Leica D-Lux 3 vs. Panasonic DMC-LX2

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All - I'm posting here, as in my research, I've found no one that has confirmed any photographic/image quality differences between the Leica D-Lux 3 and the Panasonic DMC-LX2. The only confirmed differences I've found are that the Panasonic comes with only a 1-year warranty (compared to Leica's 2-year), and comes with less bundled software. And, of course, the Panasonic is about $200 less.

 

I already own great RAW tools, so the bundled software is a moot point for me. If the warranty is the only difference, the choice seems an obvious one (pointing to the Panny). Even if the color profiling is slightly different (assuming different firmware), I work almost entirely in RAW, so there shouldn't be a big difference there, either.

 

I know Sean Reid, in his review of the D-Lux 2, mentioned that there were marginal differences between the RAW files of it and the LX1, but not ones most likely noticeable in any real world scenarios.

 

Does anyone have any experience that would push me toward purchasing the Leica over the Panasonic? (I'm going to gaffer tape over the Leica logo, anyway, so brand is unimportant unless it's reflective in the output. )

 

Comments appreciated!

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[MarcRochkind]

Sorry... I don't have the answer. (I have the Panasonic version.)

 

However, you might want to know that the raw files from these cameras aren't widely supported. They are by Adobe apps (ACR, DNG Converter, Bridge, Photoshop, Lightroom), but not by Apple and others. I think the camera came with software, but I never installed it.

 

It's a great little camera, although I hate using the LCD (or any LCD) in bright sunlight.

 

--Marc

[PeterLinsener]

Hi,

I read a review in German Color Foto magazine, I cant remember which issue, but I think it was a huge test of altogether 50 digital cameras. They also included both D-Lux 3 and DMC-LX2.

Color Foto does quite in depth tests, and also measure all kinds of technical data, resolution, contrasts, etc. In the test the D-Lux did beat the DMC-LX 2 in many details, however, the differences were pretty small. They explained that by the different "fine tuning" of the two cameras, which I understood as differences in the way the software works, which makes pretty much sense to me as the targeted customers are a little different.

I not yet own any of the two, but I would go for the Leica for one simple reason: Its not only a tad better, but if you ever go to sell the camera in a coupld of years, e.g. because you get a new one, you will probably get much mroe for a "Leica" than for a "Panasonic", so overall the Leica could be even the better deal for you.

Hope this helps,

Pete

[NickR]

Silkypix can handle the Panny raw files. It's a great piece of software with a bad manual. Although I have CS2, I prefer to handle all my raw files with Silkypix.

[bill vann]

having spent a fortune getting into the M8 system with a 30% option soon to expire i went panny after much rumination.

 

really surprisingly good little cam. printed to 8x10 and it is not an M8 but the pics surprised some friends when told what camera they're from.

 

still learning to use it, not intuitive to me, using the manual a lot, while sorting it out but getting the hang of it.

 

all in all a satisfied customer

 

bill

[NickR]

Forgot to add that I owned the LX2. Very nice camera but I eventually grew tired of the small-sensor look. To me, the small-sensor look will dominate any real differences between the two cameras.

 

FWIW, I went back to film for a P&S and bought a DSLR for digital.

[jgs]

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I just purchased the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 after determining that there is no difference between it and the Leica V Lux 1. I believe the same for my D Lux 2, which is no longer fully functional. I think all these cameras are made on the same production line and simply badged differently. I doubt that anyone will find diferences greater than differences between two of the same brand model.

[ericperlberg]

The Leica is a more tasteful looking camera. I don't think that's to be scoffed at and I bought the Leica for that reason. If you truely don't care how an object looks and if the extended warranty is not critical then, buy the panasonic. The image quality difference between them, even if it exists, is virtually insignificant.The ultimate point of the exercise is have a great time taking photos. If its going to sit in the drawer and not be used, there's always somebody who will buy the Leica from you because its a Leica. Probably not true of the Panasonic. But if you're going to use the camera, buy the one that will make you feel good with the purchase. Then take lots and lots and lots of photos and laugh alot and be merry and hug your kids often.

[john_nyc]

I'm not sure what the software differences are, but if you shoot RAW (which I think is one of this camera's reason for being), then it probably doesn't matter.

 

I had a d-lux2 for a while and then when the LX2 came out I got that. I think the little grip on the Panny version made a big difference in handling.

 

I got mine from Japan before it was available here in the US, so I never used the software. ACR was all I ever used for conversions.

 

I was never a big fan of it because I thought the noise, even at 100, was a little much. It was mostly relegated to auction photo duties. Now that I have the M8, it might be on the block itself soon.