D-Lux 3 or V-Lux 1 or M8???? Thanks

[seabreeze]

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Reading quite a bit of these forums, for the first time, ( I have just joined ) I am now certain that I want to get a Leica...... In an earlier post I said I would like it to be small and compact as I would use it more often. Now I am thinking the quality has to be important as well, as I would like to keep this camera for a very long time! I was wondering how much better the V-Lux 1 is compared to the D-Lux 3? Is the difference in quality and use worth going for V-Lux 1? Forgetting the bigger size? Then I note that many people are waiting for the M8????? Do they make one with a telephoto lens? I don't like changing or carrying len's with me...... Would really appreciate it, if all you long term Leica users and lovers would give me your thoughts..... Thanks...

[S. Wong]

The goals of all three cameras are very different.

The V-Lux is for an SLR substitute with OIS and shoots 35-400 eqiv. field of view on a 4x3 aspect (I think)

The D-Lux 3 is a pocketcam thats always with you with OIS, and shoots 28-100 eqiv. field of view on a 16x9 aspect

The M8 is 4x more expensive (maybe more) and a digital rangefinder, the only "real" digital camera where you can change the biggest impact on the photos, the lens.

 

all cameras shoot RAW (DNG), all are 10 mpx, the P&S cameras have cheaper Panasonic variants (being leicasonic creations), and the biggest difference is the noise at high-ASA settings

 

The M8 is the best, but the real decision depends on your shooting habits (and your price range)

 

as you asked for our opinions:

for me, the only choice would be the D-Lux 3

-M8: I can't afford nor particularly like rangefinders (I've only tried one for 30min or so)

-V-Lux: I don't like the EVF on the viewfinder, and for the price, I can get a Nikon d40x and a VR lens (most likely better than the OIS lens, but smaller range)

+ D-Lux 3: carry everywhere, RAW, don't expect much for the pocketcam, like the design

-Steven

[Paul Gruyters]

I bought the V Lux. I can't afford the M8 and if I could would not buy it. It is not a camera that suits my style/interests. The little D Lux 3 looks cute but is very limited. I am unashamedly in the V Lux camp. Nice size, extremely versatile. Looks and feels like a "real" camera. I too wanted a "good" stand alone, no additional lenses camera. This one fits the bill. Can handle all 3 aspects ratios, but only 4:3 at 10 mp. That just happens to my preferred ratio. I love it. It is just starting to get the following it always deserved.

 

Regs,

PJG.

[leica dream]

I have had my VLUX-1 for just 2 weeks and really love it. The quality is excellent and the zoom range spectacular. It does take some getting used to as it has a wealth of features and getting around the instruction manual was daunting at first. However, one piece of advice I received from this forum was "read the manual, then read the manual, then read the manual again", and that has proved invaluable because you become aware of additional features every time you read then experiment. There is tremendous flexibility too. I disagree with the earlier person who does not like the EVF viewfinder. I ALWAYS use that but in the knowledge that I can swivel the monitor screen to any direction should I have a particularly difficult shot to deal with.

I changed from a conventional film Leica point and shoot because I found those capabilities quite restricting. Again, through this forum I asked a similar question to yours and got some superb helpful responses. I suppose that in the end it is your own preferences which count. I am definitely a VLUX man now, and like you I intend keeping this quality camera for many years!.

I looked at the DLUX3 when comparing handling/facilities etc, but for my needs, at least, the VLUX came out top. My own retailer was also open to an excellent deal negotiation on the VLUX!

Richard

[seabreeze]

Thanks a lot for all your opinions, all of you explained the differences really well. I will have to find a store that carries both and feel them and try them out and decide. I am veering towards the D-Lux 3, simply because of it's size. I will keep you posted on which route I took. Do any of you know, if they are bringing out a D-Lux 4? I read a rumor that they might, could it be true? Thanks again for such great and clear advice.

[--davez]

I've had my VLUX-1 since December. I like it and the quality very much; although when I first had it I wondered if it was too much camera for me. One thing that helped a lot was going to the Leica web site and getting the PDF of the manual, and printing it on 8 1/2x 11 paper (much easier to read the 150 pages than on the included manual). The number of menus and various modes are enough to keep you learning for quite a while. I had a Canon point and shoot before and this is very much a step up. I love the zoom range and image stabilizer. You get about 400 photos on a 2 Gig SD card. Turning the camera off between uses, the battery will last for almost a full SD card.

I've been really happy that I bought it.

 

--davez

[Rag9fx]

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I can't say anything about the M8 since i have never used one.

 

but i have played around with a D-lux 3 and it is great compact camera! it has more than your typical point and shoot ( I am even thinking of picking one up eventually to replace my lost c-lux 1)

 

I have recently acquired a v-lux 1 and i am really satisfied with it. I am still getting to grips with photography ( I am relatively new to this 'hobby' but i am getting more into it as the days go by) and this camera i find is really giving me a tool i feel that i can properly "grow" with. even my friends that are more seasoned DSLR shooters are very impressed with it often saying for a prosumer/ bridge camera it has all the making and more of entry level DSLR + 'that really great versatile lens". The only draw back i find with it is that the lens doesn't go wide enough (for my liking) but i remedied that with a Raynox wide angle converter which gets me roughly a 24mm (35mm equiv) wide shot ( that is more diagonal coverage than my c-lux 1)... i would certainly recommend this camera or even its Lumix sister.

[glenerrolrd]

Reading quite a bit of these forums, for the first time, ( I have just joined ) I am now certain that I want to get a Leica...... In an earlier post I said I would like it to be small and compact as I would use it more often. Now I am thinking the quality has to be important as well, as I would like to keep this camera for a very long time! I was wondering how much better the V-Lux 1 is compared to the D-Lux 3? Is the difference in quality and use worth going for V-Lux 1? Forgetting the bigger size? Then I note that many people are waiting for the M8????? Do they make one with a telephoto lens? I don't like changing or carrying len's with me...... Would really appreciate it, if all you long term Leica users and lovers would give me your thoughts..... Thanks...

I have all three cameras and use them for different purposes. Eliminate the M8 from your list , it is much more difficult to use..and I think rewarding when you get everything right. The D-Lux has the advantage of being small enough to carry .....keep the ISO at 100 and forget the low light shots..its use at ISO 400 ..to me ..is unacceptable. The 16:9 format and the 28-100 range is almost perfect for travel . The Vlux is much more versitle and capable camera. The EVF , wide range 35-420 , Image Stabilization etc makes this a great all around camera . I feel the image quality of the Vlux is a notch up on the D-Lux . Personally I would go for a Vlux ...we bought the Leica version of the neoprem case ..its light and can fit easily in a small bag.