Nathan King Miller Posted November 15, 2006 Share #1 Posted November 15, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm new to the forum and hoping to get a little feedback. I recently purchased a V-Lux 1 and I enjoy its options and intend to keep it. However, I'd still like a smaller camera, easy to handle for street photography and candids, like the traditional Rangefinders. I'd been looking at the new D-Lux 3, however I noticed the Digilux 1 is available for nearly the same price or less, plus it includes manual focus features. I know the Digilux 1 is only 4 megapixels, but I don't intend to make large prints. So, would any of you suggest the older Digilux over a new D-Lux? Advantages/Disadvantages? Thanks for your advice! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 15, 2006 Posted November 15, 2006 Hi Nathan King Miller, Take a look here D-Lux 3 or old Digilux 1?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
albert Posted November 15, 2006 Share #2 Posted November 15, 2006 Darn good macros.....&.......cyan can be removed in post-processing.......Al Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
biglouis Posted November 15, 2006 Share #3 Posted November 15, 2006 For what you want, I'd consider the C-LUX instead. I love my D-LUX 2 but it is not an easily 'pocketable' camera whereas the C-LUX is very sleek and small with the lens retracted. And there are some very fine examples of C-LUX images here in the forum. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert Posted November 15, 2006 Share #4 Posted November 15, 2006 I agree with Louis.....I own the D1, D2, & C-Lux.......C-Lux is a winner Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted November 15, 2006 Share #5 Posted November 15, 2006 The D1 isn't a small camera! The C Lux is tiny. Disadvantage with C Lux and D Lux is the lack of an optical viewfinder, but if size is the most important aspect I'd go with the C. It's so small you really could carry it with you at all times and not notice it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted November 15, 2006 Share #6 Posted November 15, 2006 For what the C-Lux can do - have a look in the photo forum for anything by 'jmr' who uses one a lot and takes superb shots. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJLogan Posted November 15, 2006 Share #7 Posted November 15, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) If you're not megapixel-obsessed, try to find a used D-LUX (the original was just called D-LUX, not D-LUX1). It's tiny, it's gorgeous (the prettiest compact camera I've ever seen) and it takes lovely pictures. Not so great in low light, but otherwise outstanding. And it has an optical viewfinder! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted November 15, 2006 Share #8 Posted November 15, 2006 I have both Digilux 1 and D-Lux 2, as well as Digilux 2. Digilux 1 is very nice, has adequate optical finder. Very compact compared to Digilux 2, gigantic compared to D-Lux 2. Main problem with Digilux 1 is short battery life; even if camera is not used for two weeks, battery must be recharged. Today I carry the D-Lux 2 with me in a belt pouch almost all the time. I really like the 16:9 aspect ratio and find it very natural. So if you're thinking of a general-purpose camera like the M series, the Digilux 1 is a good alternative. If you are looking to something more compact, the D-Lux 3 might be your better choice. The only problem with D-Lux 2 and 3 is that they don't have an optical finder, so that makes them less applicable for some types of street and candid photography. --HC Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dNorm Posted November 15, 2006 Share #9 Posted November 15, 2006 Here's a link to my C-Lux 1 gallery if anyone fancies a look. -Norm leica_c_lux_1 Photo Gallery by worldwide137 at pbase.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan King Miller Posted November 15, 2006 Author Share #10 Posted November 15, 2006 These are all really excellent suggestions everyone. Thank you for your input. My only remaining question is regarding the image quality of the lenses between say, the C-Lux, D-Lux, D-Lux 1-3, and Digilux 1-3. I'm not as concerned about the megapixel issue as I am the quality of the glass. Is there a major visual difference between these cameras at 3 to 5 megapixels? And which is the quickest for snapping street photos? I read the Digilux 1 was very quick for it's time back in 2003. Thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dNorm Posted November 15, 2006 Share #11 Posted November 15, 2006 Between the C-Lux 1, D-Lux 3 and Digilux 2 (all of which I use), the Digilux 2 has the sharpest lens. It would seem that Leica/Panasonic made the the price tag respective of the lens quality. YMMV. -Norm These are all really excellent suggestions everyone. Thank you for your input. My only remaining question is regarding the image quality of the lenses between say, the C-Lux, D-Lux, D-Lux 1-3, and Digilux 1-3. I'm not as concerned about the megapixel issue as I am the quality of the glass. Is there a major visual difference between these cameras at 3 to 5 megapixels? And which is the quickest for snapping street photos? I read the Digilux 1 was very quick for it's time back in 2003. Thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wide.angle Posted November 15, 2006 Share #12 Posted November 15, 2006 I owned the Digilux 1 before it was stolen, I had two complaints with it, the sensor and use of flash. In low light situations I frequently had blown pixels that showed up in 8x10 prints, and sometimes in smaller prints (e.g., small bright blue dot in a shadow). I'm not a fan of erasing these pixels before printing, too much trouble. The flash also wasn't very smart and would frequently overexpose the image. You should check the dimensions, it would fit in an oversized pocket, but not really a pocketable camera. Have never used the other cameras you refer to. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJLogan Posted November 15, 2006 Share #13 Posted November 15, 2006 Here's a 100% crop from an image I made with my original D-LUX. All automatic settings, handheld, at twilight. Wanna play "Name That Cathedral"? Seriously, I chose the image because it taxed the limits of the camera--low light, lots of detail rather far away. And here's a link to see the camera... Amazon.com: Leica D-Lux 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom: Electronics Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/9280-d-lux-3-or-old-digilux-1/?do=findComment&comment=94869'>More sharing options...
slpat Posted November 16, 2006 Share #14 Posted November 16, 2006 The adv. of the Digilux 1 is speed, it is very fast, you can't even feel the delay if you do the half to full release on the shutter release button. I had tried many other point and shoot d-cam, including the D-Lux 3, and they are no match for the speed. Only a DSLR can match the speed. Other than that, Digilux 1 has excellent manual function, solid body, great lens, ...etc. The dis-adv is the 4MP and the size.... SLPat Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugby Posted November 16, 2006 Share #15 Posted November 16, 2006 I have the D2 and bought a D1 (Panasonic LC5) for my daughter. Whilst the D2 takes absolutely superb photos. I wanted to teach my children the art of using an optical viewfinder, and learning how to hold-breath-stand for slow shutter speed shots. The D1 is execellent for that purpose. I am however disappointed with the image quality from our D1. There is image noise at ISO 100 and I feel that the colours are over-blown compared with identical A-B shots with my D2 I'd bought the D1 as a backup for my D2 for a 1st time trip to Paris next month, particularly as they share batteries and chargers. But have now bought a D-Lux2 as the backup instead. I think the improvements in image quality since the D1, have been dramatic, and suggest you may be more please with a D-lux2. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan King Miller Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share #16 Posted November 16, 2006 Again, a lot of great advice. From what I'm hearing, the Digilux 1 is a bit outdated, though fast, in comparison with the new C-Lux and D-Lux. Between those two, I was really drawn to the C-Lux 1 due to its wide angle 28 mm lens. Fantastic! This offers a nice alternative to my larger V-Lux with a great telephoto. Plus, the macro on the V-Lux tends to be difficult due to the large lens barrel, which often casts shadows. I was truly impressed with some of the images I saw out of the C-Lux. There are so many talented photographers on here! So, due to the extremely compact and portable size and superb wide-angle/macro features, I think I'll go with the C-Lux as a nice alternative to my V-Lux, which I'm enjoying more each day. I'll start saving for a used Diglux 2 or Digilux 3 as my next Leica purchase - working my way up to, I don't know... maybe the M8? Regardless of the complaints recently, the samples I've seen from that camera literally take my breath away - like looking through a glass window. Too bad I'd have to sell everything I own just to afford one. Thanks again for the recommendations! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullman Posted November 16, 2006 Share #17 Posted November 16, 2006 I'm in love with my C-Lux 1 ! Still learning the D-Lux 3. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
biglouis Posted November 16, 2006 Share #18 Posted November 16, 2006 Mullman Are those C-LUX shots (or D3)? If C-LUX I am even more impressed than I was before. Darn I feel the need to flex the credit card coming on! LouisB Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullman Posted November 16, 2006 Share #19 Posted November 16, 2006 BigL- Actually C-Lux 1 from camping/fishing trip to Cape Lookout (NC) last week. Rest of pics here... http://web.mac.com/mulls/iWeb/mulls/cape%20lookout%2011.2006.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
biglouis Posted November 16, 2006 Share #20 Posted November 16, 2006 BigL- Actually C-Lux 1 from camping/fishing trip to Cape Lookout (NC) last week. Rest of pics here... cape lookout 11.2006 Excellent photographs. The dusk shots are particularly impressive - were these without tripod? If so, then the Mega OIS really does work! LouisB Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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