Need input on diff between DLux5 & VLux2

[GomerPyle]

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Hi there,

 

I am a new Leica enthusiast, as I'm recently (finally) learning to take photos with my Nikon on settings other than "auto."

 

Looking at the DLux5 and the VLux2, I am struggling to figure out which one is best for my purposes.

 

I shoot mostly family shots, close ups, street photography, but we also live on a nice lake which provides ample shooting situations. I could care less about video - I have a nice compact Canon video camera for this.

 

The one big turn off about the DLux5 is the lack of a view finder. So I guess one question would be, how good is the VF that I'd need to purchase for the DLux5?

 

In some ways, it seems that it takes away from the camera's portability, as does the need for the extra flash, but I may be wrong, and this is some of what I'd like some feedback on.

 

I would love some input on these two cameras or any other comments that would make sense based on my scenario. Thanks in advance for your time.

 

Craig

[adan]

The V-Lux 2 is built around the huge range zoom lens (25mm to 600mm equivalent). By comparison the D-Lux 5's range is 24mm to 90mm equivalent. So if you are thinking in any way about wildlife/sports or anything else that might require longer than a shortish portrait tele, the V-Lux is going to be the prime choice.

 

The V-Lux 2 is not much smaller than a small SLR plus lens, so you could put a LOT of accessories (finders, etc) on the D-Lux and it will still be more compact than the V-Lux.

 

The D-Lux has a variable-aspect-ratio sensor, so it's "24mm" setting is equally wide regardless of whether one is shooting 16:9, 3:2 or 4:3 shaped pictures. The V-Lux crops from a fixed 4:3 format to get the other aspect ratios (so the wideness of the lens is dimished for 16:9 or 3:2). In addition the D-Lux lens has a wider aperture for lower light work (f/2-f/3.3 vs. f/2.8-5.2 for the V-Lux).

 

The D-Lux add-on EVF viewfinder is an unknown at this point. However, one could also use Leica-rangefinder-style brightline viewfinders (or those made for the X-1 and D-Lux 4) for specific focal lengths.

 

To me, the D-Lux comes off as a pseudo-rangefinder (compact, short lens range emphasizing the "wide" end, fast lens) while the V-Lux 2 comes off as a pseudo-SLR (built-in eye-level WYSIWYG screen finder, emphasis on long lens capabilities, slower lens aperture).

[Claw]

U can take a coin n toss...!

 

But for D Lux-5 U dont need view finder. thats designed like that. Some how I find the D Lux-5 more intaresting then V Lux-2. What u said about ur Nikon, I think its batter to have a D Lux-5. But in other way, V Lux-2 would Also be good for u!

[57andrew]

I bought the poor man's D-Lux 5 today - the Panasonic LX5. I also bought the EVF so when the battery is charged I shall start to play with it. For such a small camera it seems very complicated after the M9

 

Other than the "free" LR I can't find any compelling reason to spend the extra money on a D-Lux 5. I already have LR so the red dot seemed a tad of a luxury.