Leica Digilux 3 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC L1

[hbldds]

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Putting cost/resale aside, are there major differences between the two cameras?

[andybarton]

Do a forum search for DMC L1

[ASpes]

Putting cost/resale aside, are there major differences between the two cameras?

 

The short answer: major ones? no.

 

The longer one ...

 

When you could get them new, the substantial difference of price was in part justified by Leica with a 3y warranty and the bundled software.

Nowadays any warranty is likely out and the PS-Elements v4, though it can still be seen as a good programme, is obsolete and superseded by many and more powerful versions.

 

Technically the two cameras are sisters but not exact twins, though the v2 firmware made them level in features and very close to that.

Guess that what could still differentiate them a bit is a slightly different calibration of the colour response and the basic contrast, stronger on the L1. Given it should affect only the jpegs, in the past there has been some hinting that this and the various "film" calibrations in the settings might affect even the raw dump, but no clear proof of this was given, and I could never see it (I have both cameras). If that's a limit of my system or my eyes you're free to speculate ...

 

All in all, today it all comes down to the cosmetic differences, from the black vs chrome plates, to the slanted top corners, the leatherette with a different grain, and a thumb rest. And of course the red dot, which never had a high Veblen value on a D/3 but IMO still makes for a better bet if you'll ever need support in the future and you invest in the system.

 

As for that, I use to say that a camera is as good as the lenses you put on it, unfortunately the P/L line has just a few gems to offer, but the Oly top range ones really shine on it ...

[hbldds]

ASpes,

 

Thank you very much for your detailed, informative response.I found it very helpful. Much appreciated. Harris

[d_lague]

I bought an L1 when the sensor failed on my LC1 [d2 ]. Kept the L1 a couple of years and sold it. Will never sell my LC1....

 

I know this does not answer your question, but the L1 in my opinion is not very desirable.

[peterm1_Leica]

I was lucky enough, a few years ago to find a Pany L1 brand new for about half of the recommended retail price as the camera store was closing this line out.

 

At that time this cameras RRP itself was significantly less than that of the Leica version so that made my buy a major bargain. I have never regretted it.

 

I have handled both and they look identical in the way they function (menu etc) although I must say that I found I personally prefer the black livery of the L1. Somehow all that faux chrome on the Leica does not look right to my eyes. Although a chrome bodied M camera looks lovely. Perhaps its the size. Or perhaps its the knowledge that while the chassis is metal the body skin is plastic and that chrome is not "real" in that it is not chromed metal. It strikes me like taking a super model and dressing her up in a cheap frock. (Well thats my view - forgive me if you disagree as this is only my personal interpretation and taste. Others may disagree.

 

In short if you have the choice unless you really really want the Leica version, you can be assured that by buying the Panasonic L1 you are essentially getting the same camera, most likely at a much cheaper price.