Recommendations for a new Digilux 3 user?

[moipogi]

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Hi. Just bought one of the last Digilux 3 units off Adorama last week. I sold my d200 set to buy this and an FL36 flash, since I've been semi-retired from my weekend events jobs (weddings, bdays, etc).

 

Despite it not being cutting edge, I must say I found the Digilux 3 easier to handle for the first time vs the DSLRs from Canon and Nikon (I've owned a D30, 10D, and a D200). While most guys say its a tank, I think its quite manageable. Try having a D200 with a battery grip (which is actually heavier and bigger than a standard D2Xs) and an SB800 flash for a 12 hour wedding event on your neck. . .

 

I kinda miss the fast focus and the burst shot capability of the D200, but since I'm not doing events anymore, the more deliberate shooting necessitated by the Digilux 3 may suit me well. I'll be doing more hobby work.

 

Always wanted to own a Leica, but was put off by price. So when the price dropped to USD1795, I sold my stuff and went for it. Even if it is a PanaLeica. It still says Leica, even down to the icon when the LCD shuts down. . .

 

Anyways, I have 2 questions:

 

1) Is there any way to enable burst shooting with flash? The digilux 3 defaults to single shot mode even with an external flash mounted.

 

2) Any recommendations on the best settings for the Digilux 3, taking into account getting the best useable pics needing low-to-no post processing?

 

Thanks!

[spylaw4]

Way back in the forum there were many threads dealing with this - may I suggest a search?

 

In the meantime - a few distilled suggestions always bearing in mind that YMMV:

 

1. UPDATE TO THE LATEST FIRMWARE!!

2. In general it takes a little practice with the settings combinations to get the best out of the camera - particularly if using JPEG only. Trial until you get what suits you best, then set it using either the Function or the Custom Menu setting.

3. OIS is best set to Option 2 - the one that only works at the time of taking the shot - don't leave it set to be on all the time.

4. AF is best set to single point - quicker and more accurate.

5. If using R lens(es) or other "legacy" lenses remember to set the Menu option to permit shutter release without lens.

6. It is best to use it at the lowest ISO setting (100?) or 200 - there is some noise at higher ISO.

7. For low light - set the menu option for low-light assist.

[Phileica]

ditto

+

shoot RAW !

You can then compensate for quite a bunch of the little defects of the gear (e.g. blown highlights).

I have shot about 18,000 shots with two L1s (doesn't say Leica, yet ...) and still enjoy the gear. I use Leica and Angénieux glass with an adaptor - and Oly and Panaleica when I want AF.

 

Enjoy the new toy.

phx

[ravduc]

I always set my camera to record RAW and JPEG files at the same time. Sometimes I actually prefer the results that I get from the jpeg files. The colors are just beautiful, very sharp, lots of tonality and very good dynamic range. The leica lens is wonderful. I normally use the pre-determined 'nature' setting for colors but that will depend on your preference. As for using legacy lenses, I have been using legacy lenses on other four third cameras with a lot of success and they can be used on this camera without a problem. If you need adapters, buy them from Chinese sellers on ebay. They are quite cheap and work just fine. You can get adapters for OM lenses, M42 mount lenses, Leica R lenses etc. Focusing is manual and the metering must be done stopped down to the right aperture. Make sure as someone else mentioned, that your camera is set at 'shutter release without lens' otherwise the meter will not work and shutter will not fire (this is not mentioned in the instructions). I own an Olympus E-1, E-300, E3 but the D3 is one of my favourites. I just love the colors from this camera. Enjoy your purchase. If you have any questions about some of the information written in the instruction manual, let me know, I will try and help. The instruction manual is not the best and not as clear as the Olympus manual. Panasonic had a lot to do with the writting this manual, and they are not known for writting the best manuals.

[charbinjr]

The colors are just beautiful, very sharp, lots of tonality and very good dynamic range. The leica lens is wonderful.

 

 

The Leica lens IS a remarkable lens - IF you can find one. I have had the 14-150mm Panasonic/Leica lens on order with B&H Photo for 5 or 6 weeks. They can't send it because they cannot get it. I have spoken to customer (no) service at both Leica and Panasonic. No one seems to know when or IF this will again be available. As a Digilux owner who bought his 3 for the interchageability feature and a person who wants to stay with Leica glass, I am sorely disappointed and will soon be forced to purchase an Olympus zoom. Anybody got the Leica zoom for sale???

[helen_d]

I got the 14-150 Panny/Leica lens from Berger Brothers (berger-bros.com) a few months ago. They are still listing them, so you might try there.

 

Helen

[charbinjr]

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I got the 14-150 Panny/Leica lens from Berger Brothers (berger-bros.com) a few months ago. They are still listing them, so you might try there.

 

Helen

Thanks Helen. Have emailed them to check availability. Is it as nice a lens as I believe it is?

[moipogi]

Thanks for all the replies. I've still got 2 questions:

 

1) Will half-press AF confirmation work on all adapters when using R-lenses? Or do I have to buy one that enables this, such as : Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Lens Adapter :: AF Confirm Leica / Four Thirds Adapter for Olympus E-Series DSLR

 

Or will a cheapo one do?

 

2) Read the manual, searched the site, and did some experimenting. Can someone confirm my findings that the Digilux 3 will not engage in 3FPS shooting mode when using the built-in flash or an external shoe mount flash?

[ravduc]

There is no autofocus (AF) with legacy lenses. You can use cheap adapters and the green in-focus light inside the viewfinder will light up when you manually focus on the subject. The D3 uses contrast focus detection (I believe that this how its called).The adapter that you posted has electrical contacts which will enable exactly the same feature on other four third cameras and will make the camera beep. It will not make the legacy lens autofocus.

[Clive Murray-White]

2) Any recommendations on the best settings for the Digilux 3, taking into account getting the best useable pics needing low-to-no post processing?

 

I think its pretty much a matter of personal taste, as a left-over from film I still tend to stop down a little bit. I think the greatest surprise of the Digilux 3 is that many pictures get worse the more you try to tinker with them, they sort of loose their sparkle.

 

Like with anything you'll find it likes certain things better than others and things that it likes will just jump out at you and make you think, wow did I take that?

 

I've had some interesting experiences lately, a magasine photographer was doing pictures of my place with a Nikon D700, I took the same pictures with the D3, his are as sharp but cold and a bit meen looking, I'd say mine were on average much better. Simarly with someone with a Canon 30D, different looking pictures again, somehow more general and flatter.

 

The more you play with your new camera and let it show you what it can do the more fun it'll be.

 

I was going to post a thread titled, Why has the Digilux 3 got leprosy? because there doesn't seem to be a real lot of discussion about it - I love mine.

 

All the best Clive

[John Thawley]

2)I was going to post a thread titled, Why has the Digilux 3 got leprosy? because there doesn't seem to be a real lot of discussion about it - I love mine.

 

All the best Clive

 

Funny you say that. I've had a Digilux 3 for about 3 months. Really enjoyed it. But, the more I read about the Digilux 2, I decided to pick up one of those as well. Now, keeping in mind I had owned the Panasonic version of the Digilux 2 a couple of years ago, I find myslef LOVING the feel of the Digilux 2 in my hands and the look of the images to my eyes. I NEVER pictured myself as a guy going backwards with technology. But... I've found that the Digilux 2 is the small personal rangefinder-like camera I've been wanting. Probably just didn't know what I wanted before.

 

So after two or three weeks of cherishing the Digilux 2 somewhat perversely, I shot with the Digilux 3 yesterday. Man... that's a damn nice camera.

 

Unemotionally, I'd have to say that the SLR mentality of the Digilux 3 is mentally too much like working with my Canon work cameras. And... frankly, not as efficient or effective. So, when I want something for personal use, that thought keeps rearing it's ugly head when I use the Digilux 3.

 

The Digilux 2 seems to fill the bill for me. I think the simplicity is there.. it's elegant to hold and use... and it provides the most beautiful 5MP files I've ever seen. I think time will serve this camera's legacy well.

 

So, I think people should really give the Digilux 3 a chance... it's a terrific camera. I often think the confusion is caused by the complete format shift Leica made between the two models.

 

JT

[Acadianlion]

Funny you say that. I've had a Digilux 3 for about 3 months. Really enjoyed it. But, the more I read about the Digilux 2, I decided to pick up one of those as well. Now, keeping in mind I had owned the Panasonic version of the Digilux 2 a couple of years ago, I find myslef LOVING the feel of the Digilux 2 in my hands and the look of the images to my eyes. I NEVER pictured myself as a guy going backwards with technology. But... I've found that the Digilux 2 is the small personal rangefinder-like camera I've been wanting. Probably just didn't know what I wanted before.

 

So after two or three weeks of cherishing the Digilux 2 somewhat perversely, I shot with the Digilux 3 yesterday. Man... that's a damn nice camera.

 

Unemotionally, I'd have to say that the SLR mentality of the Digilux 3 is mentally too much like working with my Canon work cameras. And... frankly, not as efficient or effective. So, when I want something for personal use, that thought keeps rearing it's ugly head when I use the Digilux 3.

 

The Digilux 2 seems to fill the bill for me. I think the simplicity is there.. it's elegant to hold and use... and it provides the most beautiful 5MP files I've ever seen. I think time will serve this camera's legacy well.

 

So, I think people should really give the Digilux 3 a chance... it's a terrific camera. I often think the confusion is caused by the complete format shift Leica made between the two models.

 

JT

 

I so pleased to read these threads. I have just bought a Digilux 3 after a lot of whining and hand wringing. Mine is lightly used by an older guy who is buying a New Dlux-4 because he wants something that is smaller and lighter than the "big" Digilux 3.

 

My choice was pushed over the edge because of the ergonomics of the Digilux 3 and the desire to use Leica glass. I thought about the Panasoni L1, but really wanted to experience whatever the real differences are between the two.

 

Two years ago I bought my wife a Panasonic DMC FX9 point and shoot. She LOVEs the camera and is begging to get some reall good shots....it's that Leica lens which was the reason for the purchase. I bought one for myself a year later, and now want MORE that Leica glass can deliver.

 

I am very pleased to know that there are people out there who do not feel that this camera is something to be ignored and relegated to some sort of corporate error on the part of Leica. My camera hasn't come yet, but I am beginning to get excited at the prospects of shooting in digital with the same level of interest that I used to wield my Nikon FM-2 with all that fast Nikon glass that I once had.

 

In truth, I am being dragged kicking and screaming into the world of digital photography, but the prospect of the Leica Digilux 3 makes it much more appealing than, say the Nikon D80 with its maze of button pushing menus and (frankly) rather cheesy plastic box.

[moipogi]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Now that I've shot some frames with this camera, another batch of questions:

 

1) Shot using bounce flash off in a mall, a resto and my office halloween party and the images seem a bit warmer than what I remember seeing. Nothing that an Auto Color command in Photoshop can't fix though. But has anybody else noticed this? Any settings to correct the warm color cast?

 

Settings are using the normal film mode and the dynamic mode.

 

2) On-board flash is inadequate for bounce flash even in low-ceiling restaurants. Will probably need to bring the FL36 for best results.

 

3) Live view is a bit clunky, but extremely usable. The image is quite good using the LCD screen, and I wonder what the fuss is all about on people complaining about the live view. I wish I had that feature when I was still actively shooting events with my D200.

 

4) Not really an action camera. As expected, slower to focus vs my old D200, but the focus is pretty accurate. Just have to get used to the depth of field since group shots are almost always taken at 2.8 using auto mode in a dimly-lit resto. Found that either aperture or shutter speed priority works best, but in a pinch auto does nicely.

[John Thawley]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Now that I've shot some frames with this camera, another batch of questions:

 

1) Shot using bounce flash off in a mall, a resto and my office halloween party and the images seem a bit warmer than what I remember seeing. Nothing that an Auto Color command in Photoshop can't fix though. But has anybody else noticed this? Any settings to correct the warm color cast?

 

Settings are using the normal film mode and the dynamic mode.

 

2) On-board flash is inadequate for bounce flash even in low-ceiling restaurants. Will probably need to bring the FL36 for best results.

 

3) Live view is a bit clunky, but extremely usable. The image is quite good using the LCD screen, and I wonder what the fuss is all about on people complaining about the live view. I wish I had that feature when I was still actively shooting events with my D200.

 

4) Not really an action camera. As expected, slower to focus vs my old D200, but the focus is pretty accurate. Just have to get used to the depth of field since group shots are almost always taken at 2.8 using auto mode in a dimly-lit resto. Found that either aperture or shutter speed priority works best, but in a pinch auto does nicely.

 

 

I'd agree with most of your assessments... though the pop-up flash is better than most built-in flashes. I've had good luck with the bounce .... but you do need a bright ceiling.

 

Hence, the bounce is probably not strong enough to overpower the ambient light temperature in your indoor situations. I'm guessing the pictures were a bit more yellow than warm. I just experienced this with an indoor Halloween event for the kids in our community center.

 

Liveview has it's place... it's funny... probably one of those situations where because it's not the way we always did it, it seems clumsy. But, I watch my 6-year old with my D-Lux 3 where there is no viewfinder and he's composing pictures likes he's Ansel Adams. It does make sense. LOL

 

Yes... still too much shutter lag for action photography.

 

I have Digilux 2 and Digilux 3... and love using them. But there are those times where it's just best I grab one of my Canon 40D's and get it done. LOL

 

Enjoy.

 

JT