jimbo035 Posted March 8, 2009 Share #1 Posted March 8, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Since a D-Lux 4 brought me back to the Leica fold less than two months ago, plus daily browsing hereabouts I am now contemplating the acquisition of a Digilux 3 as well. Figuratively turning the pages of PopPhoto I read that "DigiLux 3 is the first model of the Leica's new D system" So what system did the Digilux 2 belong to ? Is number three the first "D" simply because the lens(es) are interchangeable ? Please enlighten, but don't dissuade me Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 8, 2009 Posted March 8, 2009 Hi jimbo035, Take a look here Digilux 3 - the first of the D system cameras ?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andybarton Posted March 8, 2009 Share #2 Posted March 8, 2009 First and last? Pretty much unloved addition to the Panaleica family, I'd say. Dropped by Leica as soon as the initial run was over, with no further hints of any 4/3 bodies to follow. Probably a dead end as far a Leica is concerned. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted March 8, 2009 Share #3 Posted March 8, 2009 The Digilux 2 is/was unique - a Panaleica that IMO was somewhat more Leica than Pana - and has a dare I say a justified and almost fanatical following. Digilux 3 (Panasonic DMC-L1) was/is a DSLR to the 4/3 system - with all the baggage that entails. Three Panaleica lenses of which the 25/1.4 is really pretty good. Personally I found it rather too big and heavy, and as Andy says it is most unlikely that Leica will follow up with a new 4/3 model. But oh how we wish for a updated/upgraded Digilux 2! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ASpes Posted March 9, 2009 Share #4 Posted March 9, 2009 Since a D-Lux 4 brought me back to the Leica fold less than two months ago, plus daily browsing hereabouts I am now contemplating the acquisition of a Digilux 3 as well. Figuratively turning the pages of PopPhoto I read that "DigiLux 3 is the first model of the Leica's new D system" So what system did the Digilux 2 belong to ? Is number three the first "D" simply because the lens(es) are interchangeable ? Please enlighten, but don't dissuade me Not sure if your question is about the D/2 or the D/3. Anyway they have much in common, from that unique traditional command layout to the outstanding quality of the lenses they both carry with them. Both cameras can give you great results, if you're not just after specs but after a good photographic tool. Yes, we could really say the D/3 was the first step of a system that could pretty well integrate and expand in the 4/3 world, but imo it arrived too late and too expensive, so it failed to get the status they were wishing for and that it deserved. It's unfortunate that P & L planned no follow up in either case, though the D/3 could be seen as one, as it has all the enhancements a D/2 user could wish for. I have them both and really would wish to see one, but guess we can blame the market changes since they first appeared. Now that the financial situation is in a bit of a flurry, the resources must be applied to what they expect to be most profitable to survive, and these cameras had no time to become some pivotal lines of Leica and Pana. Maybe we can hope that the micro 4/3 will open the door to something that could bring together the best of both of them. Just my 2 (euro)cent of course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo_Lorentzen Posted March 9, 2009 Share #5 Posted March 9, 2009 Jimbo The digilux 3 was a departure in that the digilux 2 did not have interchangable lenses. the digilux 2 was in its own category and is a highly loved camera. The Digilux 3 is a well made 4:3 system camera, and had quite good colors, however it never managed to stand above the rest, and while a good camera in many ways, it continued to be a re-badge job. I think Leica started out with the best intentions but never really did see hopes become more that hopes.. they probably also experimented with bringing a actual SLR into the brand line from outside.. Causes for failure was probably that the contemporaries in the 4:3 system tended to have the same or better image quality. that said, it is a nice camera to work with, a bit large, but fairly light, the manual shutter speed dial and aperture ring is unique for 4:3 system cameras. I have one and have captured quite a lot of satisfying images with the camera, so I don't want to bash it too much... . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwind Posted March 9, 2009 Share #6 Posted March 9, 2009 I have both the d3 and a dlux-4 and love both of them. I've also got a d700 and d300 but prefer the d3 and d4 to either except for crummy light or sports. I'm trying to decide whether to put money into more glass for the d3. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
denniswksit Posted March 9, 2009 Share #7 Posted March 9, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I use Digilux 3 for over a year by now and I use the kit lens and one olympus 70-300mm ED zoom lens plus the R legacies. The camera is brilliant in handling and giving good pictures which bring me a few trophies in some local competitions. I think the market has undervalued the camera over the years... If you are not an "after spec", Digilux 3 is a worth-buying camera, given the price of it is a bit down now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marquinius Posted March 9, 2009 Share #8 Posted March 9, 2009 Next to my M8 have a D/3 as well and am very happy with it. I'm contemplating buying the 25mm 1.4 to go with it. Marco Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
krabat Posted March 9, 2009 Share #9 Posted March 9, 2009 The Digilux 2 is/was unique - a Panaleica that IMO was somewhat more Leica than Pana - and has a dare I say a justified and almost fanatical following. ... But oh how we wish for a updated/upgraded Digilux 2! Oh yes!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevev1969 Posted March 9, 2009 Share #10 Posted March 9, 2009 Having quit photography almost 20 years ago using a couple of Nikons (FE&FM2) I started again and bought myself a D-Lux 3 and then a Digilux 3 which I love dearly. It is as close to my old 35mm days in terms of handling and the pictures it produces are breathtaking. I'm saving my pennies now for an M8, although it might be the M10 by the time I accumulate the necessary funds... I heartily commend the D3. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chkphoto Posted March 9, 2009 Share #11 Posted March 9, 2009 As the handling of cameras and their output are always subjective and personal, the Digilux 3 for me is a well configured and balanced body - I like its heft - and the quality of the images from RAW format are exceptional. If you like the way the camera works and sees, then it is, in fact, a good camera for you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbo035 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted March 9, 2009 Thank-you for your replies. Further pondering (and a look at prices) has steered me towards a Digilux 2. (providing it has had its sensor replaced and so hopefully trouble-free) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thawley Posted March 9, 2009 Share #13 Posted March 9, 2009 Thank-you for your replies. Further pondering (and a look at prices) has steered me towards a Digilux 2.(providing it has had its sensor replaced and so hopefully trouble-free) A far better choice, in my opinion. The Digilux 2 is unique. Whereas, the Digilux 3 is a bit of a step child. Othe than the DIgilux 2 inherited analog controls, the camera doesn't do a whole lot different than other DSLRs at 1/2 the price. The Digilux 2 is a little gem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsolomon Posted March 10, 2009 Share #14 Posted March 10, 2009 The digilux 3 offers the capability of using a 4/3rds lens or any lens with a 4/3rds adapter. I own both cameras and i must say using the Digilux 3 with R lenses is a very nice experience - for me the digilux 2 is just about the best P&S camera out there. It really depends on the shooting you do, the Digilux 2 probably handles 60-70% of my shooting Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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