Leica User Forum - View Single Post - Doubts about V-Lux 1

adan · 05/14/08, 09:08 AM

If you want a bunch of full-resolution samples, try dpreview.com's review of the Panasonic FZ-50 here: Panasonic DMC-FZ50 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review. Lots of full 3648 x 2736 files to download.

You can even save them off and make your own prints.

Personally, I think there are other factors far more imporant that any IQ difference you will ultimately see, such as lens range (35-420 equivalent on the V-Lux, 28-200 on your 7hi) Crop from your Minolta for a "420mm" equivalent and you end up with a 1.2-megapixel image. Then you really WILL see a difference.

If you don't need 200-400 range, or really like having 28 at the wide end (which is really almost a 24, or at least it was on the Digilux 2, if you consider the different picture shape compared to 35mm film), then the V-Lux won't offer much even with twice the pixels.

My guess is the IQ won't be much different. More pixels on a smaller sensor, but with 3 years more advanced technology (PanaLeica) vs. bigger sensor with fewer pixels and 5-year-old technology (7hi, which is/was noisy for its sensor size according to dpreview, even when new).

My impression from dpreview samples of both cameras is that at base ISO (100) the V-Lux does record somewhat more detail more cleanly. At higher ISOs Panasonic's painterly noise reduction gets in the way. The V-Lux/FZ-50 includes image stabilization.

But check out their review sample images for yourself. They are much bigger than anything we can post here.

05/14/08, 09:08 AM	#14 (permalink)
adan Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 03/04/04 Location: Denver Posts: 1,060	Re: Doubts about V-Lux 1 If you want a bunch of full-resolution samples, try dpreview.com's review of the Panasonic FZ-50 here: Panasonic DMC-FZ50 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review. Lots of full 3648 x 2736 files to download. You can even save them off and make your own prints. Personally, I think there are other factors far more imporant that any IQ difference you will ultimately see, such as lens range (35-420 equivalent on the V-Lux, 28-200 on your 7hi) Crop from your Minolta for a "420mm" equivalent and you end up with a 1.2-megapixel image. Then you really WILL see a difference. If you don't need 200-400 range, or really like having 28 at the wide end (which is really almost a 24, or at least it was on the Digilux 2, if you consider the different picture shape compared to 35mm film), then the V-Lux won't offer much even with twice the pixels. My guess is the IQ won't be much different. More pixels on a smaller sensor, but with 3 years more advanced technology (PanaLeica) vs. bigger sensor with fewer pixels and 5-year-old technology (7hi, which is/was noisy for its sensor size according to dpreview, even when new). My impression from dpreview samples of both cameras is that at base ISO (100) the V-Lux does record somewhat more detail more cleanly. At higher ISOs Panasonic's painterly noise reduction gets in the way. The V-Lux/FZ-50 includes image stabilization. But check out their review sample images for yourself. They are much bigger than anything we can post here. Last edited by adan : 05/14/08 at 09:13 AM.