Trade Digilux2 for New Digilux4?

[len_gee]

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Greetings Leicaphiles,

 

I have been thinking about "upgrading" from my Digilux2 to a new Digilux4 . Primarily because of the smaller size factor, IS, and I have been told, better image quality at higher ISO's for available light shooting i.e. night shoots, and indoor party pictures without flash.

 

I use my camera for travel, landscapes/scenics, and people pictures.

 

What do you think?

 

Should I upgrade or not, and is the Digilux4 that much better than my trusty Digilux2.

 

Either a standard black Digilux4 or Titanium Special Edition due to the collectable status.

 

BTW, I just had the sensor replaced in the Digilux2.

 

I am a casual photographer.

 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[audidudi]

Should I upgrade or not, and is the Digilux4 that much better than my trusty Digilux2.

 

The answer depends entirely upon you and your priorities. While it's true that in certain circumstances, a DL4 may do a better job of capturing images than a D2, the experience of using a DL4 will be very much different than that of using a D2. If your focus is solely on the end result and not the process by which it was achieved, then it may indeed make sense for you to change cameras. But if the pleasure you find in photography is due as much tto the process as the results you achieve (which I've found to be true for me, which is why I still use my D2 regularly, despite having access to newer and ostensibly better cameras), then there are very good reasons to stay the course and continue using your D2.

 

Alternatively, you could buy a DL4 and use them both. I still have a DMC-LX1 from way back when and happily use it when the circumstances make it impractical to have my D2 with me. Horses for courses and all that...

[farnz]

Len,

 

I own both cameras and will keep both cameras because they are very different horses and from different camera families. (Btw, it's the "D-Lux 4", not Digilux 4, which has never been released.)

 

Pictures from the D2 have a particular look of their own and the handling is designed around lens rings rather than button pushing, which are features that are likely to put the D2 into the camera hall of fame eventually; but then you already know this. The point is that the D2 has made something of a recent resurgence on this forum particularly so my advice would be to hang onto it if you can afford to, especially since your sensor has been replaced.

 

Certainly the DL4 (or LX3) will produce excellent results for the types of photography you mention and are exceptional performers for what they are and will fit into smaller pockets than a D2. The thing you might miss if you trade your D2 for your DL4 is at the telephoto end of the zoom: the D2 goes up to 90 mm but the DL4 only extends to 60 mm (although the DL4 has a wider angle than the D2).

 

HTH

Pete.

[len_gee]

Len,

 

I own both cameras and will keep both cameras because they are very different horses and from different camera families. (Btw, it's the "D-Lux 4", not Digilux 4, which has never been released.)

 

Pictures from the D2 have a particular look of their own and the handling is designed around lens rings rather than button pushing, which are features that are likely to put the D2 into the camera hall of fame eventually; but then you already know this. The point is that the D2 has made something of a recent resurgence on this forum particularly so my advice would be to hang onto it if you can afford to, especially since your sensor has been replaced.

 

Certainly the DL4 (or LX3) will produce excellent results for the types of photography you mention and are exceptional performers for what they are and will fit into smaller pockets than a D2. The thing you might miss if you trade your D2 for your DL4 is at the telephoto end of the zoom: the D2 goes up to 90 mm but the DL4 only extends to 60 mm (although the DL4 has a wider angle than the D2).

 

HTH

Pete.

 

Hi farnz,

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "Pictures from the D2 have a particular look of their own". Can you or other forum members describe or post some pics to show what that means?

 

I like the D2 for the retro feel, operation and of course the f2 lens. However, the DL4 has IS, newer sensor design, better at high ISO, and is pocketable. BTW, In addition to the DL2, I have a CLux1 that's with me all the time, and a VLux1 that I regularly carry as well on vacation trips.

 

If I could I would keep the D2 and purchase a DL4. However, my wife would kill me if I added another camera. The D2 is a joy to use, so still unsure whether to trade it in for a new DL4. I love the look of the DL4 Titanium.

 

I need help. LOL.

 

Thanks

[parigby]

I've had the D-Lux 4 now for about a month, and agree with what others have said in that it is a different kettle of fish to the D2, and think that trying to make comparisons is probably being a little unfair to both cameras.

 

If l had been in the position where l had to trade in the D2 to purchase the D-Lux 4, then what l can say is l would have been a very disappointed man with the end result.

 

My advice, keep the D2, and if you have to trade in to get the D-Lux 4, choose one of the other Leicas

[MPerson]

Len - there is an 16 page thread discussing the "D2 look" of images.

 

Do Digilux 2 photos have distinctive look?

 

I looked long and hard at buying a D-Lux 4, not as a replacement for the D2 but to replace my D-Lux 2 & GRD. I decided not too.

 

I have two D2s and will not part with them.

[farnz]

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Len - there is an 16 page thread discussing the "D2 look" of images.

 

Do Digilux 2 photos have distinctive look?

...

Thanks, Andy, you beat me to it.

 

Pete.

[len_gee]

Greetings all,

 

Thanks for redirecting me to the D2 link. Shows the potential of the D2 when in capable hands.

 

I have decided to keep the D2, go out and shoot more pictures.

 

Regards and again, thanks for your help and advice.

 

Len

[rsolomon]

to bad they didn;t put a viewfinder in the D-lux 4..... for me that would have made it a almost a winner, would have liked to see the lens extend a bit more on the tele side