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Get D-Lux 4 now or wait for D-Lux 5?

Hansel

By Hansel
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Hansel

Hansel

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Hi everyone,

 

I am new to using Leica. Previously owning only Canons. However, when I tried a D-Lux 4 once few months back, I fell in love with it, totaly. But I need the expertise of you guys to help me in deciding to wait or buy the D-Lux 4.

 

I understand that Panasonic has just Press Released the LX-5, which is supposely a step-up of LX3. I'm in a dilemma, not knowing to wait for Leica to release it's version of LX5, if it ever does, or to go ahead getting the DLux4..

 

Looking from the specification of the LX-5 vs. D-Lux 4.. I found out that there is only minor changes made (please guide me if you think that there is any noticible changes worth noting).

 

I understand that the D-Lux 4 is great for a camera at its size. I've also read very good reviews about it. It has also been out for 2 years, I reckon that it's firmware and all are stable now.

 

As for LX-5, it appeared to be a good camera, but yet to be tested by users. There may/may not be some issues with its capabilities. For that, we have yet to find out and will when the time comes.

 

Here comes the issue, the D-Lux 4 stocks are clearing fast over at my country and I reckon that it will be cheaper purchasing at my end as I'll save the shipping fees. I also realised that the accessories for D-Lux are low in production now.. so I might not be able to get the accessories I need/want if this drags on.

 

So... dear experts.. for your kind opinions:

 

1) Do you think I should wait for Leica to release its version of LX5..? (If ever Leica does it..) Probably at Photokina?

 

2) Go ahead and purchase D-Lux 4 for it is a fine camera. (but I'll be paying for a technology that is 2 years ago?)

 

3) Get a Panasonic LX5 for it is worth the upgrade. One issue that I am very concerned, is that the LX5 might not be as good as the LX4.. what do you guys think? And for my personal preference, I will very much prefer a Leica over Panasonic.

 

 

Any kind souls is wiling to list down the changes made to LX5 from LX3? In case I've missed out any important points.

 

Please guide me to my first Leica! (or Panasonic) :)

 

 

Thank you all for your time reading this!

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prk60091

prk60091

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My opinion worth what you paid for it; wait and see

 

If there is a dlux5 it will depress the price of a fine camera (dlux4) and if the dlux5 is spectacular youmcan buy that.

 

The only time I purchased a panasonic was or my wife- pure p&s no raw no settings all automatic and a leica lens (not lumix) about 130usd. Perfect for her.

 

For anything more than that I would go with the leica version:longer warranty and better resale value.

 

The dlux4 still takes great images whether the technology is 2years old or not.

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jankap

jankap

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Hi everyone,

 

I am new to using Leica. Previously owning only Canons. However, when I tried a D-Lux 4 once few months back, I fell in love with it, totaly. But I need the expertise of you guys to help me in deciding to wait or buy the D-Lux 4.

 

Thank you all for your time reading this!

 

Hello

What Canons did you use EOS or Point&Shoots?

I have a Dlux-4. Dislikes are the continuous zoom and the failing EVF. So I am interested in a probably coming Dlux-5.

But after my retreat from the EOS-line I look with a second eye at the X1 too, pixel size is an important measure. The properties however are completely different (fixed lens, no macro).

The walls of my house only offer a limited place for wall-prints. My interest is small prints for family and friends and monitor display. In principle the Dlux-4 fits.

Jan

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Gerard

Gerard

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Hi, Hansel. While the LX3 and DL4 are very similar cameras; there are some small differences. The Panasonic has a nice built in grip that makes handling easier - while the Leica is a slippery customer. The leica version has custom firmware and a specially coated lens. In use, you can see very little difference in the printed images. So the question is; do you want to buy into Leica and get an exceptional warranty (mine was even extended for free), or get Leica design for chips money and not worry about the branding. Your choice. Both are exceptionally capable point and shoot units.

 

It will be interesting to see what the DL5 would be like... but I wouldn't be scrambling to buy one.

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Gerard

Gerard

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Dislikes are the continuous zoom and the failing EVF.

 

Hi Jan,

 

The DL4 does not have an EVF; so I don't understand your comment about 'it' failing. Do you mean your screen? If so... send it in to Leica for replacement.

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viramati

viramati

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D-lux 4 is a great little camera. Th LX5 which one presumes will also translate into a dlux-5 looks great on paper and I tried one out in store. it seemed very impressive what with EVF, slightly greater zoom range and toggle wheel instead of joystick but when I got home a loaded some of the RAW files into LR3 I did find the lens somewhat soft at the long end. who knows if this will be resolved with the leica version. you can find quite a lot of chat on this at the dpreview site

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adan

adan

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In the D-Lux line, Leica sells what Panasonic produces. Since the LX-5 replaces the LX-3, Leica either launches a D-Lux 5 or kills the line altogether (unlikely, since it is a money-maker for Leica).

 

Differences - EVF, increase from "60mm" to "90mm" at the long end, apparently some increase in ISO capability.

 

If those don't matter, grab the D-Lux 4.

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bmc

bmc

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D-Lux 5 or kills the line altogether (unlikely, since it is a money-maker for Leica).

 

.

 

i disagree, i think leica is going to kill the line. i hope i am wrong, but i think they are going to steer people into the X1 or the vlux 20. im no fortune teller, and there are those much more in tune to the pulse of leica than me, so i could be wrong.

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lemalk

lemalk

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Wait, as lazaruz has mentioned.

 

If the D-Lux 5 is announced, prices will drop on the D-Lux 4.

 

Prices may also have dropped on the LX5 by then since they'll have stronger competition from Nikon and Canon in the advanced p&s segment with their new announcements.

 

I had a D-Lux 3 and loved it.

 

...and I very much doubt the D-Lux line will be killed.

 

Be patient. You can also pick up an LX3 used to tide you over and see if the Leica allure is so strong you'll pay the extra $ for the red dot and minimal branding.

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  • 2 weeks later...
USA road racer

USA road racer

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Well, I called Leica USA to find out why there are NO DLUX 4 cameras available. They have been discontinued (as has the LX3 per Panasonic USA) and none are available. If you want one, get one ASAP as this is it!! No more DLUX4.

 

I am looking for a new camera as my DLUX 4 was stolen out of my truck parked in my driveway one night. With damage to the truck, I'm out over $2K USD. Good thing I have insurance ( But they will deduct $1K in deductibles) But that's my problem. I need a new camera soon and cannot wait 6 months to get e Leica what ever the replacement will be. I'm starting to think there will NOT be one as they have the VLux20 just released. I NEED that f2 lens. That is why I bought the Dlux4 in the first place. I do have an old M3 and a Vlux1 to get me by. But I can tell you, I really miss that little DLux4.

 

I just may end up with a LX5 but will wait to see what Leica unveils tomorrow.

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JackTheRipper

JackTheRipper

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Well, I called Leica USA to find out why there are NO DLUX 4 cameras available. They have been discontinued (as has the LX3 per Panasonic USA) and none are available. If you want one, get one ASAP as this is it!! No more DLUX4.

 

I am looking for a new camera as my DLUX 4 was stolen out of my truck parked in my driveway one night. With damage to the truck, I'm out over $2K USD. Good thing I have insurance ( But they will deduct $1K in deductibles) But that's my problem. I need a new camera soon and cannot wait 6 months to get e Leica what ever the replacement will be. I'm starting to think there will NOT be one as they have the VLux20 just released. I NEED that f2 lens. That is why I bought the Dlux4 in the first place. I do have an old M3 and a Vlux1 to get me by. But I can tell you, I really miss that little DLux4.

 

I just may end up with a LX5 but will wait to see what Leica unveils tomorrow.

 

What did you finally do man? Happy there is a d-lux 5 now ;-)?

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  • 3 weeks later...
macjim

macjim

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Hello there,

I'm new to this fine forum so this is my first time on it. Can I be so bold as to ask the originator of this question, and everyone else answering, is the D-Lux 5 what you would can a true Leica? Now, please don't be angry with me as there is a real reason behind my question. I have a Nikon D90 with a VR zoom lens and I'm not happy with it. It's my second Nikon and the second one to go wrong on me so my question is raised to see if I should trade this Nikon in for a Leica D-Lux 5?

My dream would be to own an M9 but my budget would not allow me that pleasure hence my interest in the D-Lux 5.

Kind regards to you all,

Macjim.

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bill

bill

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Hello there,

I'm new to this fine forum so this is my first time on it. Can I be so bold as to ask the originator of this question, and everyone else answering, is the D-Lux 5 what you would can a true Leica? Now, please don't be angry with me as there is a real reason behind my question. I have a Nikon D90 with a VR zoom lens and I'm not happy with it. It's my second Nikon and the second one to go wrong on me so my question is raised to see if I should trade this Nikon in for a Leica D-Lux 5?

My dream would be to own an M9 but my budget would not allow me that pleasure hence my interest in the D-Lux 5.

Kind regards to you all,

Macjim.

 

Macjim, first of all welcome.

 

Your question is a good one, but not an easy one to answer. The D-Lux 5 wears a red dot, so therefore it is a Leica. That is a matter of fact. What it does not account for is those to whom the "Panaleica" is a vile miscegenation. They regard any spawn of the alliance between the two companies as unworthy of the name. They are wrong. True, it is not an M or an R, or an S, or a Barnack, but it is still part of the Leica family. As to trading in your Nikon, only you can answer that.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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