kpevav Posted February 20, 2007 Share #1 Posted February 20, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am considering either a Leica V-Lux 1 or Panasonic FZ50. I know they are basically similar, with less aggressive tweaking of processing by the Leica. One aspect is the two year Leica warranty versus the 90 day labor/1 year parts Panasonic warranty. I presently own a Panasonic FZ15 that has been quite good. My questions are two: 1. Is the Leica also made in Japan or is it made elsewhere? Does anyone own one who can tell me? What does it say on the camera body and on the lens? 2. Does anybody have comparative experience with the two models? I would be very interested in whether they see tangible differences in images. Thanks for any information you can provide. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 20, 2007 Posted February 20, 2007 Hi kpevav, Take a look here Leica V-Lux 1. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
elansprint72 Posted February 20, 2007 Share #2 Posted February 20, 2007 I have a V-Lux1, it is made in Japan. I had an FZ-30 previously and the quality of the moving controls on the lens seems better on the V-Lux, why this should be I don't know but there was a small amount of slop with the FZ. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyrshot Posted February 20, 2007 Share #3 Posted February 20, 2007 Just get the V lux 1, you won't be dissapointed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucklik Posted February 21, 2007 Share #4 Posted February 21, 2007 I am considering either a Leica V-Lux 1 or Panasonic FZ50. I know they are basically similar, with less aggressive tweaking of processing by the Leica. One aspect is the two year Leica warranty versus the 90 day labor/1 year parts Panasonic warranty. I'm also considering either a Leica V-Lux 1 or Panasonic FZ50. But I haven't found any proof about the less aggressive tweaking of processing. It look only marketing blabla to me. If anybody has some proof please put the pics on the net. I suppose the warranty in Europe will be at least 1 year for the pana There are other differencies like the Vlux is supplied with Photoshop Elements 3 (but I allrady have PSE3 and better) And a 512Mb card compared with a 32Mb on the pana. (I just bought a fast 2Mb for 35 euros) (where did they still found 32Mb cards?) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Gruyters Posted February 21, 2007 Share #5 Posted February 21, 2007 The V Lux 1 is made in Japan. The information on the camera stresses Germany as the company base but ever so discreetly in fine print on the bottom of the camera states made in Japan. As I've mentioned before I think this is a plus. German optics married with Japanese electronics, Great! The camera is vastly superior in looks and style compared to the Pana. I'd liken the difference between the two as that of a production model car and a fully optioned one. Regards, Paul. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Gruyters Posted February 21, 2007 Share #6 Posted February 21, 2007 P.S The V Lux comes with PSE 4, not 3. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucklik Posted February 21, 2007 Share #7 Posted February 21, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) P.S The V Lux comes with PSE 4, not 3. The Vlux comes with PSE 4 for Wiindows and PSE3 for Mac. So we are both right Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucklik Posted February 21, 2007 Share #8 Posted February 21, 2007 The camera is vastly superior in looks and style compared to the Pana. I'd liken the difference between the two as that of a production model car and a fully optioned one. Regards, Paul. IMHO the only cosmetic differences are the Red dot and the Leica name. Am I wrong? Luc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpevav Posted February 21, 2007 Author Share #9 Posted February 21, 2007 I'm pretty well set with software (Photoshop) and memory cards, so the big thing to me is the way the photographs are processed as well as the egonomics and aesthetics. You worry me when you discuss fully-optioned cars, Paul, because I'm wondering if a Leica would feel comfortable in my Ford. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.Julian-Huxley Posted February 21, 2007 Share #10 Posted February 21, 2007 Hello. First time for me on here. Here are the differences: I own the FZ50. It is ok, but the image is overprocessed and smeary. Bought the Leica V-Lux 1 after speaking to my Leica Rep. It is a very different camera and I am impressed with the performance. Cosmetically better finish and right hand side moulded differently. Flash box has flatter smoother lines. Controls appear to be tighter specification. Leica's software gives far better noise control, sharper and colour more agfa like. The performance of this camera is quite remarkable considering size of censor etc. If this were an SLR, and associated lenses I would have been a patient at the osteopath. Recommend this camera highly. With good post-production technique it delivers superb A4 prints. RJ-H Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 22, 2007 Share #11 Posted February 22, 2007 As with all the other PanaLeicas both cameras are made by Panasonic on their production lines. Obviously the bits you can see are different in style and the in camera processing is different. Yes the Leica comes with a better warranty and some better 'goodies' in the box. As for the difference in price, to an extent you really are paying for the Leica name. That's because Leica has a different cost base to Panasonic and they need to charge more for what is otherwise a similar product. Whether or not you feel the additional cost is worth it is a matter of personal choice. I'd choose the Leica, although I have a Panasonic LC5! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Gruyters Posted February 22, 2007 Share #12 Posted February 22, 2007 Hello. First time for me on here. Here are the differences: I own the FZ50. It is ok, but the image is overprocessed and smeary. Bought the Leica V-Lux 1 after speaking to my Leica Rep. It is a very different camera and I am impressed with the performance. Cosmetically better finish and right hand side moulded differently. Flash box has flatter smoother lines. Controls appear to be tighter specification. Leica's software gives far better noise control, sharper and colour more agfa like. The performance of this camera is quite remarkable considering size of censor etc. If this were an SLR, and associated lenses I would have been a patient at the osteopath. Recommend this camera highly. With good post-production technique it delivers superb A4 prints. RJ-H You have put what I've been trying to say the differences are very well, although I've seen no evidence as to differences in sharpness. Regards, PJG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucklik Posted February 22, 2007 Share #13 Posted February 22, 2007 I own the FZ50. It is ok, but the image is overprocessed and smeary. Bought the Leica V-Lux 1 after speaking to my Leica Rep. It is a very different camera and I am impressed with the performance. Thank you for this post. This is very interesting. Do you still own the Pana? Is it possible to post some pictures taken with both cameras, same place, time and settings to compare? Kind regards Luc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP3 Posted February 22, 2007 Share #14 Posted February 22, 2007 Everytime I saw this kind of questions, I try hard not to respond... I got a D2 in 2004. I ask the same question at that moment, D2 vs LC1, which is better? which is more worthy? which will give me more joy whether I take a picture with it? Brand appeal,,, Satisfaction of Ego... Pursuit of Excellence... Best Image Quality money can buy in a handy package... Better build quality... Warranty... Firmware difference... Coating Difference... Better Bundled Software... You can go on and on... I would presume you would better choose V-Lux 1 if the premium is no big deal for you since you post your question on Leica forum and not on Dpreview Pana Forum. The decision is half made. Stop justisfying, start shooting and enjoy your new Leica. You're soon to enter a new world of photography when you own a Leica, even a Pana-Leica. Yes, they are from the same Pana production line in Japan. Yes, the lens is not german made. Yes, in reality there is virtually no difference in the pictures they produced. Yes, I had yet to know a member here who can consistently spot out the Pana-Leica pictures in a blind mix test... The answer is the same with D2 v LC1, D1 v LC5, DLux3 v LX2, VLux1 v FZ50... Stop justisfying... It is always not on our analytical mind but our emotional heart when we take about Leica. Got one and link yourself to the rich history of Leica photography if you really WANT a Leica, otherwise, go for the Pana counterpart. Technically, they are same good. Only deep down you will know which make you feel more satisfly..... =) It is my 2 emotional cents. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
joern Posted February 22, 2007 Share #15 Posted February 22, 2007 Only deep down you will know which make you feel more satisfly..... =) It is my 2 emotional cents. Totally agree with Matthew. Now there are 4 cents ;-) jørn Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.Julian-Huxley Posted February 22, 2007 Share #16 Posted February 22, 2007 Hi! This is for [LUC] Go to Phil Douglis's Photo Galleries at pbase.com This man has superb visual perception and literacy. We constantly talk to each other about the concepts of equipment . He has used FZ30, FZ50 and now Leica V-lux.1 and he would agree with the comments I made earlier. I am coming up 65 and the days are over for carrying around unnecessary heavy chunks of SLR equipment. I think Phil Douglis shows this to the extreme. By the way he is 73 and is very active! Read his site and photos, you'll find it an inspirational wealth of highly intelligent input. By the way I never use the viewfinder on the V-lux.1, I always use the swivel screen mostly at 90 degrees. This produces superb view points and fools the public in to thinking the camera is just at rest. Phil also uses the identical techniques and goes into great depths to explain this on his site. Hope this is of further use. Bye for now, RJH. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucklik Posted February 23, 2007 Share #17 Posted February 23, 2007 @ Julian, Thank you for the reply. The site you mentioned is fantastic. It are the first good pictures I see with the Vlux 1. It reminded me that it is the photographer, not the camera that makes the picture. rgs Luc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP3 Posted February 24, 2007 Share #18 Posted February 24, 2007 Hi Raymond Thanks for introducing the site, great sense and perception in his works indeed, a real treasure for us all. So which camera we are using just shrinks away =) Cheers Matthew Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giulio Zanni Posted February 24, 2007 Share #19 Posted February 24, 2007 It's the same camera. The V-Lux has different default settings. Everything else is about guarantee, accessories, packaging and.....price. However, it is up to you to value the differences. Giulio Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpevav Posted February 24, 2007 Author Share #20 Posted February 24, 2007 Do photographers who own the V-Lux 1 use RAW predominantly or just the Low or Standard setting of processing? Also, are there particular circumstances when RAW is more desirable (indoors?) than JPG? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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