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D-Lux 3

doctorlol

By doctorlol
in Digital Forum

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Ecaton

Ecaton

Posted
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I have and use an R8. I also enjoy using my Digilux 2. The D-Lux 3 seems to be a great pocket camera, with some rather interesting extras. What's your take on the new camera?

 

doctorlol

 

Excellent and sharp lens, contrasty pictures, under good light conditions at least. On the very strong side are manual controls,16:9 format for lanscape shots, ergonomics, look (provided it is the black version) and feel. And how it maintains its value is almost ridiculous-presently listed at amazon for more than USD 1000!

On the weak side: Noise at ISO 200 noticable. At higher ISO level I consider noise levels unacceptable. Would be willing to pay a premium over the already rich list price if it produced results with no noticable and very low noise at ISO 200 and 400 respectively and, additionally, had an optival VF.

I would buy it again, although haven't touched it anymore since I own an M8.

 

Regards

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farnz

farnz

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Laurence,

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

I have the M8, Digilux 2 and D-Lux 2 so I may be able to help (all that I've read indicates that the main differences between the DL2 and the DL3 is 10mp v 8mp and availability in black).

 

I very much like all three cameras but use them for different purposes.

 

The M8 tugs at my trouserleg whenever I leave the house and usually gets taken along. The image quality is simply jaw-dropping and it is a joy to use.

 

The D2, despite its excellent image quality, can't rival the M8 and gets used mainly for macro shots with the outstanding Elpro D lens.

 

I was intending to use the DL2 when travelling light on longer trips but next time I go away I expect that the M8 will win the race to my bag. I typically use the DL2 now when I need an unobtrusive camera and free hands with no bag. The superb DL3 leather case threads itself on to my belt ready to deliver the DL2 like a quick draw Colt 45 when needed arises.

 

IMHO the DL2 (and therefore the DL3) is very slightly too bulky and heavy as a pocket camera. I tried it for a while but it didn't work for me and I expect that the C-lux would be a better option although it doesn't shoot raw.

 

HTH,

Pete.

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Ecaton

Ecaton

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Laurence,

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

I have the M8, Digilux 2 and D-Lux 2 so I may be able to help (all that I've read indicates that the main differences between the DL2 and the DL3 is 10mp v 8mp and availability in black).

 

Pete,

 

Besides the difference you mention, I think the larger screen of the d-lux3 showing the 16:9 format is also worth mentioning.

I understand your dilemma with the M8 - compared to its picture quality everything else pales in comparison, in the relative portable camp at least. My DSLR and d-lux3 didn't get a lot of attention lately.

 

Cheers

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farnz

farnz

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Advertisement (gone after registration)

...I think the larger screen of the d-lux3 showing the 16:9 format is also worth mentioning...

Martin,

 

My mistake and you're absolutely right; I'd forgotten about the larger screen. :o

 

Perhaps we should start the 'Lonely Hearts Club for Neglected Leicas'. :rolleyes:

 

Pete.

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doctorlol

doctorlol

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Farnz et al,

 

Many thanks for your thoughtful responses. I hope that I am allowed to say that I also carry the Sony T50 in my pocket for snaps! The shots that I am getting with the D-Lux 3 are worthy of the marque. As to the M8, I have to look from afar with awe. My R8 now only comes out for special treats, mostly portraits & architecture, but it does keep my brain in gear! Film is still king.....

 

Laurence.

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audidudi

audidudi

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IMHO the DL2 (and therefore the DL3) is very slightly too bulky and heavy as a pocket camera. I tried it for a while but it didn't work for me and I expect that the C-lux would be a better option although it doesn't shoot raw.

 

I agree. I bought a Panasonic LX2 (DL3's cousin from the orient) for use as a go-everywhere pocket camera and found it just a bit too thick to serve that purpose comfortably enough for me. I then bought a Panasonic FX-01 (C-Lux 1's cousin from the orient) and while I miss the LX2's manual control (such that it was) and RAW capability, it's a noticeably more compact camera and its image quailty is good enough most of the time. (Note: I've since replaced the FX-01 with a C-Lux 1 -- my one and only "Leica"! -- when a co-worker decided he didn't need or want the one he received as a Christmas gift and made me a deal I couldn't pass up.)

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gesper

gesper

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I have an M8 and a Nikon D200, but carry the D-Lux 3 literally every day in all situations. I wish it was a little smaller, but am willing to sacrifice to get the LEica lens and RAW capability. It was the smallest form factor I could find that came close to functioning as a "serious"camera. Wish noise handling was better, but i am fine as long as I can stay below 200 ISO.

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Guest malland

Guest malland

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I like its design and the way it handles. If you want to shoot color picture postcards (not meant in a derogatory sense here), then I would not shoot over ISO100-200. But I tend to B&W with it and don't mind the grain. I like the hard Leica leather case for mounting the camera on my belt or putting it in my carry-on luggage without risk of damage. Here is a recent shot:

 

406727054_a704436fb8_o.jpg

 

—Mitch/Bangkok

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10268776@N00/

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Ecaton

Ecaton

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Hi Guys:

Im still waiting for my D lux 3 -black of course- since january, and still waiting till april 30th, enjoy yours...Regards...Bob...ups...I am an amateur, non professional....

 

Considering the ridiculous premiums over the list price some presently try to charge e.g. at Amazon, I'm afraid you might have to wait even longer. Does anybody remember a P&Sh, which undoubtedly will be succeeded by superior products in the foreseeable future being traded like a collectors item? Granted, it is the only good pocketable compact, feeling and handling like a real camera. If its performance beyond ISO 200 (for my taste already at 200) was better, it was faster and had an optical VF it would be the must have compact for every passionate photo shooter.

:rolleyes:

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farnz

farnz

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Does anybody remember a P&Sh, which undoubtedly will be succeeded by superior products in the foreseeable future being traded like a collectors item?

Martin,

 

If you're implying that the DL2 or DL3 are P&Ss then I must respectfully disagree. Certainly they can be used in P&S mode, and they are P&S-sized but since they have the option to record raw files, they can be fully manually operated and have the excellent Vario-Elmarit lens I've always seen them as much more than mere P&Ss. "Compact digital", okay, but "P&S" is doing them an injustice imho.

 

Pete.

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Ecaton

Ecaton

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Martin,

 

If you're implying that the DL2 or DL3 are P&Ss then I must respectfully disagree. Certainly they can be used in P&S mode, and they are P&S-sized but since they have the option to record raw files, they can be fully manually operated and have the excellent Vario-Elmarit lens I've always seen them as much more than mere P&Ss. "Compact digital", okay, but "P&S" is doing them an injustice imho.

 

Pete.

 

Pete,

 

I certainly agree with you. With the term "handling like a real camera", among others, I also intended to refer to its excellent manual controls. And the sharpness and level of details the lens is able to produce is outstanding in this class. Overall a great concept with the weakest link being the Pana sensor with to many pixel cramped into small a space.

Yes, the label P&Sh is inappropriate in this context.

 

Martin

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AlanJW

AlanJW

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I have the DL3. Its os excellent for travel and for snapshots. Serous work is another matter. Higher than 200 ISO is not so excellent. Having no viewfinder is not so excellent. But it does produce very good images at lower ISOs and composing on the screen is something you just get used to. For my travel kit it will back up my M8 (yes, I know its a weak backup, but two M8s are out of the question, and I wanted something that could be stuck in my bag).

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intramind

intramind

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I recieved my D-Lux 3 four days ago, and I have really put it through it's paces. It's a fabulous camera. I love the functionality of it. The camera is easy to use, has tons of great options, including an unbelievable degree of available customization. For instance I can tweek the color balance easily in any situation, can alter the contrast of black and white images, etc. I've been a serious professional and semi-professional photographer for several decades, and have shot with everything you can imagine. My standards are very high, let me put it that way... I don't have a single complaint about this camera. The image quality is outstanding! Leica really seems to have nailed the color and contrast. As for noise above ISO 100, that's easily solved with a 50 dollar program that can be downloaded in minutes, so I'm not the least concerned about that. I use it at ISO 100 anyway, and with a tripod when I want to get really serious about quality. An M-3 was my daily shooter for several years, and I feel that the D-Lux 3 is yet another expample of Leica elegance and functionality. it's beautiful. As a landscape artist I new from the moment that I read the specs (16:9 aspect ratio with a 28mm lens!!!! and10 megapixals) that this was the camera for me. I'll stop. I could go on...

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