tbracher Posted July 10, 2008 Share #1 Posted July 10, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello All, this is my first post. I need some general advice on which to buy between the Digilux 3 or the V-Lux? I already own both the D-Lux 3 and the C-Lux 2 and find them both appropriate for specific applications. However as an 'advanced amateur' I feel the need still for a 'grown up' camera where I can still have more control and better quality at higher ISO's (let's say around 800iso) I say that I like the 'compactness' of the V-Lux but am not clear on how much better is the quality of the Digilux 3? I don't feel that I need a massive zoom as I would rather have the wide lens than a long zoom, and also don't think at the moment I need interchangeable lenses... BUT if you all tell me that the Digilux is miles ahead of the V-Lux then I would go for the Digilux! Having said that, is the 7.5mp of the Digilux 3 too little? meaning over the next few years am I going to feel that the mp is too low? In the end, I guess I feel that these two camera's are not that comparable but at the same time no one is clear as there is no direct comparison between the two. In the end, I love the compact size of the V-Lux but much more the look of the Digilux but am afraid of the lower MP and the size, but if the quality is THAT much better then I am in for the Digi.... Appreciate any thoughts... also to mention I know about the Lumix ranges, but prefer to stay Leica... so no need to go there. Thank you guys REALLY appreciate the help! Todd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 Hi tbracher, Take a look here Digilux 3 or V-Lux?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
len_gee Posted July 10, 2008 Share #2 Posted July 10, 2008 can you buy both? That way, you will have the best of both, when you need it. kind regards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbracher Posted July 10, 2008 Author Share #3 Posted July 10, 2008 ha! if I could then I would not even ask the question! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJLogan Posted July 10, 2008 Share #4 Posted July 10, 2008 I scoffed at the V-LUX, until a photographer I'd hired to take a portrait for a magazine I design showed up with one. She loves it, and uses it whenever the file size is acceptable. My only issue was the sheer impossibility of achieving shallow DOF, even in a quite large recording studio. Since shallow DOF is central to my shooting style, it's a BIG issue for me. There was a comprehensive comparison of the M8, Digilux 3 and V-LUX in LFI magazine awhile back. The V-LUX fared relatively poorly in high-ISO shooting, but was otherwise respectable. I find my Digilux 3 to be a delightful camera, and I've bought both of the additional lenses from Panasonic. The 25mm prime is superb. The 14-150 long zoom was fun for a month, until it broke. It's in the shop, but I look forward to getting it back. The most distinctive thing about the Digilux 3, though, is the analog-style controls. If having an aperture ring on the lens barrel doesn't add value for you, you might be better off with another brand of DSLR. You'd get more choice of features, lots more available lenses... Heresy, I know. On the MP question, The Digilux 3 has somewhat fewer pixels, but on a much bigger sensor. That's an advantage, not a disadvantage. I routinely print (and sell) 13 x 19" prints of Digilux 3 images. They look great. In the LFI review, V-LUX images were significantly noisier, especially at ISOs above 400 or so. ISO 800 is rarely a problem on the Digilux 3. 1600, though, looks a bit rough... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbracher Posted July 10, 2008 Author Share #5 Posted July 10, 2008 thank you so much for the reply! Are you saying that the F stop does not get low enough on the V-Lux? I thought it got to 2.8? are you saying that for your type of work that stil does not suit? A shallow DOF is what I am looking for too, so it was an interesting point you brought up. As for the DIGI 3 I feel that the kit lens will be too big and straight away would want to change it for a smaller lens. Sort of a shame to do that but would rather a smaller package as a large zoom is not so important for me... As for image quality... is the DIGI 3 that much better? Or in the end I'll get the same image quality with just a bit more range in the Digi 3? Thank you! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cboudier Posted July 10, 2008 Share #6 Posted July 10, 2008 The V-Lux is a bridge camera, with a small sensor (close to what you already have...) If you really want to improve the quality of your images, consider the D3 (or the Panasonic L1, it's the same camera) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbracher Posted July 10, 2008 Author Share #7 Posted July 10, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I will consider it, but am trying to understand really what is the big difference to push me over the edge to the Digilux 3? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbracher Posted July 10, 2008 Author Share #8 Posted July 10, 2008 I find my Digilux 3 to be a delightful camera, and I've bought both of the additional lenses from Panasonic. The 25mm prime is superb. Do you need an adapter for this lens or do you just pop it on and go? Also are there any less features available when the lens is changed to the non KIT one? Thank you so much! Todd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maurometallo Posted July 10, 2008 Share #9 Posted July 10, 2008 Hello everyone, I own a V-LUX 1, which I consider to be a fine all-purposes digital camera and true alternative to many DSLR. I think it is the only digital Leica to have, if (like me...) you just have to wait till you can buy an M8. However, if you don't plan on upgrading to the M system, than go for a Digilux, in my opinion an awesome digital reflex, truly Leica and second to none. As for me, I'm very pleased with my V-LUX 1: It is comfortable to handle, with intuitive controls and good battery life. The powerful zoom (which, at first, I also thought I didn't need...) lets me get candid shots of my kids without being intrusive and I enjoy its manual twist of the lens, just one traditional function that Leica has retained. I have never any problems with my camera and the little trouble it gave me were minor things easily solved at home, by myself. 1)The lens hood used to attach loosely to the lens itself: I put a simple little black rubber band around the lens, like an o-ring and now everything fits tight. 2)The battery door used to open itself unexpectedly: I slightly bent its prongs, carefully using needle-nose pliers and the problem never occurred again. 3)The USB cable door used to swing open too easily: I used my wife's nail file to shave down its little lip and now it doesn't get caught in my finger and suddenly open anymore. As you can see it was nothing major. Everything was solved in the first week and I've been enjoying a flawlessly working camera ever since. I think that when I'll buy the M8 it will be still worth to keep the V-LUX, for the possibilities it offers and also for the quality of its lens. Hope this helps and sorry for the length of my post. Regards. Mauro. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbracher Posted July 10, 2008 Author Share #10 Posted July 10, 2008 and Mauro, how do you feel about the lower light (indoor) image quality? Also how well is it to use with manual focus? thanks all this input is greatly appreciated! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maurometallo Posted July 10, 2008 Share #11 Posted July 10, 2008 Hi, I seldom shoot indoor but I daresay its quality in this circumstance is average, probably on a par with the D-LUX3. Maybe the Digilux performs better in low light conditions but I can't say this out of direct experience. As for manual focus, I lke it: I shot many pictures in full manual mode and they all turned out fine. Regards. Mauro Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted July 10, 2008 Share #12 Posted July 10, 2008 Do you need an adapter for this lens or do you just pop it on and go? Also are there any less features available when the lens is changed to the non KIT one? Thank you so much! Todd Both the 25/1.4 and the 14-150 do not require adapters and all functions work fine. All other 4/3 lenses fit without adapters. R lenses need an adapter and are MF only. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallcreep Posted July 11, 2008 Share #13 Posted July 11, 2008 It's been said in this forum before: Olympus OM lenses can be used on the Digilux 3 with an adapter ring. There are restrictions and quirks to deal with, but I find them much more satisfying (not to say much less expensive) for my amateur purposes than the "official" lenses. Full report here: biofos.com: Using OM legacy lenses on E-1. I've used 24mm, 28mm, 35mm shift, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm and enjoyed the experience. The fact that they focus beyond infinity adds that Buzz Lightyear touch. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbracher Posted July 11, 2008 Author Share #14 Posted July 11, 2008 Yesterday I was able to handle only the V-Lux and learned that the sensor is basically what I have in the D-Lux.... so I am opting out of the V-lux. BUT now I am getting nervous about the DIGILUX 3. Friends are telling me the Canon 40D is a heck of a better camera for the money than the DIGILUX 3... And trust me I don't like Canon, I feel they are 'common' and sort of boring, but in the end the photos seem to be a heck of a lot better, especially in lower light. I just hat the look and feel of the Canon... but I also don't want to regret my purchase if the DIGILUX 3 does not preform in all conditions of light! Because then what would be the point? any advice again is helpful! Todd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pastor_chuck Posted July 12, 2008 Share #15 Posted July 12, 2008 Yesterday I was able to handle only the V-Lux and learned that the sensor is basically what I have in the D-Lux.... so I am opting out of the V-lux. BUT now I am getting nervous about the DIGILUX 3. Friends are telling me the Canon 40D is a heck of a better camera for the money than the DIGILUX 3... And trust me I don't like Canon, I feel they are 'common' and sort of boring, but in the end the photos seem to be a heck of a lot better, especially in lower light. I just hat the look and feel of the Canon... but I also don't want to regret my purchase if the DIGILUX 3 does not preform in all conditions of light! Because then what would be the point? any advice again is helpful! Todd Todd, If you really like the images that Leicas produce, buy the Leica. You will not be satisfied with anything else. I bought a Nikon d300 instead some time ago and though the camera is outstanding in many ways, I will be purchasing the Panasonic L1 when the price drops back down. I have regretted not purchasing the Leica/panasonic ever since. pastor_chuck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbracher Posted July 12, 2008 Author Share #16 Posted July 12, 2008 Interesting... thank you guys for the advice... please keep them coming, I am still on the fence. Narrowing down to wanting to shoot mainly portraits. Is it possible to buy the body only of the DIGILUX 3? because I understand the Kit lens will already not be able to reach the shallow DOF I am looking for... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasl.se Posted July 13, 2008 Share #17 Posted July 13, 2008 Re: portrait and shallow DOF, Could be 5D + Ee-s focus screen + focus confirm adapter + Summilux 80. There's a group on flickr dedicated to that lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorgos Posted July 13, 2008 Share #18 Posted July 13, 2008 Hi everyone! I hope I am not cutting off a particular topic thread, but I am new here, so apologies if I am interrupting. I bought a V-Lux 1, and I think it works perfectly fine. However, in spite of the digital and optical zoom capabilities, the zooming is not enough for very close-up shots. I wonder if there are any lenses--even if it not Leica brand--that I can use to increase my camera's zooming capabilities? Is this V-Lux compatible with some Nikon or Canon lenses? Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted July 13, 2008 Share #19 Posted July 13, 2008 V-lux lens is non-interchangeable, but there are w/a adapters available - IIRC there was another thread about this - do a forum search. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorgos Posted July 13, 2008 Share #20 Posted July 13, 2008 Thank you! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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