New to Leica

[nerf14]

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Hi Everyone,

 

I am a newbie to Leica cameras....I currently own a Nikon D60 with a 18 to 200mm lens. I like my camera but am in search of something which is more portable. I find it difficult to take pictures (street or candid) with a large camera as it is never with me. I have look at the GF1 EP2 and then came across Leica which was recommended by a friend. I am thinking of the DLux4...

 

Any suggestions? I know this is Leica forum but thought I might get some great feedback and opinions...

 

Thanks in advance

N.

[richam]

If you like the SLR sensor/image size and quality in a small package, check out the X1. The DLux 4 is smaller, and suffers from noise problems at high ISO or in high contrast shadow areas. Check out dpreview.com for a recent X1 review.

[nerf14]

Thank you

I will research the X1 as well

[richam]

Also, you can check the X1 forum here. And a warm welcome to the forum.

[nerf14]

thank you

its difficult to choose the right camera ...

[stuny]

Welcome, Nerf. One caution with the X1: The fine lens is permanently attached, and of a fixed focal length. You might find this too restrictive after using your wide ranged Nikon zoom.

[ashfaque]

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I'd say go for a used Leica M8* (<= that's plan as well). If you're short of cash or can't wait then get a used Epson R-D1[around 1000 GBP]. Both will take M lenses.

 

* Used Leica M8 around 1500-1700 GBP. The upper limit is for those that has low actuation and in pristine condition. Don't go beyond that price point. Note that a new X1 is around 1350 GBP.

[kanzlr]

check out the Ricoh GXR with the 50mm module.

Same sensor as X1 and Nikon D300, SUPERB lens and very good, SLR like ergonomics.

 

if you don't need a large sensor cam, get the Ricoh GRD III, a very very good, very small camera with a 28/1.9 equiv prime lens, a good sensor for small sensor cameras and the same, SLR like ergonomics like the GXR.

 

there is even a 28mm ad on viewfinder available.

[jpupart]

I also have the Nikon D60 and a variety of lenses to go with it and was looking for a small,portable camera as well. I bought the dlux 4 and am extremely happy with it. It is small and easy to carry everywhere, shutter lag is pretty good,(but still a little bothersome), low light pictures good without flash, and jpeg pics great right out of camera. I just returned from a trip to Alaska and had both cameras. The Leica pictures were beautiful and sharp, actually most were better than the Nikon(taken in raw so do need pp)-but needed the 300mm lens for wildlife (would take a 500mm if I go back). Anyway, I considered the X1-didn't want the fixed focal length of 24mm. I don't shoot much at that focal length.The M8 I dismissed for a variety of reasons including price (camera not too bad, but then have to add all the lenses and then have to change all the lenses)which no longer made it the small, easy portable solution I was looking for. I didn't look at the other cameras suggested, but I have been very happy with my dlux 4 If you do buy the dlux 4 buy the book to learn how to work many of the features as the manual is awful!

[jaapv]

Welcome , but the X1 has an equivalent focal length of 35, not 24.

[jpupart]

true, thanks for the clarification- but still not my personal favorite focal length. Favorite prime on my DSLR is 50mm(cropped sensor on my D60). We all shoot different things which is what makes it so good to have all the choices. I'd love to have an X1, too!!!! But for an overall compact P&S the dlux 4 was perfect for me.