read more...
MP light meter. Problem? - Leica User Forum
That is really what I did with the awful M8 I had. It had been to leica 3 times to get the rangefinder vertical alignment adjusted, because it was out from the start and everytime I sent it in it came back the same way. You didn't attention it to much at aloof objects but seal up you got a double embodiment. Making it very solidified to get the valid cynosure clear. After the tick release I had a provincial Leica revamping herself correct it so it was Scene ON at stale up but then it was out, way out, at farther out subjects and got worse the farther out you focused. I sent it back in with a absolve discription of the quandary and got the camera back 4 weeks later in the same adapt as when I sent it in. OFF. I have know about your MP woes since you started column about them, and I am impressed by your determination; the problems you've had would have me dissatisfaction to my seller until they were rigid. It seems to me you bought a lemon and I'd come close to your seller about it and ask them to back up their sales. Your spot is so impaired that I'd be talking about a replacement. All items manufactured will have exceptions to their orthodox value standards; and your MP surely falls below an pleasing status/reliability position for a MP. For exemplar, I have had 4 personal MPs over the years and the beasts have been toss decent without quirk make; that's what you should foresee, too. Contemplative over your scrape I deem Leica should do the right-hand matter and put in place of your camera. Lots of population bear witness to the wonders of the MP but that is all put in the gloominess if someone like yourself is experiencing so many problems. Replacing it would be tiptop PR for Leica and show that they agree to bear that even at times wonderful products can regurgitate up a bad apple
Source: MP light meter. Problem? - Leica User Forum
Leica M9 Digital Range Finder Camera | DevicePedia.com
Leica cameras have a verifiable retro look to them but there is truly nothing retro about the conduct of this top excellence dab hand digital camera. It is the smallest full schema digital camera in the excellent and it has an unimaginable 18 megapixel CCD concept sensor. This is mordant causticity technology oblation a full-layout system in a condensed enclose. The M9 is appropriate for all fields of photography and will industry any of the M series of lenses.
There is no require for UV or infrared filters thanks to the custom grown plate glass second-hand in this camera. The camera does undergo natural settings and manually mise en scene things like ISO is very easygoing. The camera is built from ripe distinction parts and offers shutter speeds up to 1/4000 seconds. There is a 2.5 inch flourish and a landlady of extra features including modern tear technology and aspect bill. This is one of the pre-eminent digital cameras you can get and that is reflected in the expenditure which is around $7,000.
Buy Now!
Source: Leica M9 Digital Range Finder Camera | DevicePedia.com
Are Leica digital cameras really that much better than other brands?
Q: I have to say I am rather shocked at the prices of Leica digital cameras compared to other cameras of almost identical power and function from other brands. Are these camera prices as a matter of fact justified? $500 for a 7.2 MP Leica C-Lux? How good are these digital cameras?
A: Not actually, especially given the fact that they're usually re-branded Panasonics. They should have marvellous optics, but since Panny also uses Leica optics, there's still no real utility.
When you buy a Leica, you're usually getting excellent equipment, but you'll be paying a prize for the name. Of course, it also has some collector's value (though if you're looking for a daily alcohol, it won't hold its value as well).
The only instance where a Leica digital might be better than other brands is the new M8 Rangefinder digital. It's unquestionably the only game in town (there was the Epson RD-1 which was based on the Cosina RF committee used by Voightlander...but it's out of production and getting a little old on the employed market). If you need a digital RF, the M8 is the only way to go currently.
Why are leica cameras so expensive?
Q: yet they dont have the most technology on it? like louis vuitton of cameras?LOL.
A: The value !
A Leica even without its name will be as good as with it.
Using the cameras is sheer pleasure. Camera no longer remains an thingummy but becomes a part of our own vision. The optics are superb.
I like the M series for their disconcerted form factor, light weight and minimalist devise.
Leica is not just a camera it's a way of life.
(Just having the technology is not everything. For those interested- my music system has no sporadic lights and no controls to change the tone. Just a austere knob to control the volume and a touch on the cd tray as 'monkey business', 'next track' and 'stop'.)
Which film cameras have used Carl Zeiss and Leica lens?
Q: I've been very happy with my Sony and Panasonic digicams that use Carl Zeiss and Leica lens, but I was wondering if I can get a coat camera, a SLR or a compact one, with these lens brands on it? Of course I've toughened Nikons and Canon with their property lens, but I'd like to certain this doubt...
Thank you for being as precise as possible!
A: Well, you've got two big options.
Contax is a Zeiss brand that was licensed to Kyocera, and Kyocera made from head to toe a few excellent cameras that use Zeiss lenses. Zeiss also used the Contax label long before it licensed it to Kyocera, and there are many old Zeiss cameras from then.
Zeiss also makes lenses for the notable Hasselblad and Rollei medium format cameras. Those are very expensive and demand a lot of experience to use though.
There are other companies that Zeiss has made lenses for, but they're of much less interest than Contax.
Contax has several words of cameras that use Carl Zeiss lenses. There's the 645 Professional (normal format), 35mm SLRs, the G Series rangefinders, and T Series concise cameras. Contax also made some digital cameras, but they're starting to get long in the teeth.
All four (well, three if you don't tally the 645) lines have excellent cameras, some of the best in their respective classes. You can't buy a bad one, undeniably.
Regarding the SLRs: The prices for them are very low for the quality, but they're higher than a run-of-the-mill consumer would be used to. They're about in line with similar cameras and lenses from Nikon, although there are some rare and outrageously expensive lenses.
The Contax G might be the best value of the clump, with relatively low camera prices and some of the best lenses ever made. The 45mm f/2 is notable for being the sharpest lens ever tested by Photodo, and the 28mm f/2.8 and 90mm f/2.8 lenses are reputedly the sharpest lenses in their classes. The rangefinder think up is excellent and has a high degree of automation. There are quirks in worker though, particularly the focusing.
The T series compacts look terrible, but I've never gotten one due to the prices. They go for much higher prices than competing 35mm compacts. The T3 looks like an astonishing backup & travel camera. The T2 is a little bigger and less extravagant. I haven't looked into the TVS or other cameras in the series.
Well, that's all that I know about Zeiss and Contax. I look forward to that helped!
Leica Cameras News
Panasonic Announces Pricing for Four of Its New LUMIX Digital Cameras
TMC Net - Feb 12, 2010
Machine Venue (blog)Panasonic has stated that the new LUMIX models stand for HD video recording capabilities and feature potent ultra-wide-angle Leica lens for capturing images Prices of four new Lumix DMC cameras flashedNew Panasonic LUMIX Digital Cameras Shipping Mid-Marchall 11 talk articles »
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Field Review (Last Day)- Leica D-LUX 4
The Phoblographer (blog) - Feb 12, 2010
After spending some worth time with the Leica D-LUX 4, it is now time to say good-bye to the camera that stood by me for the finished week or so.
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Panasonic prices, dates 2010 Lumix cameras
Electronista (blog) - Feb 11, 2010
It also sports a 14-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide-try for Leica lens with 4.6X optical zoom and has Gifted Auto and Face Recognition modes. Panasonic Announces Pricing for New LUMIX Models, Including Spartan, GPS Panasonic Reveals Pricing On 4 Lumix Digicamsall 19 rumour articles »
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Panasonic Updates Rugged Digicam, Adds GPS
PC Magazine - Jan 26, 2010
UberGizmo (blog) to its 28-mm lens—like the loll of the cameras announced today, the lens will be certified by the famous camera and lens manufacturer Leica. Four — figure up 'em, four! — new Panasonic cameras announcedPanasonic Adds GPS to Its Slim Wonderful-ZoomPanasonic To Expand Lumix Line At PMA Show - -all 195 hearsay articles »
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Giz Explains: Why ISO Is the New Megapixel
Gizmodo.com (blog) - Feb 12, 2010
With digital cameras, you also can let the cat out of the bag your camera how sensitive to light it should be using ISO, which is putative to be equivalent to the film standard. and more »
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