Can you recommend a camera for...

[M Zorin]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

...an intermediate photographer?

 

Previously I've had a Canon 35mm SLR and a D-Lux 3 - which I found disappointingly slow and unpredictable.

 

I'm after some of the Leica warmth and magic that I see consistently in the photo gallery (usually from M8 owners, but there's no way I can spend that much). My budget is £600.

 

D-Lux 4 looks very convincing in the hands of Jim Radcliffe, but I'm convinced he's a higher form of being. Am worried that in my lesser hands it'll still look like an average point and shoot.

 

Perhaps the Panasonic G1 then add Leica glass later down the line?

 

Would consider a used Digilux but think the Digi3 is too big for my kind of use.

 

I'd appreciate any help.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[farnz]

First of all, welcome to the forum!

 

After all that you've written I suggest that you consider a Digilux 2. It is lighter than the Digilux 3, has a simply superb 28 to 90 mm Vario-Summicron lens and produces exceptional pictures with the 'Leica glow'.

 

There are plenty of threads on this forum that will tell you how wonderful the camera is and one where many owners have posted pictures. The Digilux 2 is readily available second-hand at very reasonable prices or if you can't find one to match your budget you might consider the Digilux 2's sister camera the Panasonic DMC-LC1, which is virtually the same camera but slightly cheaper.

 

Pete.

[spylaw4]

I endorse Pete's recommendation, with the addendum that you make sure to ask if the Digilux 2 you are considering has had a new sensor fitted.

You should be able to pick one up for less than £500.

[Ecaton]

...an intermediate photographer?

 

Previously I've had a Canon 35mm SLR and a D-Lux 3 - which I found disappointingly slow and unpredictable.

 

I'm after some of the Leica warmth and magic that I see consistently in the photo gallery (usually from M8 owners, but there's no way I can spend that much). My budget is £600.

 

D-Lux 4 looks very convincing in the hands of Jim Radcliffe, but I'm convinced he's a higher form of being. Am worried that in my lesser hands it'll still look like an average point and shoot.

 

Perhaps the Panasonic G1 then add Leica glass later down the line?

 

Would consider a used Digilux but think the Digi3 is too big for my kind of use.

 

I'd appreciate any help.

 

A G1 or Canon 450D with adapter and Leica glass (the latter one with Leica R glass only), could fit your bill. Versatility and portability plus an excellent kit lens speak for the G1. Speed, remarkable high iso performance and difficult to beat value for money for the 450D.

I had the D-Lux3 and now the LX3 (the D-Lux4 sibling) and the improvements achieved by Panasonic and Leica with their new models are substantial, with a faster lens, significantly improved high ISO performance and better DR, yet they remain small sensor cameras. The G1 and 450D offer much much more camera for the money!

[andit]

Hi there, welcome to the Leica Forum.

 

Probably the best value for money at the moment is the Canon EOS 1000D. It's really tiny for a SLR, and has a full set of features. Plus you have the ability to make use of Leica R lenses via an adaptor. The other thing that I would have a look at is the new Olympus Micro 4/3rd's camera - sorry can't remember the model number at the moment. From what I have read and heard, they seem to be quite good.

 

Andreas

[jmoors]

Thanks for the advice so far. I'm thinking Digilux 2 is the way to go.

 

Is this a more capable camera than the D-Lux 4?

 

Looking at the samples on here the D2 seems to have a certain magic...