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Digilux 2 or Digilux 3 to buy? Help


bernardo

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I own both cameras..... both are great but they are different.

 

bascally....

 

Digilux 2 is a point and shoot with a great lens and produces fantasic jpegs, a winner from many repects, handing, size, quality of build, totally silent as well. one of my favorite cameras.....

 

Digilux 3 , is a system camera, an slr that can take any 4/3rd lenses (oly or pan, or leica (2) ) as well as leica R lens or other lenses with an adpater, the adapter (whether leica or other brand) require the apterture be manually stopped down for exposure.

 

Both: Image results are fantasitic with both cameras and DO NOT let the mega-pixels rating influence your decision - it meaningless for practical purposes - both produce great jpegs (i dont play to much with raw) both have similar look and feel though not identical. neither is really designed for studio or professional quality usage though im sure at times both have been used in this manner - noether offers the quality of the R9/DMR (owned) or M8.

 

 

hope this helps

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Hi, thanks for your reply,

 

is the D3 better in high ISO? And do you think the D2 is a good snapshot camera?

 

Do you think D2 jpegs are better than those from a d-lux-3?

 

I own the M8 and do not need a new systemcamera. So it would make sence to buy a D2.

 

Cheers Bernard

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Considering you have the M8 and can build with that system i would go for the Digilux 2 over the Digilux 3, the Digilux 2 is a GREAT point and shoot. i can not compare with the D-Lux 3 or D-Lux 4 on image quality.

 

i can tell you the digilux 2 is NOT a pocket camera, its slightly larger then the M.

 

I think ALL leica's struggle a bit compared to the competition with higher iso shooting.

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I exchanged my Digilux 2 for a Digilux 3 when my sensor went bad a second time. The thing I like best about the DL3 is that I can shoot RAW without the 5 second wait for the buffer to clear. It's contrary to popular opinion, but there are times when I miss the DL2 EVF over the dim viewfinder of the DL3.

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is the D3 better in high ISO? And do you think the D2 is a good snapshot camera?

 

The D3 is definitely better (i.e., less noisy) than the D2 at ISO400 and in a pinch, it will produce passable results at ISO800. It also has an ISO1600 setting, but IMO, the results are pretty dismal.

 

Although I think the D2 produces results that are of better quality than mere snapshots, this has become its niche for me. I carry one in my messenger bag at all times and am happy with the .jpgs it produces, but given that its size is comparable to an M8 with a lens attached and its image quality is clearly a step down, I'm puzzled as to why you would be considering one. Other than its nearly silent shutter (which is much quieter than an M8!) and lower replacement value (so you might use it in some situations where you would want to leave your M8 home), I'm stumped...

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Well, I have both M8 and Digilux 2, and am selling the Digilux 2. In fact, it may be mine that you are talking about (Ebay item 190258122722). I also have it posted on the buy and sell forum here at $700, make an offer)

 

My feeling is that the D2 got me more keepers than any other camera I've owned. Can't say why, it just had the right combination of Leica image quality and handling. I didn't go for the Digilux 3 because I felt that it was a bit clunky to handle, required a bag of lenses, and just didn't feel as right in my hands - less balanced.

 

You should try to play with both if you can - they feel really different. I'm committed to the M8 now, I'm almost selling the D2 just to remove the temptation to use it instead of the M8!

 

This is my second D2...I had one, sold it, and then missed it so much that I bought it again. This time the Panasonic version, I thought it a better ergonomic package and came with a few things the Leica version didn't. No other difference except the warranty, which doesn't matter any more. The slight difference in default picture tuning in firmware didn't matter - I just set those parameters where I wanted them anyway.

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FYI, the sensors that went bad are only a certain range of production. A Panasonic repair bulletin says that only cameras with serial numbers beginning with A4SY and G4SY might have this problem. (My camera serial number begins with F5SY)

 

I don't know what the range is for the Digilux, but maybe you can find out.

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If you want to have more sample images made with the Digilux 2, look into this thread:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/digital-forum/20265-do-digilux-2-photos-have-distinctive.html

I recently also placed some Digilux 2 pictures into the German photo forum:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/landschaft-reise/66021-herbstwanderung-auf-die-achalm.html

 

Best regards, Peter.

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Well, I have both M8 and Digilux 2, and am selling the Digilux 2. In fact, it may be mine that you are talking about (Ebay item 190258122722). I also have it posted on the buy and sell forum here at $700, make an offer)

 

My feeling is that the D2 got me more keepers than any other camera I've owned. Can't say why, it just had the right combination of Leica image quality and handling. I didn't go for the Digilux 3 because I felt that it was a bit clunky to handle, required a bag of lenses, and just didn't feel as right in my hands - less balanced.

 

You should try to play with both if you can - they feel really different. I'm committed to the M8 now, I'm almost selling the D2 just to remove the temptation to use it instead of the M8!

 

This is my second D2...I had one, sold it, and then missed it so much that I bought it again. This time the Panasonic version, I thought it a better ergonomic package and came with a few things the Leica version didn't. No other difference except the warranty, which doesn't matter any more. The slight difference in default picture tuning in firmware didn't matter - I just set those parameters where I wanted them anyway.

 

Funny.... I used to own a LC1 and sold it. I've since purchased a Digilux 3 and have really enjoyed it. That said... I'm beginning to think that I now have a better understanding of how I'd like to use this camera... and from the discussions I've read here, I'm realizing I may have made a mistake getting rid of the LC1. This has become especially apparent after viewing much of Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Digilux 2 sample photos and tests.

 

Anyway... I'm excited to say I just absolutely "stole" a Digilux 2 last night. Fresh from Leica with a new sensor for under $500.

 

Although, I now know I'll agonize over the difference in the view finders... and wish Leica had simply upgraded the Digilux 2 instead of reinventing it with the Digilux 3.

 

We shall see.

 

Meanwhile, when I tried an M8, I couldn't focus it with my glasses on and couldn't see with my glasses off. I will need to address that issue should I ever make the move to an M8. I loved the feel of the camera... but was very frustrated by my results.

 

 

JT

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I found that the viewfinder was OK, but certainly not a strength of the D2/LC1 - it was the output image quality that was the true strength.

 

I frequently used external optical finders (Voigtlander) to get truly crisp and detailed viewing, which actually had the advantage that I could leave the EVF showing complete shooting info and not have it get in the way. Moving between them wasn't a real issue, especially if you use autofocus or hyperfocal/zone focus.

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Funny.... I used to own a LC1 and sold it. I've since purchased a Digilux 3 and have really enjoyed it. That said... I'm beginning to think that I now have a better understanding of how I'd like to use this camera... and from the discussions I've read here, I'm realizing I may have made a mistake getting rid of the LC1. This has become especially apparent after viewing much of Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Digilux 2 sample photos and tests.

 

Anyway... I'm excited to say I just absolutely "stole" a Digilux 2 last night. Fresh from Leica with a new sensor for under $500.

 

Although, I now know I'll agonize over the difference in the view finders... and wish Leica had simply upgraded the Digilux 2 instead of reinventing it with the Digilux 3.

 

We shall see.

 

Meanwhile, when I tried an M8, I couldn't focus it with my glasses on and couldn't see with my glasses off. I will need to address that issue should I ever make the move to an M8. I loved the feel of the camera... but was very frustrated by my results.

 

 

JT

 

Hi John, I think this was the D2 I was biding on as well. Was it from Switzerland?

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

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Hi John, I think this was the D2 I was biding on as well. Was it from Switzerland?

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

 

No San Francisco.

 

There were several going for $700+. This one sat the last day at $455. with only two bidders participating. I punched in $651. and waited until there was 15 seconds remaining to confirm my bid. When it was over I got it for $471. I was stunned to say the least.

 

JT

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I found that the viewfinder was OK, but certainly not a strength of the D2/LC1 - it was the output image quality that was the true strength.

 

I frequently used external optical finders (Voigtlander) to get truly crisp and detailed viewing, which actually had the advantage that I could leave the EVF showing complete shooting info and not have it get in the way. Moving between them wasn't a real issue, especially if you use autofocus or hyperfocal/zone focus.

 

Yeah... I was never impressed with the viewfinder on the Panasonic.

 

I may give one of those a go, Steve. What should I expect to pay for one... and any one in particular you'd recommend?

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I own both cameras..... both are great but they are different.

 

bascally....

 

Digilux 2 is a point and shoot with a great lens and produces fantasic jpegs, a winner from many repects, handing, size, quality of build, totally silent as well. one of my favorite cameras.....

 

Digilux 3 , is a system camera, an slr that can take any 4/3rd lenses (oly or pan, or leica (2) ) as well as leica R lens or other lenses with an adpater, the adapter (whether leica or other brand) require the apterture be manually stopped down for exposure.

 

Both: Image results are fantasitic with both cameras and DO NOT let the mega-pixels rating influence your decision - it meaningless for practical purposes - both produce great jpegs (i dont play to much with raw) both have similar look and feel though not identical. neither is really designed for studio or professional quality usage though im sure at times both have been used in this manner - noether offers the quality of the R9/DMR (owned) or M8.

 

 

hope this helps

 

I have the D3, great camera!

But for my holiday in Zuid Africa i need a tele lens,

and i bay the Olympus 50-200 (35mm 100-400) but there isn't OIS on those lenses:(

I really misses the image stabeliser on those lenses!

Greetz from holland

Hans

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John-

Re what to expect to pay for one, the ebay prices are all over the map, from high $400's to high $700's. I think it is a function of two things.

 

First, there isn't a huge market for these things, but some people do know how good they really are, so I'd guess the price (at least on ebay) varies depending on how many are looking for one at any given moment. There are some resellers (based on very high transaction numbers) who snap up many of them, also.

 

Second, it is a function of the condition of the camera.

 

There is also some impact of how many people just want the red dot and how many are willing to take the Panasonic equivalent (which has more stuff with it and IMHO is better, now that the advantage of the Leica warranty is gone)

 

As an example, mine (it is on ebay as well as here on the Forum) has 4 days left to run, is already at about $300, and has dozens of people "watching" the bidding - so I have no idea where it will end up. I'd much rather sell to someone here on the Forum, of course, and avoid the ebay worries over frauds!

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John-

Re what to expect to pay for one, the ebay prices are all over the map, from high $400's to high $700's. I think it is a function of two things.

 

First, there isn't a huge market for these things, but some people do know how good they really are, so I'd guess the price (at least on ebay) varies depending on how many are looking for one at any given moment. There are some resellers (based on very high transaction numbers) who snap up many of them, also.

 

Second, it is a function of the condition of the camera.

 

There is also some impact of how many people just want the red dot and how many are willing to take the Panasonic equivalent (which has more stuff with it and IMHO is better, now that the advantage of the Leica warranty is gone)

 

As an example, mine (it is on ebay as well as here on the Forum) has 4 days left to run, is already at about $300, and has dozens of people "watching" the bidding - so I have no idea where it will end up. I'd much rather sell to someone here on the Forum, of course, and avoid the ebay worries over frauds!

 

Sorry Steve, I wasn't very clear. I have both the Digilux 3 and just replaced the LC1 with a Digilux 2. ... I was inquiring about adding a viewfinder.

 

John

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John=

No question in my mind, the metal (not plastic) CV 28 is the way to go. Wonderfully clear and bright, little distortion. I have the Leica Frankenfinder (for my WATE), the old Leica 21-24-28, and the CV 28, and mostly I just use the CV, even on my M8. much smaller than the frankenfinder, has frame lines (which the Leica 21-24-28 doesn't), and very accurate at 28.

 

And I use 28 as my standard focal length in all cameras, so here you might be different.

 

The Zeiss 25/28 is supposed to be even nicer, but it is a LOT more expensive.

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