Next camera for Digilux 2 user?

[BBestone]

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I am an amateur using a Digilux 2, that I am in love with and will probably never sell. BUT,I am thinking of buying another Leica (Yes, I am hooked on that red dot) as I'm finding my digilux 2 poor in low light conditions. I would like opinions or suggestions as to what the next model Leica would be for me to look into buying? ( it would have to be used)! Thank you!!

[wda]

Welcome to the forum BB.

 

With its more advanced sensor, the current X Vario comes near to replicating the Digilux 2 experience. At least ergonomically. If speed is vital, either the new X or D-Lux should be considered.

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[lct]

You won't be disappointed by the new D-Lux (type 109). I don't have it myself but its Panasonic clone (LX100) is the best small sensor camera i've ever used since my dear old Digilux 1.

[farnz]

Another vote for the D-Lux (Typ 109) from a current owner of both. The focus ring and aperture ring on the lens makes it a similar experience to the Digilux 2 and it's only a shame that the zoom lever (at the front of the top deck) couldn't have also been put on the lens.

 

The D-Lux's high ISO performance is unsurprisingly far better than the Digilux 2's.

 

Pete.

[lct]

it's only a shame that the zoom lever (at the front of the top deck) couldn't have also been put on the lens

Zoom operation can be assigned to the control ring as well. Pity that it is not at the front of the lens barrel though.

[dhsimmonds]

Another vote for the Digilux 109. I have been searching for a long time for a camera that could replace the D2 and Panny LC1. The 109 and LX100 is a natural replacement with better IQ, Auto focusing, Raw buffer etc, etc.

 

It is the perfect replacement in my opinion.

[k_g_wolf ✝]

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Yes, the new D-Lux (109) could/ should be the current way to go. Esp. if it has to say LEICA on it.

Focussing - even under poor light conditions - is quick and acurate.

 

I would be VERY surprised if you wouldn´t be convinced in a heatbeat ... I was.

 

Best

GEORG

[Ecaton]

The XV comes close in manual controls and is excellent for MF and ZF. With the Digilux 2 you are spoiled as far a lens quality is concerned and will be disappointed by the LX109 zoom (a lot of software correction is going on there to mask its shortcomings). I just returned the LX 100, the Pana sibling, a nice camera, but not as inspiring as a XV and imo IQ wise not quite where I wished it would be.

The XV zoom is outstanding, a true Leica lens, the aps-c sensor state of the art and overall IQ excellent.

[brucek]

Without a built-in viewfinder of some type I don't see how the XV will offer the same use experience. At least, I know it wouldn't for me.

[Le Chef]

I looked at the XV before choosing the 109. The XV is too old, too slow, lacks a built in EVF. Lack of software upgrades shows that Leica sees it as past its sell by date. Let's hope Leica introduce a new XV at Photokina 2015. In the meantime you have a great camera in the 109.

[farnz]

… Let's hope Leica introduce a new XV at Photokina 2015. ...

I regret that that's a forlorn hope because Photokina is held bi-annually and the last one was in 2014.

 

Pete.

[BBestone]

A large, Thank you, to everyone for their input and I am now truly considering the d-lux 109. But, here's the But.........What exactly is the difference between the Leica d-lux 109 and Panasonic's lx100?? I was wondering if and what it was that leica may have tweaked in their model???? I know of the 3 year warranty and Light Room 5, but I'm interested in what the difference would be in the cameras themselves!! ???

 

Just a quick story about my Digilux 2 and why, besides the quality, that I like that red dot:

I had sold my Digilux 2 on Ebay for a good amount a few years ago. The person who bought it may not have been aware that it was a fixed lens and tried to remove it.---damaging it in the end. To make a long story short, I won the case that I opened in Ebay and got my camera back and was told to keep the money--making it a win-win for me. I live in NJ and took it to Leica in Alendale NJ to have it fixed. They not only fixed the lens, but updated the camera and replaced the sensor and cleaned the entire camera that when I got it back, it was like a new one! My point in all of this......they did it all for free. When I needed a new battery one of the techs that had to pass my town on his way home, hand delivered a new battery for me, and didn't charge me for doing it, so...Leica has me as a customer for a long time!

[brucek]

You've already mentioned the biggest differences between the two. I'll add that there's the red dot, and that the D-Lux is made in Japan and not in China like the LX100. I went with the D-Lux as a gift to myself and I love it! For me it was worth the extra bucks.

 

Although there's been some discussion about differences in images, I don't think anyone has been able to conclusively state that images from one camera are better than the other.

[BBestone]

Thank you. Who knows, but maybe in the end..Japan's vs. China's manufacturing and quality controls may make a difference, otherwise Leica would be having theirs made in China, no? -g- One never knows....

 

This would be a my gift to me , also! -g-

[brucek]

I finally had a chance to go out and use my D-Lux for any length of time earlier today. I absolutely love it! But I'm going to have to re-learn my P&S photography, as with the large sensor and fast lens some areas that are usually in focus with a P&S weren't. I think I can deal with that!

[Ecaton]

I looked at the XV before choosing the 109. The XV is too old, too slow, lacks a built in EVF. Lack of software upgrades shows that Leica sees it as past its sell by date. Let's hope Leica introduce a new XV at Photokina 2015. In the meantime you have a great camera in the 109.

 

The XV is a true Leica. Made for stills, reduced to the max with no compromises when it comes to lens quality. For MF and ZF it is a fast camera, very comparable to a M with a quad-Elmar (if one existed), a great street shooters tool. The 109 (LX100) are nice P&S trying to be everything to everybody, which always requires compromises. Horses for courses. The XV comes much closer to the Digilux 2 in user experience and lens quality than the 109.

[lct]

The XV is a German made APS-C camera with a 23.6 x 15.8 mm, 16 MP sensor and a f/3.5-6.4, 28-70mm equiv. zoom lens w/o built-in viewfinder.

The D-Lux (Typ 109) is Japan made four thirds camera with a 17.3 x 13 mm, 13 MP sensor and a f/1.7-2.8, 24-75mm equiv. zoom lens with a built-in EVF.

The Digilux 2 was a Japan made small sensor camera with a 8.8 x 6.6 mm, 5 MP sensor and a f/2-2.4, 28-90mm equiv. zoom lens with a built-in EVF.

I see two apples and one orange here but i may be wrong.

[Le Chef]

The XV is a true Leica. Made for stills, reduced to the max with no compromises when it comes to lens quality. For MF and ZF it is a fast camera, very comparable to a M with a quad-Elmar (if one existed), a great street shooters tool. The 109 (LX100) are nice P&S trying to be everything to everybody, which always requires compromises. Horses for courses. The XV comes much closer to the Digilux 2 in user experience and lens quality than the 109.

 

The lens is very slow on the XV and the camera is very old. I don't see speed anywhere in this equation. Might as well go to the T and an M adaptor and be done with it. You get lenses as fast as you want with new technology and made in Germany.

[Guytou]

... the XV and the camera is very old...

 

Very old ?

Just a year and half…

 

Guy

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Hallo,

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[Le Chef]

XV has a very slow maximum aperture and antiquated user interface. It may only be 18 months old but it feels like a relic from a bygone age.