D Lux 3 Low Light via 5?

[A.V.]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Few days ago I encountered a situation when I had to shoot a report while the proper photographer could not do it for "techical reasons". I had Leica D Lux 3 in my pocket and I also wanted to take part in the event - so I put it all on "AUTO" and point-shooted around with my eyes half-closed.

 

It was not RAW of course - as it will slow down the camera. It was not altered AT ALL and was put on DISPLAY on Arbuzovphoto's Photos | SmugMug straight out of a camera.

Or Google "smugmug" and search: arbuzovphoto.

Now - when people SAY here that D Lux 5 is no good etc - can I ask a very stupid Question:

Those pix I made - are they NO good at all technically or what? IF they are more or less OKei - will D Lux 5 make it even better??

 

IF it will make it even better - where is the problem with D5 or is it me been stupid??

 

 

PS: (between you and me) I am one of those old fashion idiots by definition and I still struggle with Digital change and computers and still look at my old R's hoping for nobody knows what - that is just for your information.

Thanks.

 

AV

[macjim]

Not sure what your really asking but the D-Lux 5 produces great photos but, it's not the camera that makes the photograph, but YOU!

It wouldn't do any harm to get a better camera but only do so if you think it will help you and/or if you decide it's time for a new camera.

Nothing much wrong with the photo that I saw on the site.

Can you rephrase your question?

 

 

Cheers, Macjim.

[A.V.]

Sorry - I was a bit emotional cos I saw people saying that DL5 is NO good - so I wondered - IF it is NO good then my pix with D3 must be complete rubbish (we talking re tecnicalities here of course - sharpness, contrast etc etc).

 

I must admit - I really LIKE Leica cameras - hence my hot response.

 

But if I can rephrase - I d ask:

 

How far better DL5 now is from my old DL3 in terms of picture quality and speed of work (focusing etc etc) - can anybody give me an idea? And where to LOOK for pix made by DL5??

 

In other words - shall I upgrade now or give it time? I v ordered a book re DL5 mentioned on that Forum. Loads of good info HERE - THANKS everybody. Wonderfull pix as well.

 

Ta/ AV

[macjim]

Well, as I've bought the D-Lux5 I can say I'm mightily impressed with the quality of the camera, lens and results taken with it but I can't answer you regarding how much better it is compared to the D-Lux3 as this is my first Leica. Certainly the lens extends to 90mm so that's an advantage over the older camera and the inclusion of Lightroom 3 is handy if you do not have it, but others will have to answer your Q. Check out the other D-Lux5 question on the forum. Best regards.

 

 

Cheers, Macjim.

[ho_co]

AV--Welcome to the forum!

 

And thanks for the pictures of the consecration and dedication of an Orthodox church! I've never witnessed such an event.

 

Your pictures are good, and for Web distribution, I don't think there would be much difference between them and the ones that the D-Lux 5 turns out.

 

The D-Lux 3 was an improvement on the D-Lux 2, which I have.

 

The D-Lux 5 is an improvement on the D-Lux 4, which I also have.

 

 

In my experience, pictures from the D-Lux 4 are definitely better than those of the D-Lux 2.

 

One reason is the improvement in the way the multiple-aspect-ratio setting is applied: With the later camera, when you change aspect ratio, you don't chop off the ends of the frame, so you keep the same focal length equivalent with all the aspect ratios.

 

The biggest improvement in my mind is the fact that instructions are written into the RAW files to correct for distortion and optical aberrations. If you don't shoot RAW, that may or may not be an advantage: I think the JPG engine of the D-Luxes 2 and 3 may have already incorporated that benefit. If so, the technical quality of JPGs from the D-Lux 5 will not be so much better than with the earlier cameras.

 

Also, the wide-angle end of the D-Lux 5 is wider than that of the D-Lux 3; and the long end isn't as long.

 

Another feature to keep in mind is the ability to use a clip-on electronic viewfinder with the D-Lux 5. That means spending money for an accessory, but it also means you can use the camera at your eye rather than at arms' length.

 

 

You're doing fine with the D-Lux 3. I'd compare specs and features and see how the D-Lux 5 stacks up. It won't give worse images, and may give better.

[A.V.]

Thanks everybody and thank for the welcome!

 

Cheers.

 

Ho co - I d assume that D5 will be faster to work with than D3 - will it?

 

Faster focusing, faster processing etc etc - more nippy - is it right??

 

Also - you see MY Problem is that I am still struggling with that digital CHANGE.

 

I was into Russian processing and as soon as I just mastered it - it all went down the drain (literrally) and AGFAs came to us. As soon as I got those ok - blooming digi Revolution started to happen!!! Include Russian Perestroika on top of it as well. Constant STRUGGLE for me - I must admit.

 

 

Now - I took D3 in 2007 as a trial to see what happens to Digi change and also to see if I like it.

 

After about 4 years now - ... what shall we say? Digi is here to stay (unless you know of anything else coming???) Viewfinder-less screen D3 style (for me) is here to stay (got used to it now) Computers are here to stay. SO - logical step would be to grow naturally with those little Ds from 3 to 5 and take it from there.

 

In it???

 

Of course pix from M cameras make me just dizzy with quality and some stuff on those pix i just cant explain - so maybe one day I may grow grow grow .... and who knows?

 

Please dont say you got all the M8s and M9s as well. And that it will not make much difference when used for websites etc...Or will you?

 

 

AV

[ho_co]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Again, I'm comparing D-Lux 2 with D-Lux 4; you're a model later and a step ahead in both cases.

 

I'd say the D-Lux 4 is just as quick to shoot with as the D-Lux 2, not much change there. Where the speed improvement comes if you shoot RAW (I don't know about JPG) is in post-processing, because the image is better cleaned up.

 

The D-Lux 4 sensor is improved, as is noise reduction.

 

BTW, we're all still learning about the digital revolution. Things really do move much faster now than with film. Every month, it seems, someone comes out with a new software feature or a new program that will take months to learn; and while we're learning that, someone else comes out with a new set of cameras to reach deeper into our pocket and send us back to the instruction manual.

 

 

The D-Lux 4/5 is a really major step forward from the previous model. There are a lot of changes, and a lot more things you need to learn about. It took about three months for me to feel comfortable that I could control the D-Lux 4; with the D-Lux 2, there were far fewer choices and almost no learning curve. Here there are more menus and more settings that depend on some setting you made in another submenu.

 

I like the D-Lux 4 a lot, and I'd buy a D-Lux 5 if I felt it was worth the step up for me. I promise, you'll be happy with the D-Lux 5. It's a good piece of equipment, and a giant change from the D-Lux 3.

[A.V.]

Thank you Howard - very GOOD answers on your part.

Much appreciated.

 

I am waiting for that book now on D5 and will take it from there. READ it for about a month or two (or three or four...) and see what happens.

 

Meantime will study that Forum which I regard as Godsent. Honestly! People help each other for nothing and that is very much NATURAL human feature. What you said to me now - for example - is very important for me.

 

The only thing I am wondering now is that - WHY not ot jump to X1 straight from D3 then - but it may be too much for me AND also I saw reports here that X1 is in fact a bit slower when it comes to a crunch.

 

QOn your D4 - when you take RAW - do you have to wait ages before you can shoot again? Cos I do on mine.

 

Also - thanks for your comment on Digi Revolution. Yes - we all have to change - you right. I suppose for me the biggest change was that Russian Perestroika really. The whole Russian FOTO Industry was wiped out. It was a collapse. Complete collapse.

 

I was an "Engineer in Photografy" - can you beleive that??? "Quality Inspector" etc etc as well - on films and papers and CHEMISTRY. ALL that is useless now. I think i got a problem THERE. And I think it is a psycological one - thinking about it. ///// Well - at least I know where it is. But - thanks again.

 

Cheers. Oleg.

 

AV

[ho_co]

Oleg--

Thanks for your kind words. I think we're all glad when something we say helps someone else.

 

 

Yes, the D-Lux 4 is still slow when writing RAW. It may be a little faster than the D-Lux 2, but not enough to tout it as an improvement.

 

I know the camera makes excellent JPGs, but I'm just in the habit of shooting RAW. I probably should switch to JPG, but as you say, change is difficult.

 

 

As for the X1, I can't offer any advice. It's got the advantage of a much bigger sensor and therefore a much better quality if one wants to make big prints. But what I like in the D-Lux 4 is its flexibility. It has a zoom, several different aspect ratios, and image stabilization. (With my tremor, the image stabilization is a big plus for me.)

 

If I were an artist, the X1 might be the better choice, both because of its higher-quality output and also because its fixed focal length is more demanding of the photographer. But the D-Lux does all I want. Well, almost all...

[macjim]

At the moment the autofocus is on the slow side going by the reports and reviews I have read but I understand an update is due to fix it. It is a very nice camera and produces very nice pictures but it is a fixed lens which could limit your way to take photos — or it could change the way you take photos too!

Check out the review at : http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/

Just search for X1 review.

 

 

Cheers, Macjim.

[A.V.]

"At the moment the autofocus is on the slow side going by the reports and reviews I have read but I understand an update is due to fix it. It is a very nice camera and produces very nice pictures but it is a fixed lens which could limit your way to take photos — or it could change the way you take photos too!"

Check out the review at : Steve Huff Photos - Real World Digital Camera And Lens Reviews

Just search for X1 review. "

 

Thanks again and thanks very MUCH for that LINK - macjim. It DID work for me - in terms of that I fully realised that - like you said - it WILL change how I take fotos and that change is not for me. X1 - is NOT my cup of tea - after all I have seen on internet.

 

And it IS indeed a different story from Ds.

 

So - forget it for now. Thanks for a nice LINK again. Cleared the air.

 

Now - I did check a lot on D Lux pix on inet and - to give you an example -

 

Leica D-Lux 4 Photography by Jim Radcliffe

 

is it for REAL??? Cos I had a little SHOCK.

 

I mean - I find it very HARD to believe it was really made (that train detail 2248!!! - have you seen it?) - with D LUX 4 ??

 

It looks like M camera in action?

 

Or is it me - being stupid?

 

if it is WHAT D Lux 4 IS capable of - then in this case I must START AGAIN - as I must be doing something wrong even with my D3 or rather I must be doing everything wrong with my little D LUX3 camera...

 

Looking at all the pix on that site - in fact devoted to D Lux 4 http://www.boxedlight.com/dlux4/ - I had a shock of my life regards my own capabilities abilities intellect self-criticism personal judgements photografic skills and GENERAL FITNESS:) - after I saw those pix...

 

What was I doing all those years with D3???

 

When shock subside I will re-evaluate ALL my life style and work manner and learning styles and go deeper into that BOOK for D5 - which had just arrived...

 

Honestly! There s a world of good photography at your fingertips when you got D LUX in your hands and only excuse is your own inability to do anything worth with it.

 

Eeeee.... say no more.

 

But.. but - are those pix really D Lux 4 though - do you know?

 

 

Ta.Oleg.

[macjim]

Yeah, the photo of the smokebox by Jim Radcliffe does look surreal! It's super sharp and I thought the same - it could be it's been worked on in Lightroom - but I'll leave that for JR to say otherwise! Anyone else know anything about that photo?

There's been a firmware update for the X1 and it would appear to be faster regarding the autofocus but that may not be enough to sway you.

Glad to have helped.

 

 

Cheers, Macjim.

[A.V.]

Thanks everybody for a great HELP on issues I asked.

 

Please keep well and keep going.

 

AS regards X1 - forget it, IF you can find THAT money - you can try a little bit harder and - COME ON - get yourself a proper M Leica... say even second hand - whatever. Let us be straight on it.

 

For me - its D LUX or M Leica - as a natural step UP - if it comes to it.

D LUX pix are wonderfull - YES - but M pix I see here: IS at last a proper Photography!

With Leica you got the TOOLS - no excuses - BUT - there s more than that - there s that Admiration!

 

And in my religion - A man was created to ADMIRE!!!And to admire WHOLEHEARTEDLY! With all your heart and mind and soul.Nothing less.

 

 

Many thanks again / Oleg.

 

 

AV

[NZDavid]

A.V, your pictures looks great. The little D-Lux 5 is a terrific camera that is very compact and easy to use.

 

AF is a lot faster than the X1.

 

There have been real and major gains in image quality from small sensor cameras over the last few years. Dynamic range (contrast control), colors, and noise control are all a step up compared with previous generation cameras. The D-Lux 5 is excellent at low light even at ISO 1600 (see other posts).

 

One question would now seem to be, can you get by with the D-Lux 5, or should you go all out and get an M9? The main advantages of the M9 will be:

 

* more precise focusing

 

* the ability to use different lenses

 

* the ability to create appealing out of focus backgrounds (bokeh)

 

* quicker and easier manual exposure control (just rotate the dials)

 

* better overall IQ.

 

The advantages of the D-Lux 5 will be:

 

* much cheaper so no worries taking it anywhere

 

* built-in f/2-3.3 24-90 lens

 

* built-in fill flash

 

* ultra compact

[A.V.]

David!

 

Thanks for a LIST. Good job.

 

I think jumping to M now over D5 - for ME will be skipping a step - which is never good for a development of a skill.

 

D5 now seems a natural stage to go through - in the meantime M will develop itself even more and our meeting may become even more exciting later!

 

ALSO - it is NOT the camera only that makes it. I think going through D5 stage will give me a chance to improve overall Digi-skills and equipment NECESSARY to go further.

 

IF that TRAIN was done by D and then improved by using Computer - ALL that scope (Digi lub Software Hard ware etc etc) has got to be delt with. In other words - I will be better off spending MORE time and money on Updated software and Comps and Screens and all that stuff - to get as much as I can on the D Level.

 

WHEN on D level I am OK and when I will outgrow it - THEN...Big WHEN... But forget THEN - I feel like I will need two-three years easily to become OK with D5 - if I upgrade say end of this year, I am still on D3 at the moment... Just reading that BOOK on D5 will take me months.......

 

Thanks for your kind advice. It will all come together one day.

 

Ta. Oleg.

[NZDavid]

Good luck Oleg, enjoy your D-Lux and do post some pics! Cheers, David