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Confusing Models


nyckylim

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Hi Guys,

 

I'm not new to photography. However, I'm new to Leica cameras. I'm tired of carrying a DSLR around. So basically what i'm looking for is something more compact. In any case whereby I need my DSLR, i can then bring it out. However, for the regular outings, I would prefer to have something more practical.

 

One thing I'm very confused is because Leica does not have a "Compare" feature on their website. Therefore, I'm not really sure which camera is suitable for me.

 

Can anyone explain the difference between the following models as I can't really find a "short-and-sweet" description for me to compare these cameras side by side.

 

1) M9

2) V-Lux 20

3) V-Lux 1

4) X1

5) D-Lux 4

6) C-Lux 3

 

Pardon my ignorance. But it would be great if someone could differentiate these models for me. Price is not really an issue if need be. However, what i want is good quality pictures and compact-ablily.

 

Lastly, is there a difference between D-Lux 4 and Lumix LX3 ? Or are they the same thing ?

 

Thank you all so much for you help.

 

Regards,

Nycky

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Welcome to the forum. The differences between an M9 and a C-Lux 3 are vast, both in concept, operation, quality of output, flexibility, price, etc etc.

 

Q1. Do you want or need a camera with interchangeable lenses?

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Hi All,

 

Thanks for you reply. I'm actually looking for one that is compact. Does not necessarily need to have interchangeable lens.

 

I wouldn't mind spending between that amount. More importantly is to find something that suit what I need. ;)

 

I actually shortlisted to the following:

 

1) D-Lux 4

2) V-Lux 20

3) X1

4) C-Lux 3

 

I like the look of the X1. However, correct me if i'm wrong, the camera does not have a zoom function. Also, it does not record videos. Am i right ?

 

If so, kindly advice me on the difference between the 3 differen "LUXes"

 

Thank you,

Nycky

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X1= top quality fixed lens compact

DLux4 Excellent small sensor compact with zoom function

CLux3 Good ladies-purse type compact zoom

Vlux 20 Small sensor large zoom camera

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Not sure about the C-Lux but Panasonic has the exact same cameras as the V-Lux 20 and D-Lux 4 which is a lot cheaper. The only difference is the exterior styling (missing red dot) and possibly some minor firmware differences but the hardware (lens, circuit board, sensor, etc...).

 

Leica V-Lux 20 $700 (B&H) --> Panasonic ZS-7 $306 (B&H)

Leica D-Lux 4 $800 (B&H) --> Panasonic DMC-LX3 $395 (B&H)

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Not true, in a number of important areas.

 

The other differences (and advantages for Leica) are the bundled software and the warranty period. Also for the D-Lux 4 the handgrip (which is, IMO, essential) is Leica only.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Hi All,

 

Actually I'm still very captivated by the X1. However, can anyone verify if its able to capture video ?

 

I've realized that the C-lux doesnt have aperture & shutter priority. Therefore taking it out of the list. Also, the v-lux 20 widest aperture is only F3.3. Therefore also removing it from my list.

 

So, all that is remaining is the X1 and D-lux 4.

 

Someone please point me to the right direction. Should i abandon the ability to zoom for a nicer design ? Also, does the X1 capture better picture quality than the D-lux 4 ?

 

Last question, my friend has a lumix lx3, and i noticed that there is quite alot of distortion at its widest angle. Does the d-lux 4 have the same problem ? also, is the d-lux 4 really similar to the lx3 ?

 

With Regards

Nycky

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The X1 does not record video. It's a proper camera... ;)

 

The lens on the LX3 and the D-Lux 4 will be the same, but Leica _may_ do something in their firmware to help with distortion.

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If I want to capture video I tend to use a video camera. I know some DSLRs and all cell phones offer the option, and there are surely some professional applications, but in general I think it a bit of a gimmick.

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Not true, in a number of important areas.

 

The other differences (and advantages for Leica) are the bundled software and the warranty period. Also for the D-Lux 4 the handgrip (which is, IMO, essential) is Leica only.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

You forgot to mention resale value. The Leica Digilux2 still goes for over 750$, whilst its Panasonic twin will barely make 300$.

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Now that you have, with our help, narrowed your choices down to two, I would suggest that you a) study the specification of each on the Leica website and B) go to a dealer and try them out. You will get plenty of subjective opinions here about which is best but there is no substitute for personal experience.

 

In a nutshell, the D-Lux 4 is a top-of-the-range small-sensor zoom compact and the X1 is a top-of-the-range mid-sensor fixed lens compact. Both are capable of exceptional results.

 

It now comes down to your personal needs, wants and preferences. I for example have a D-Lux 4, I would not bother with an X1 - you may feel differently.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Last question, my friend has a lumix lx3, and i noticed that there is quite alot of distortion at its widest angle. Does the d-lux 4 have the same problem ? also, is the d-lux 4 really similar to the lx3 ?

hi,

 

the advantage of the Leica towards the Panasonic is in fact that the software (not the in-camera only but the Capture One too) superbly corrects the lens' distortion. And that's evident IMHO.

What you see from the Lumix is far from what you can get from the Leica.

I personally found differences in higher ISO noise (the Leica is less noisy as well).

 

Anyway, welcome to the Forum, anf if you ask... Well, I'd personally go for the X1 as I'm used to fixed focal lenght... Even if I'd consider a used M8 for something more than the X1's price.

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pardon my typo, i'm leaning more towards the x1 for its look and larger sensor. I do alot of indoor flash-less shoots. Therefore, am confused if a wider aperture is what i'm looking for (dlux4) or a larger sensor (x1).

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They are completely different chips with completely different lenses. Ignore "crop factor" as it's irrelevant in this context, and only useful when comparing a camera against 35mm film. Which will not be the case here.

 

If you do a lot of shooting indoors with no flash, chose a lens with a wider aperture or one with a better high ISO performance.

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