OK, can't afford M8. What about D3?

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I've been lusting and drooling over the M8, but I have to accept that there's just no way I can afford one right now. I currently use a D2 and a DL2. Are there any online reviews of the D3? I'd like to know if this is a worthy upgrade from the D2, and if the quality of it would bring me one step closer to that of the M8. Thanks in advance for your comments.

[Riley]

yes, while its only money, it is rather a lot of it isnt it

and D3 reviews seem scarce

 

Digital Cameras Side-by-Side: Digital Photography Review

 

Leica Digilux 3 - PictureCorrect Digital Camera Review

 

so look at the nemesis Panasonic L1, more on that about

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC L1 Review

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 full review Cameralabs introduction

 

I got my L1 prototype this morning...review and images here [Page 1]: Panasonic Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

 

Translated version of http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/review/2006/08/11/4374.html

 

edit to add: be aware that a firmware fix sorted the RAW write issue

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[dugby]

I also have a DL2 and D2 and just bought an L1(aka D3)

see this link http://www.leica-camera-user.com/digital-forum/10673-d2-vs-d3-m8.html

 

I wrote the following

 

a) L1 is much faster to get a shot, at least 2-3x faster, enough that you don't miss a 'moment'. I have missed many with my D2. This is after 'power-on'

 

Additionally to power-on and get a shot, on the L1, less than 1 sec, whereas the D2 will take 1 to 2 secs.

 

the L1 raw buffer seem to hold about 6x, before writing slows done. The D2 takes 5 secs to write each RAW.

 

c) the DOF is much better controlled on L1..... the D2's is far too big.

 

d) the L1 autofocus is much better if you turn off the "Auto-3-zones" and set it to "center only"......and then its much better than the D2,

 

e) I taken some really good hand held shots in my D2 at 1/10 sec.

I was extremely surprised that with OIS on L1, that a 1/2 sec hand held was so good.

 

f) I still don't like the noise of mirror slap. If the L1/D3 could have been made with "continuously setable Live preview" with no mirror movement, ie have light metering and focus done off the sensor (like Olympus OM4) / and Focus via the LCD display then I'd be 100 % pleased with the L1/D3 for no noise environments (in concertos where I often shoot).

 

g) the L1 is 50% heavier than a D2. I'll let you know about this after my 4 week holiday Jan/Dec

 

h) External Flash on D2 and M8 uses the Metz 3502-Mod4 standard. D3/L1 uses 3202-Mod5.....so be aware for flash incompatibilty.

 

 

 

PS. I'd made the emotional decision that the next camera after my D2 was to be the M8, and I'd skip the D3. But unfortunate circumstances forced me to make another interrim decision whilst Leica sort out the M8.

 

I've been a shooter for 36 years now, and had for last 10 have not wanted to change lenses ...ie willing to compromise the quality of Primes...for a Vario. I was ready to use an M8 with two lenses, 28/2.0 and 75/2.0 but was dreading the thought of swapping lenses and getting dust on the M8 sensor. Panasonic, fixed this issue with the ultrasonic sensor cleaner in the D3/L1. Maybe this technology may find it's way into the M9.

 

Be aware, the D2 lithium battery (D3 has a very minor amp boost), and remote-control cable are the only 2x things you can interchange with a D2 and D3

 

Iin terms of image quality, I suggest-

a) the D2 will provide IQ rated at 7/10

the D3/L1 will provide IQ rated at 8/10

c) the M8 (without the magenta issue) produces IQ of 9.75/10. I still don't like what I've seen with some of the IR changes to other colours when the IR filter is used.

But as a pure B&W shooter, strangely the M8's IQ is 10/10

 

I gotta say in public I always felt uncomfortable with strangers seeing the RED DOT on my D2 (amoungst family & friends was OK). So this time round I went for an L1, also found the BLACK body is sexier than the Chrome D2/D3. If Leica had made a BLACK body D3 I probably would have paid the extra to get it, but then I probably would have taped over the red dot...

[marknorton]

Dare I say, "R-D1"?

[Guest Olof]

I've been lusting and drooling over the M8, but I have to accept that there's just no way I can afford one right now. I currently use a D2 and a DL2. Are there any online reviews of the D3? I'd like to know if this is a worthy upgrade from the D2, and if the quality of it would bring me one step closer to that of the M8. Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

Here in Germany Leica offers a bank loan over 12 or 36 months. If you go for 36 months you had to pay every month 127,14 EUR

 

Leica Berlin: Home

[wattsy]

Dare I say, "R-D1"?

 

I was thinking the same thing. If you already have an M lens or two, the RD-1 would seem to be the more attractive (and cheaper) option than the Digilux 3.

[stunsworth]

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Alison, there was a multi-page review in this week's Amateur Photographer.

 

If you don't live in the UK, and want a copy, send me a PM with your full name and address and I'll post it to you.

[Riley]

some resources for RD1

 

Epson R-D1 Review

 

Epson RD-1 Lens Report

 

Epson R-D1s Digital Camera - Preview - The Imaging Resource!

[earleygallery]

I'm not sure that you will see a significant difference in image quality moving from a D2 to D3, although it depends on how large you print your images and your type of photography.

 

If you need the features of the D3 then it would be a sensible upgrade, otherwise I'd be tempted to stay put and continue saving for the M8, or look at the RD1 and some Leica glass as an alternative upgrade.

[johnwolf]

Allison,

 

If you're looking for an M8-like experience, I suggest you go to the store and handle a D3. It's very unlike the D2 -- quite large and feels more like an SLR, which it is. I am not disparaging the camera, but it does not have an RF feel.

[abrewer]

If you want a taste of M photography, and can't go M8 right now, why not consider one of the film bodies?

 

Have the lab scan your prints to CD during developing and you've got the best of both worlds.

 

Thanks.

 

Allan

[KevinA]

I just came across a D3 in a shop, it's huge. Someone will have to explain 4/3rd's to me again. I don't think it's much smaller than the Kodak full frame SLR's. Not one for your pocket.

 

Kevin.

[earleygallery]

It means its 4/3rds larger than an M

[marknorton]

It means its 4/3rds larger than an M

 

Yes, it's a bit of a monster, both the body and the lens...

[NickR]

Alison, I was also looking at the D3 but because of a lack of user feedback and reviews I started hanging around the Panasonic forums looking for comments about the more common L1. I found a lot of positive comments about the camera, especially the Leica lens. However, for what it does and the photos it produces, most of the Panaphiles feel that the L1 is overpriced. These are people who love and use Panies regularly. If they feel that the L1 cost too much, what am I to think about the D3 which cost about $1000 more than the L1? So, instead I bought an Olympus E-330, which are heavily discounted at Adorama, to see if I'll like the 4/3's system.

[Englander]

FYI: The current 4/3 sensors are generally 17.8 x 13.4 mm. The M8 has a sensor that 27 x 18 mm with 6.8 x 6.8 size pixels. The D3 has 17.3 x 13 with 5.6 x 5.6 pixels. 4/3 refers to the proportions of the sensor, not the size. 4/3 makes better use of the entire image circle of a lens.

[mwalker649]

I have been sitting on the fence on this one too. It does make snce if I want to advance my hobbie (I now have a D2) to take an intermediate step and look at the R-D1 until I deciede (afford) to go with a M8. I don't know much about this camera though, can someone help me with some questions,

 

1.Image quality compaired to the D2 .

2. What M lenses work well with this camera? I don't own any M lenses now but would like to start to build up for the M8 purchase.

3.Where can I purchase a R-D1? Does anyone have one to sell out there? :-)

 

Thanks in advance.

[sean_reid]

I would agree that the R-D1 is worth considering as an alternative to the M8. There can be build quality problems (mostly related to rangefinder alignment and play) but a good copy of that Epson is an excellent camera.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[Riley]

with respect

its interesting to note that there will probably always be people for whom M8 is too big a commitment, especially when you look at the cost of lenses too. Leica now have a gap between M8 and lower priced models that if they dont fill, some other wiley manufacturer will.

 

The presence of RD1 is already making more noise for its self here, yet there is likely still room for at least one more entrant. Another co-operative product from Panasonic-Leica is just one of a few logical choices. perhaps this time more Leica than Panasonic.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Guest stnami]

stick with the D2 for now and wait and see what happens, the D3 is off with the pixies and faries though it moves like a small tank