Leica D-lux 3 - I'm not satisfied with it!

[karl2]

This is my 11th Compact digital Camera, I expected that match with my Leica M8’s image, but the result is so disappointing.Leica claims that D-lux 3 has own firmware and I can tell heir efforts, but logically 1:1.65” censor is too small to handle big picture; it has very narrow dynamic range and it’s impossible to shoot full auto (that same as M8). I had to set up to adjust the entire manual setting each shoot before. It’s too expensive. I do not have any problem with lens and body construction. The problem is censor and un-usable raw shoot (it’s super too slow) I do not recommend to anyone, unless you are buying just red dot. I did extensive comparison test for a week, then I returned it.

They said something else about Leica D-lux 3 in the news!

Problems

• censor is too small to handle 10M
• very narrow dynamic range
• it's hard to controll
• too expensive

[stunsworth]

Originally Posted by karl2

This is my 11th Compact digital Camera, I expected that match with my Leica M8’s image

You expected a p&s camera to match your M8??? You were bound to be disapointed.

After 11 camera purchases in what period - 7years, 8 years?, I would have thought you would have realised that almost all p&s cameras are flawed in one way or another. Perhaps you do no research and bought just becauseof the red dot.

For what it's worth I have the Panasonic equivalent of the camera and yes it has flaws, but I knew what they were likely to be when I bought the camera, and work around them.

The pixel race that _all_ p&s manufacturers seem to be engaged in is stupid IMHO.

[Eoin]

Hi Karl and welcome.

Perhaps your expectation to match the M8 is too high, I have the Panasonic version and as a pocket camera up to ISO 200 is excellent. Beyond those ISO's noise smearing can be an issue. However to compare a $600 compact camera to a $7000 camera and lens, it's obvious one will never quite reach the other. The D-Lux-3 is over 2 years old now but to my mind it's quite capable if used within it's limits. I tend to use it in aperture priority mode with raw, but like all compacts there is some delay between setting the aperture, focusing, exposing and writing the file, give me my M8 any day. My wife uses it on full auto Jpeg and loves it.

[Perspectics]

But the D-lux 3 is beautiful, isn't it? This one looks similar and has a really biiig sensor and a better dynamic range. Maybe better for you? SIGMA DP1

[rsh]

The -Lux 3 and the Panasonic equivalent are fine cameras, but they are not meant to compete with the M8, the D3 or other high end digital cameras.

It is a pocketable camera that is convenient to take when you do not want to take something larger. It is great for pics up to 5x7 or 8X10, but ours is used mostly for family snaps.

If you want the quality of a high end digital camera, then pony up for one. Otherwise, enjoy the d-lux 3 for what it does best.

[bill]

Did I get hit by a low-flying time warp...?

Is it April 1...?

Regards,

Bill

[earleygallery]

Originally Posted by karl2

This is my 11th Compact digital Camera, I expected that match with my Leica M8’s image, but the result is so disappointing.Leica claims that D-lux 3 has own firmware and I can tell heir efforts, but logically 1:1.65” censor is too small to handle big picture; it has very narrow dynamic range and it’s impossible to shoot full auto (that same as M8). I had to set up to adjust the entire manual setting each shoot before. It’s too expensive. I do not have any problem with lens and body construction. The problem is censor and un-usable raw shoot (it’s super too slow) I do not recommend to anyone, unless you are buying just red dot. I did extensive comparison test for a week, then I returned it.

They said something else about Leica D-lux 3 in the news!

Problems

• censor is too small to handle 10M
• very narrow dynamic range
• it's hard to controll
• too expensive

M8 and lens £5000 approx DLux3 £500 approx. Go figure. If the D Lux was as good in terms of IQ why would anyone buy an M8?

For those with more realistic expectations, they seem to be very happy with the D Lux 3. I have a Pana C Lux which is a great little camera but clearly its not going to match the IQ of my M, R or medium format stuff.

Get real!

[Thomas Edwards]

Originally Posted by bill

Did I get hit by a low-flying time warp...?

Is it April 1...?

Regards,

Bill

...yes, it seems as if the forum has been getting a lot of first-time posters lately ostensibly seeking 'help' on leica camera selections to camouflage hidden agendas...

[hunterits]

Karl2:

You need to re-evaluate the D-Lux 3. It is a wonderful piece of equipment and I find I can produce 17x22 inch images that rival many larger cameras. It is by far the best pocket camera, outside of the M8, that I have had the pleasure to use. I totally disagree with your comments. I shot a DMR and Nikon D300 and this little pocket camera...they all have their place in my camera bag.

John

[Alan Cameron]

Originally Posted by hunterits

Karl2:

You need to re-evaluate the D-Lux 3. It is a wonderful piece of equipment and I find I can produce 17x22 inch images that rival many larger cameras. It is by far the best pocket camera, outside of the M8, that I have had the pleasure to use. I totally disagree with your comments. I shot a DMR and Nikon D300 and this little pocket camera...they all have their place in my camera bag.

John

I'm with you John, once the D-Lux 3 is mastered it can take awsome pictures, I also have printed out images taken with the camera to A3 no problem & compare favourably with my Canon 20D.

Tip for D-Lux 3 newbees.... always shoot RAW, & if you can afford it, develop in Lightroom.

I'm sure if the original poster searches the forums he will find plenty wonderful images taken with the small wonder.


...Alan

[VivaRiva]

I've had the D-lux3 for 2 months now. I agree with Hunterits and Alan in regards to its performance. It works quite well for me as well. You can't seriously expect it to match the M8.

Which kind of SD memory card are you using? Is it one of the older models?

[normanf]

You can even attach a third party telephoto lens to it - I believe the thread of the lens is 52mm and take some decent zoom pictures. The posters on the thread are right - the Dlux 3 and its a Panasonic clone, the LX2, is not in the league of an M8. There's a difference between a consumer Leica and one aimed at the professional photographer segment. Its true the reviews say noise is an issue but unless one is taking poster pictures, it won't be noticeable and much of the noise can be removed in post processing. And some noise for grain texture may in fact be desirable, particularly in nighttime shots and B&W photography.

[budadossuburbios]

Hey....M8 plays in a different league...D-luxe cannot compete with the M but...
It's a fantastic pocket cam, with pretty decent results, just get to know your ways around and after some time you'll end up never leaving home without it, believe me. I had one and got stolen, after a very hard time deciding wich cam to buy to replace the D-Lux3( Ricoh Gr2 maybe or Sigma..) i ended up buying another D-lux3 and trust me,,,,I do not regret at all!
By the way...this is not a must but..D-Lux3 is The sexiest cam on the market too.

[bill]

I think we are wasting our breath, people.

Karl2 hasn't returned after his initial post.

Bye bye Karl2.

Regards,

Bill

[Iron Flatline]

Don't really like my D-Lux 3. Full auto the pics are ok, but it is not intuitive to use in manual mode. Also, any ISO beyond 200 is unusable. I like the size though.

[ptomsu]

Well, the Dlux3 has to be seen as still being a point and shoot and for this it works great. Manual control is not really intuitive. Maybe a future Dlux4 will deliver better ergonomics and higher processing speed for RAW - which preferrably should then be DNG in the Leica version of that Panasonic camera.

[rivi1969]

Wow, what a surprise a 500dlls point and shoot cannot match a 5000dlls camera image quality... I am even more surprised you thought it would. Come on, are you joking? This is the most non-sense thread I seen in ages.

[bill]

Originally Posted by rivi1969

Wow, what a surprise a 500dlls point and shoot cannot match a 5000dlls camera image quality... I am even more surprised you thought it would. Come on, are you joking? This is the most non-sense thread I seen in ages.

You think!?

Regards,

Bill

[jbcrane]

Hi Guys,
I'm new here, and contemplating picking up a DLUX3 today for a trip I'm heading out on tomorrow. About a year ago I bought one for my father, and was impressed by its build. I haven't scrutinized IQ, but I'm not expecting that much-as compared to my main rigs-pro Nikon DSLR's. The draw of the DLUX3 is, sometimes I just want to go fast & light without having a big, black LowePro bag slung over my shoulder.

The question is, how bad is IQ compared to the Nikon D3, for example, and how good is it compared to other P&S's? Day & Night, limited clipping points & DR? I should add that I'm comfortable shooting manual mode, will have and use my Sekonic light meter for the shots I actually have time to set up, and love the 16:9, RAW & Manual modes of the DLUX3-not to mention the "feel" of it.

Any feedback is much appreciated.

Kind regards,
jbcrane

[hunterits]

jbcrane:

Just buy one and enjoy it......you will not be disappointed....

John