Looking for an unbiased review of the V-Lux 1

[jimbo035]

With some regrets I have more or less decided to part with my D-Lux 4 for either a Digilux 2 (unbiased review etc already "digested") or a V-Lux 1

Its the difficulty of viewing the lcd monitor in bright light/ lack of built-in finder. Adding a detachable viewfinder - which goes some way to alleviating the "problem" - hasn't really "done it" for me

[elansprint72]

Buy both.

[Tenor1]

I have all 3 cameras you mention and mainly use the DL-4 due to it's size. In my opinion, the V-lux is 3rd in overall picture quality compared to the other two. The D2 takes fabulous pictures and it's only the size that makes it #2 for my use. I play in music groups and sing in choirs and can wear the DL-4 around my neck the entire evening without it interfering with playing an instrument. The D2 is too large and heavy to use in that way.

I totally agree with you regarding the viewfinder. It bothers me that it doesn't zoom when you do. The REAL experts here feel the complete opposite and it's obvious I'm not one of THEM!

[davidschumaker]

I have to professional photographer friends and both are using V-Lux 1s now and love them. I purchased one recently and have done some great bird photography and have sold several. What I don't like is the slow processing each time I take a picture and the viewfinder is dark all that time. I can take one picture per bird. It is ok for scenery but not action. I grab my M8.2 first, the Nikon second and the Vlux 3rd.

[johngseattle]

hi-

I have both cameras you mentioned.

V-Lux 1:
The flip out screen on the V-Lux 1 is super and I've been using it in bright sun for a beach series. I haven't noticed any real problem with not being able to see the image. I'd guess it's much more usable than the screen on my old film TLR (especially because it's not inverted and is much brighter).

When I use the screen, I feel as if I'm using a TLR in terms of shooting style. For example,
- Low angle shots are a breeze. You can set the camera on the ground and compose.
- Shooting subjects at your side by pointing the lens to the side and looking down at the screen.
- Resting the camera on a table and watching the live view for the decisive moment

optical image stabilizer is great, especially because I shoot almost everything at ISO 100.

Digilux 2:
With the Digilux 2 for street shooting, I find I use the finder much more than the view on the back, simply because the screen doesn't flip. For landscapes with the camera on a tripod, the screen works well -- as if composing on ground glass.

no optical image stabilizer, but shorter focal lengths, not as important. I shoot only at ISO 100.


for samples of V-Lux 1 images:
beach - a set on Flickr

Maybe I'll post some Digilux 2 images soon...

-john
www.johngilmorephotography.com
Flickr: john_gilmore's Photostream

[elansprint72]

Originally Posted by davidschumaker

............. It is ok for scenery but not action.......

Yeah, right.

[USA road racer]

I WOULD NOT part with my DLux4 for anything! I would NOT part with my VLux1 either! The 2 cameras each have their place in my bag. I like the VLux1 for outdoor photography and some indoor work (room size photos). But the DLux4 is the camera I use most of the time. I love the lens on the little camera! I can get better photos with it than I can the VLux1. If you can, keep the DLux4 & get your hands on a VLux1.

[johngseattle]

I was reading the manual this evening and noticed a bit about the LCD screen:
pg. 45:

"Brighten the LCD monitor for use outdoors...
Press and hold the [DISPLAY] button for more than 1 second to activate the power LCD function. The LCD monitor becomes brighter than normal and it becomes easier to use outdoors."

I'll have to try that one next time we have a bright day in Seattle... it could be a while.

-john

[dsam7]

I've just joined the forum and hope that my contribution may be of some help in your decision - if its not too late.

I recently bought a V-Lux 1 as a back up and can tell you that I am very pleased with the camera and lens (especially the lens). However, I only use it at ISO 100 (occasionally 200), no higher due to noise issues.

Here are some samples I've uploaded for public view:

Flickr: dsam7's Photostream

It is a super camera and fun to use, but I prefer the Digilux 3...... (however....I still prefer an M6 and film).

[bjmike]

I have had the V-Lux 1 for about 8 months &, altho it hasn't gotten a heavy duty workout (traveling in rural China & Tibet), it has done well so far. I'm off on assignment next week in northern Tibet at 4500 meters (and more), so we'll see how it does in that kind of light along with the dust & dirt.

I've had no probs capturing birds in flight at the extreme telephoto end of things, never a very easy shot for a camera. In the past I've been (most recently) using an Olympus DSLR along with 3-4 Zuiko lenses. The Oly's chip is certainly better & is also bigger (better in low light/higher ISO), but it is a pain to carry around all those lenses all day in rough conditions. My Oly is also faster to focus, but not so as to make any difference that is material.

So there's my take: high convenience factor, mostly useable shots (as long as ISO levels aren't stretched), a fantastic lens (which is relatively fast for a long zoom). The sensor is smaller than the D-Lux 4's (Add D-Lux). It's got more versatile glass (Add V-Lux).

I'd say the D-Lux is a great back up camera, but I wouldn't choose it as my main tool. The V-Lux can be more than a backup camera.

Play with both; see what you like.

This shot is right out of the camera, with no post processing at all. f/5.6, 1/320th/sec. Max telephoto.

[dsam7]

Originally Posted by bjmike

This shot is right out of the camera, with no post processing at all. f/5.6, 1/320th/sec. Max telephoto.

Yes, I have also been impressed with the quality of images right out of the camera. I rarely do post processing, only occasionally slightly enhancing contrast with this camera. And, yes, I have decided that the V-Lux 1 is MORE than just a back up camera.

[leica dream]

I have a V-Lux1 and I am a "casual" photographer. I got it because of the lens, and have not been disappointed. Indeed, I have not yet progressed to RAW because the JPEG is almost what I want but sometimes needs very minor adjustment post processing.
Richard