Leica D-lux 5 vs Canon Eos60D

[missmarvell]

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Hey, I was wondering if I could get some advise. I plan take the next step into photography and get myself a better camera as opposed to a normal digital camera. I do have experiences using a borrowed Canon Powershot during my travels and have come up with pretty nice pictures. I was thinking of getting a compact because I travel alot and for its convenience, and then I found Leica and really liked it. But later another photo enthusiast friend advised me against it saying that for the money I'm paying, I might as well get a DSLR. He said that after awhile I would be able to master most of the functions in a compact and would be wanting more. But what would do you Leica users have to say to me. I'm interested to know. Thanks!

[earleygallery]

Hi & welcome to the forum,

 

you can't compare the Dlux5 to a Canon 60D they're completely different, and it really depends what you want to use a camera for.

 

If you want a compact pocket camera for general snapshots the Dlux is fine. If you are interested in learning more about photography and the ability to use a wide range of lenses then the Canon is the way to go.

 

There are 000's of other options to consider, as well as those two.

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[missmarvell]

Thank you James for your reply.

 

I want something easy during my travels. And I am of small built so I worry that a DSLR would be too bulky for me. I would actually prefer a compact but I hear that the D-Lux5's 5.1-19.2mm lens might disappoint. Is it good in low light? And I worry that I might later regret not getting a DSLR. For a newbie like me, would you recommend I get a DSLR or the Leica compact?

[earleygallery]

The Canon 60D is probably too much for an all rounder novice. Any of the entry DSLRs from the main makers would be fine, the Pentax models are very compact.

 

The Leica V lux might be an interesting alternative with it's very long range zoom, as a good travel camera.

 

I think you're looking for something a little more versatile than a D lux, so consider the options.

[missmarvell]

I definitely will. And what is your take on the Fujifilm Finepix x100?

 

I really appreciate the advice. Thank you!

[earleygallery]

Hopefully others will chip in with some advice, the X100 looks very exciting, if you will be happy with a fixed 35mm lens, but it's not yet available and won't be until spring next year so fuji say. It remains to be seen if it will live up to our expectations!

[farnz]

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Welcome to the forum, Miss Marvell!

 

I support what James has said but I would also add that if you're new to photography the D-Lux 5 would be the way to go rather than the 60D until you're at the stage where you want/need the flexibility offered by a camera with interchangeable lenses.

 

Your friend's advice about getting a dSLR for the same money as a D-Lux 5 is half right. You're going to need one or more lenses to go with it and that's when costs can start to mount. You'll probably be able to get a deal with a kit lens thrown in, which is normally the cheapest zoom available and is unlikely to give very good performance, ie depending on the zoom range covered it's likely to suffer from barrel distortion and pin-cushion distortion (you can Google these for more info) and will be a 'slow' lens. Also bear in mind that having interchangeable lenses means having to clean the sensor regularly as dust can get into the camera every time you change lenses.

 

As for the D-Lux 5, its 5.1-19.2 (24mm to 90 mm) f/2 to f/3.3 lens is actually a very good performer and is the fastest lens of any of the compact cameras, which means that apart from anything else it's very useful in low light situations. This is a Leica forum so you can pretty much expect to get pro opinions about Leica cameras:rolleyes: but the D-Lux 5 is arguably the class-leader for compact cameras at the moment. I have one that goes everywhere with me and occasionally gets used ahead of my more expensive cameras.

 

One more thing to consider is that the Panasonic DMC-LX5 is virtually the same camera but is considerably cheaper so if you want to find out whether the D-Lux 5 is what you're looking for in performance, convenience, and portability then you could opt for the LX5.

 

Pete.

[daveleo]

Hello there and welcome!

 

Be cautious about "for that money, you can get more features." . . . Lots of times, "less" is a lot smarter than "more". (Do you really need a bag full of interchangeable lenses to carry around ?)

 

I have a gut feeling that the Panasonic LX-5 could be your camera (Maybe the Nikon or the Canon equivalents also, but I don't know what they are). I have the LX-3 (along with a room full of other stuff) and that's the camera that is ALWAYS in my jacket, and at ISO 80, it will stun you.

 

Definitely check out the LX-5.

[Shootist]

Actually I think you would not like the Canon, Nikon or any other maker DSLR cameras. They are all big, much bigger then any P&S. Good in low light no not really, not like some of the more pro or pro like DSLR's. But not bad if you know how to use them. I'd look into the newer/newest Micro 4/3 cameras from Panasonic or Olympus. Specifically the GF2. Very small, can use other makers lenses and the image quality is better then any of the P&S cameras available today.

 

If you really like the D-Lux5 look at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. It is the exact same camera as the D-Lux5

[jaapv]

It is doubtful whether the Panasonic is that much cheaper. The Dlux gets a longer guaranty and Lightroom.

[srivastava]

The D Lux5( or LX5 ) would be an excellent choice. I bought one a week ago and they make photography so much more fun especially as you can carry the camera with you anywhere.

 

I think I might be selling my. DMC L1 now....

 

However, the manual with this camera (booklet) and electronic version on disc are rubbish. I bought a book on LX5 at photographyblog.com and would highly recommend it.

 

One last word, what ever camera you chose, a good photo is taken by the person behind the camera and not just the camera . Once you know your camera, it does not matter if it is a Leica or Olympus or Sony.

 

Just my thoughts!

 

All the best

 

Rajat

[NZDavid]

We actually tried both the Canon 60D and D-Lux 5 (as well as an Olympus EP-1) for my wife. She thought the DSLR might be more versatile, especially for garden and close-up pictures. But it turned out to be far too big and bulky. She would not have wanted to take it far when traveling or hiking. We found the Olympus didn't produce pictures that were superior to the D-Lux 5, and the kit lens seemed to be very plasticky. So we got the D-Lux 5, and she loves it. It's a very capable performer, quite fast, very compact, and versatile.

 

Not so long ago I think people would have been staggered at the capabilities of this little camera; now we tend to take it for granted (huge zoom range from 24 to 90-equiv., fast lens, ISO range, image quality). The D-Lux 5 is an ideal travel camera.

 

You might like to use the search function to check out more posts on the D-Lux 5 and comparisons on this forum.

[fielden]

The other benefit with the dlux5/lx5 is their range of manual functions so it is easy to progress, as your knowledge/experience grows, from fully auto to fully manual as you wish.

 

I have long since gone from dSLRs to Leica compacts. Unless you are prepared to spend hundreds on good quality lenses you are unlikely to get better quality pictures than the dlux 5/lx5 anyway.

 

I have had a dlux 2, 4 and now have a dlux 5 and I love them.

 

Main benefit - small enough to always have with you.

[Digitom]

Hi Missmarvel,

 

and welcome here.

After reading all postings, sure you get so many advices from different views, and of course (thats normal) everyone suggest another camera beside the 2 cams you mentioned. I will only tell you that IMHO I think if you are beginner in photography you should take the D-Lux 5. It is small, compact and - beautiful from its design. After using several cameras during about 25 years, I think I can say that also the optic (means design) and handling of a cam is same important then the technical aspects. Because we do photography as a hobby, and the things one use in the hobby should attract also, not only from technical aspects. As an example: I own also a Digilux 2, and there are sure many "better" and newer cams on the market, but to use that pretty one is so attracting and amazing all time.

 

But coming back to theme and technique, the D-Lux 5 is very good in lower light conditions. I use the AutoISO set to ISO 800 and when I was on several german christmas markets in the evening a few days ago, I was very satisfied with the pictures. Sure one get some noise, but that is very ok I think. Sure a camera like a DSLR with bigger sensor get lower noise limit, but these 2 cameras you mentioned are really difficult to compare. Sure IMHO the Canon is too big for being everyday with you (think about the lenses!) and especially when "learning" it is important to have the cam ready to shoot - means it has to be with you all day (and night )

 

Finally, the Panasonic has similar pic quality but not exactly same - firmware is different. Also Lightroom, an excellent Picture postprocessing and organizing program, comes with D-Lux 5 (cost for a single LR3 is normally about 299 EURO!), and the Leica guarantee is longer then from Panasonic - and the service is really marvellous. So the price difference is relative by that. I like Panasonic as a reliable company (I use many household things from Pana) but if I can chooss the cam, I prefer the red dot

 

Last advice: if you buy the D-Lux 5 you get pictures which are much better then the average "compact camera pictures". The quality is sure "lower" then with DSLR but near to, and much better then normal compact cam. So better to buy that "HiEnd" compact unit then a compromised DSLR.

Also I recommend highly to buy the grip (better handling with one hand) and the electronic viewfinder (but buy that one from Panasonic, it is about half of the price (about 165 EURO) of the Leica version (300 EURO) - and the EVF is really 1:1 same thing).

 

Hope to help you, choose well - and let us know!

Thomas

[Bill Allsopp]

I have had Canon bodies for some years including 1DsMk3, 5D Mk2 and various G series over the years.

I bought the D-lux 5 two months ago and was astounded by it's quality for a compact. NO it is not the equal of a full frame Canon but it rips a G series to bits in image quality. If you know how, or learn how, to use a camera in manual mode you will get outstanding results. I am happy to print up to A2 from my D-Lux and as a result of the experience intend to chop all my Canon gear for an M9.

 

Leica is a move you will not regret.

[Mr_Jones]

+1 for the dLux 5, it might not be the last camera you buy, but it's a great quality compact with all the right features and good IQ. If you buy a DLSR you will probably need a compact for travel at some times.

[griffster]

Get a small manual SLR film camera.

[missmarvell]

Also does anyone know how long is the warranty for the D-lux 5? Is it international or just a local warranty?

[dickgrafixstop]

Consider the V-Lux 2. It's bigger than the Dlux but it has a much longer zoom. It's one

piece and much smaller (and lighter) than the Canon. It will fit in your purse - if you have a

very large purse - will include movies (like the Canon) and gives you a lot of flexibility.

The guys on the forum tend to ignore or downplay the VLux - no movies for me - but it's

a real player in its niche.

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Hallo,

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[Ecaton]

Lots of advice already. My 2cents:

Start with a pocketable compact and the D-Lux 5 you mention is one of the best available. However, buy the Panasonic LX5 instead of the D-Lux5, they are technically identical (both manufactured by Panasonic), but the Panasonic is sold at about half the price in the US (around USD 400 versus 800).

Once familiar with your compact camera, you might want to add a DSLR to your stable to bring your photographic skills to the next level. The price difference between the LX5 and D-Lux5 will almost buy you a new entry level DSLR, they are priced south of the USD 500 mark these days.

Edited January 7, 2011 by Ecaton