V-Lux 1 - Zoom time for wildlife photos?

[ccole]

I bought the V-Lux for my spouse for Christmas and have a few days to decide whether to exchange it. He is coming from a Nikon Coolpix 5700 (the shutter broke, or he'd still be using it). A friend who is on vacation now recommended this Leica.

He hasn't had time to fully test it out (or read the manual!), so I'm assigned the task. From what it appears at first glance, you must go into a menu in order to access the longer zoom, is that correct? He says he can't imagine doing that when shooting wildlife (in Africa or the Galapagos - time is an issue) and he misses the button that would do this on the Nikon.

I know the optics on this Leica make the Nikon a joke, so I'm trying to see how fast one can access the zoom so we can make this camera work for him.

Also - the description on the rebate is that the promotion period is from Aug 25 to Dec 31. That doesn't tell me if I had to mail it in postmarked that date, or rec'd by that date, or whether the camera can be purchased by that date. Please tell me it is the last option! (it may impact whether we give up on this camera and exchange it for something else).

Appreciate any help here.

C.

[philipotto]

C,

The full 12X optical zoom, 420mm equivalent focal length, is available with the twist of the zoom ring. A nice feature, as most compacts do not have manual zoom rings, which makes setting the focal length slower and less precise. The extra zoom setting which is accessed via the menu is of the digital variety. Digital zoom degrades image quality and I do not recommend it. In my opinion you are better off cropping the image afterwords if you need more reach.

I cannot speak in regards to the details of the rebates.

Warm regards,
Philip

[Tenor1]

Welcome to the forum Ccole,

I have both of the cameras you mention above. The 5700 has an incredible lens so don't sell it short. It might even produce a better picture that the V-Lux under the same conditions.

The obvious advantage of the V-Lux is the tele zoom and the various scene modes. The 5700 is very difficult to change settings with everything so buried in the menus. But the lens is exceptional. The V-Lux is a lot heavier and larger and is much more efficient regarding battery life because the zoom is manual rather than the battery powered one on the 5700.

I've read somewhere here that the rebates are extended through the end of December. I never used my 5700 much because of the complexity in learning it. I was just starting to learn photography and cameras started coming out that were much easier to use. It just sits in my camera cupboard.

[pleeson]

Having used both of these cameras as well, I think he'll find that the autofocus speed of the Leica is much faster than the 5700; not to mention the optical stabilization.
And twisting the zoom ring is much faster and more accurate than pushing a W-T button.
I agree with the other Philip that the digital "Zoom" is useless and best avoided in any camera -- much better to crop later.
The rebate form refers to the purchase date -- remember you have to register the camera to get your $250; mine came in about 2 weeks.

[leica dream]

I have a V-LUX1 and agree wholeheartedly with the above comments re use of the focus ring and cropping versus the "extra" digital focus setting. Results from long shots turn out fine for me, as do macro shots of flowers. I have been totally happy with the complete focus range of my V-Lux1 and think your spouse should have no fears.........but I agree that the manual takes some digesting so one has to stick at it, but once familiarised the camera becomes a powerful instrument.
Richard

[ccole]

I really appreciate the posts, thank you. I have discovered that the Nikon failure is a known problem and they will repair for free. So now the issue is whether we need to have two cameras in the same category. One thing I would like to ask (and I realize it is something I'd figure out in time but I need to make a decision today) -- when I look at the video display, I am not seeing the picture in focus most of the time, even if I press the focus button (this is in auto focus mode). It is like a watery image until I actually press the shutter and then after I've taken the photo, then it appears sharp in the viewfinder.

Is there something I have wrong?

When I have the scene set on "scenery," I would think that anything I point at in the distance should look sharp.

[stuny]

Chris -

Adjust the diopter setting wheel at the side of the viewfinder opening. Everything will be sharper once you do that.

[joechan]

Originally Posted by ccole

-- when I look at the video display, I am not seeing the picture in focus most of the time, even if I press the focus button (this is in auto focus mode). It is like a watery image until I actually press the shutter and then after I've taken the photo, then it appears sharp in the viewfinder.

Is there something I have wrong?

When I have the scene set on "scenery," I would think that anything I point at in the distance should look sharp.

The focus button on the side of the lens is only used when the camera is set to manual focus - this button activates the autofocus whilst the button is pressed and the camera reverts to manual focus when it is released. This is useful for locking the focus at a particular distance. When the camera is set to autofocus mode, the autofocus is activated by depressing the shutter release button halfway.

Joe

[bjmike]

I have both cameras, but don't think they're comparable at all. I'd take the Leica every time. Better lens, for starters. In order to get anywhere like the same zoom range, (excluding digital zoom which, as mentioned above, isn't a great way to do things) you've got to go get teleconverters to slap on the front of the Nikon. That also means adapter tubes which, on the cp5700, can be a real pain in the butt. You'll need to fiddle around with the adapter tubes even to use any filters. Outside of that, the Nikon can take very good photos, but not up to the same standards as the Leica, IMHO.