D Lux 5 and LX 5

[jjonsalt]

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I figured there must be differences of some sort and got the D-Lux 5. There are differences in the menu, perhaps not great ones, but it must indicate a firmware, software difference and I would tend to think benefiting the Leica. I got Lightroom 3.2 which I didn't have and, even though it cost yet additionally, the grip on the Leica is more substantial and comfortable than the one that comes with the Panasonic. If I get an EVF, which I would like to have if it clears the screen saver I installed, it would be the Panasonic as there seems to be no difference here except name. Also, having owned both the C-Lux 3 and the DMC-FX37 I know there are differences that matter to me in two so-called twin cameras.

[earleygallery]

Here we go again, the same debate since D-Lux 3 versus LX-2. Yawn.

 

Actually I think it started with the Digilux 1 v Panasonic LC5. Despite all of the debate about firmware no one could post images to show any visible difference in the end results.

 

I also recall a thread here a while ago from someone who had bought several Digilux 2's, and posted images taken of the same scene, at the same time, with each camera, on the same settings. All three images were different in terms of colour/exposre.

 

The differences, it seems to me, come down to minor styling changes, the design of the menu layouts/colours, and of course - most importantly I'd say - the package of accessories and warranty, with the Leica cameras having better software (if that's important to you) and longer warranties. They also have better resale values if you decide to flog on ebay and trade up at some point.

[jjonsalt]

...with the Leica...They also have better resale values if you decide to flog on ebay and trade up at some point.

Something I have done several times through the years.

[rennsport]

Likewise we have the poster who feels the need to post to a thread he doesn't like...Yawn.

 

I don't like this kind of thread simply because it's a war of words with no solid technical proof (which we may not have, actually). I remember reading a similar debate about the Panny LC-1 and the equivalent Leica, LX-2 vs D-Lux 3, etc. All we seem to know is that the processing part is different, so are the package and the warranty.

 

Anyway, everybody's "worth" is different from one another. I'm not sure if the differences between the two cameras can be justified.

[ho_co]

Don't forget that in the days of the Digilux 1, word "escaped" that (gasp) it had the same lens as a then-current Canon model (LC5, judging from James' post). Again, people published images that proved the truth to their satisfaction.

 

 

Hey, aren't most of these posts coming from the northern hemisphere? We're getting toward winter here, so we spend the time talking about the equipment instead of shooting it.

[jjonsalt]

I don't like this kind of thread simply because it's a war of words with no solid technical proof (which we may not have, actually). I remember reading a similar debate about the Panny LC-1 and the equivalent Leica, LX-2 vs D-Lux 3, etc. All we seem to know is that the processing part is different, so are the package and the warranty.

 

Anyway, everybody's "worth" is different from one another. I'm not sure if the differences between the two cameras can be justified.

Woha there fellow, "a war of words"? A bit dramatic, no? There are reasons/issues beyound the "solid technical proof" that weighs in on some people's considerations. No war here fella, just different values and conclusions.

[girphoto]

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The Leica version has a lens made from rejected glass from the Noctilux production line, they re-grind it to put in the Dlux whereas the Panasonic is made from recycled beer bottles.

 

It's also common knowledge on the internet of misinformation that the Panasonic cameras are made from the bits that Leica reject, and Panasonic have to make their jpegs look crappy on purpose, as part of their agreement with Leica.

 

Is that german Beer or Japanese Beer bottles that they use for the lens.

[jjonsalt]

Is that german Beer or Japanese Beer bottles that they use for the lens.

Duh! Me thinks he's just fooling around about the beer bottle stuff. Actually it's Coke bottles for Panasonic and wine bottles for Leica.

[B Y Hee]

I really think you are fooling yourself.

 

I the video that Dan linked to Stefan Daniel state they can NOT differentiate a Leica lens from a Leica product to a Panasonic product. IE the lenses are the same.

The eye and mind does play tricks on us.

 

Good luck with your camera.

 

Not complaining about it but have u actually see the 2 cameras side by side. Not saying that it will make any difference to the pic but just the difference of the 2 lenses. No offense but just an observation.

 

Cheers

[B Y Hee]

Woha there fellow, "a war of words"? A bit dramatic, no? There are reasons/issues beyound the "solid technical proof" that weighs in on some people's considerations. No war here fella, just different values and conclusions.

 

I agree just let this be a observation thread and not war.

[jjonsalt]

Steve Huff's review says, I think, it well. In part it reads,"...you can easily buy the Panasonic LX5... You will get a one year warranty, you will get a different body style (with grip) and you will get lower end software. The Leica D-Lux 5 will give you different firmware, different body style and looks, a 3 year warranty, and better software. I am hearing Lightroom will be included, which is a GOOD thing."

[Shootist]

Steve Huff's review says, I think, it well. In part it reads,"...you can easily buy the Panasonic LX5... You will get a one year warranty, you will get a different body style (with grip) and you will get lower end software. The Leica D-Lux 5 will give you different firmware, different body style and looks, a 3 year warranty, and better software. I am hearing Lightroom will be included, which is a GOOD thing."

 

Yes Lightroom is included but the warranty is only 2 years. But in the end the cameras are the same. The lens is the same and the firmware is the same except for some minor changes. JPG processing is the same, IE same hardware same engine same result.

 

I already own lightroom. When your D-Lux 5 craps out and you send it to Leica where do you think they send it? To Panasonic.

[earleygallery]

Is that german Beer or Japanese Beer bottles that they use for the lens.

 

German beer bottles are green or brown, gives a nasty colour cast. I think it's Chinese beer bottles.

[ho_co]

... When your D-Lux 5 craps out and you send it to Leica where do you think they send it? To Panasonic.

Ed! Where do you get such stuff? Leica repairs it themselves.

[Lucklik]

I hesitated some time. I had 3 options

1) a M9:

I didn't do it because I prefer the look of film and my M6 and M7 are still doing great. I prefer the M9 over the film M's at high ISO but +5000€ is a lot of money.

2) a Pentax K5:

I only use my Pentax K10 for pictures on the internet, so I decided to use the camera a few years more.

3) D-LUX 5 or LX5:

I bought my wife a V20 and I was pleased with the results.

My Digilux 1 delivers good images at ISO 100, but 100 ISO is often not enough

My DIGILUX II is too big to put in my pocket and the results at 200 and 400 ISO are not that great.

I prefer the look of Leica over the Panasonic, but I thinks they are pretty much the same on the inside.

It is just a matter of taste and after all, compared to a M9 and even a K5, the D-LUX5 is pretty cheap. ;-))

I have the D-LUX 5 for a week now, it is very small, it almost slipped twice out of my hands. I'll have a look at the grip.

However if I buy a EVF it will be Panasonic.

[jjonsalt]

Yes Lightroom is included but the warranty is only 2 years. But in the end the cameras are the same. The lens is the same and the firmware is the same except for some minor changes. JPG processing is the same, IE same hardware same engine same result.

 

I already own lightroom. When your D-Lux 5 craps out and you send it to Leica where do you think they send it? To Panasonic.

Well, if indeed the D-Lux 5 is sent to Panasonic (there seems to be some doubt here) for repairs what is the disadvantage here? Panasonic built it, has the parts and would know the product inside and out. I don't see how this would be a minus. Panasonic should be expected to be able to repair what they make, no?

 

I have handled both cameras and I certainly am more comfortable holding/using the Leica with the optional grip than the Panasonic with it's built in grip. So, no, they are not the same. I find Lightroom (which I did not have) a wonderful addition to my programs. So, no, they are not the same. Most would consider a 2 year warranty better than a 1 year warranty (I do). So, no, they are not the same. The firmware is more expansive with the Leica. So, no, they are not the same. The percentage of resale value is certainly higher with the Leica. So, no, they are not the same. The only advantage, if one considers it such, to buying the Panasonic is the lower cost and perhaps a resulting better value for those that don't feel the differences are worth it (for whatever reason). But, no, they are not the same.

 

Same lens? Yes. Same sensor? Yes. Same results as to IQ? Perhaps. Same camera? No.

[MikeMyers]

.....So, no, they are not the same.....

 

 

Mine should arrive at any time - I'm waiting for UPS to show up with it.

 

My thoughts on the recent discussion - to someone who already has Lightroom or whatever software they plan to use, you can buy TWO of the Panasonic version for the price of the Leica version, and have money left over. While a longer warranty is always a good thing, a whole spare camera is even better.

 

B&H Pricing on D-LUX 5: $799

B&H Pricing on LX5: $399

 

 

Short story:

The price on the LX5 was marked down to only $375 on the Panasonic web site last week. I called B&H, and they said they'd match the price. I ordered the camera while still on the phone.

 

For an hour or so on the B&H website, the price remained at $375.

By the next day, B&H's price went back up to a bit over $400.

I just checked and B&H now has it for $399, but Panasonic now wants $450.

 

 

 

Summary - there are a whole lot of things that may or may not be exactly the same, but one of the most important is the pricing.

[ho_co]

Sounds as if the dealer read the distributor the riot act!

[Shootist]

The only advantage, if one considers it such, to buying the Panasonic is the lower cost and perhaps a resulting better value for those that don't feel the differences are worth it (for whatever reason). But, no, they are not the same.

 

Same lens? Yes. Same sensor? Yes. Same results as to IQ? Perhaps. Same camera? No.

 

You can keep telling yourself that over and over but the inner workings of the 2 cameras are exactly the same.

The only differences is the outer casing/shell, the name on the front and 2 or 3 menu options, which have nothing to do with how the camera takes and stores images.

 

I have posted the user interface screens in another thread (I have linked to it many time) and I have asked DL5 owners to post the screens from their camera. No one has. Maybe you will so all can see the differences.

 

I am happy you are happy with your camera. But just because it says Leica on the front doesn't make it any different then the Panasonic Lumix I have. Which I am very satisfied with. But its NO M8 or M9, real Leica.

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[MikeMyers]

You guys can/will never agree, as nobody seems to have the same definition of "same". If you all want some common ground, why not just accept that the "lens and mechanism" is the same.

 

Heck, if I have a red Buick and the guy next door has a blue Buick (same specs, but for color) are they "the same"? You need a definition as to what you're referring to.

 

 

 

Mine just got here - battery is getting the electricity filled up, so I can start playing with it in a couple of hours I guess.

 

To those of you who have one, maybe one of you can help me. I've got my Canon SD870IS that has a wrist-strap, and which fits nicely into a belt-mounted carry pouch. I'd like to get something similar for my Paneica (or do I call it a Leicasonic?) I'll be at B&h tomorrow. Any recommendations as to what a good belt-mount carry-case might be? If it had room for a second battery, that would be even better, but not essential.

 

Also, what do I need to get to fit a filter in front of the lens? Is it the same adapter that is used for people who want to fit the wide-angle or tele lens accessories?