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Digilux 3. Is there live beyond the M8?


Fotomiguel

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If I could afford, I would love to have a M8. Sadly that's not possible. So I'm going to buy my first digital camara and my first Leica. Digilux 3 (before I had nikon f90). I think that is a great camara and is going to be perfect for me, but why there is no samples, reviews, post, news? I'm desperate.:confused:

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Miguel,

Allthough it may not be 100% identical to what the Digilux 3 will be (some firmware settings will be tweeked differently) DPReview's preview of it's cusin, the Panasonic DMC-L1, should give you an idea of what to expect. Youy can find it here: Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Hands-On Preview: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

 

Cheers,

- Carl

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It should be filtering into the dealers any time now. I hope to get my hands on one today as it should be in stock according to one London dealer, as will the V-lux. I haven't completely ruled the D3 out but I don't see many advantages over my D2, apart from the ability to use longer lenses (with OIS), and for that it is likely that the V-lux will suffice for me for a lot less expense!

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If I could afford, I would love to have a M8. Sadly that's not possible. So I'm going to buy my first digital camara and my first Leica. Digilux 3 (before I had nikon f90). I think that is a great camara and is going to be perfect for me, but why there is no samples, reviews, post, news? I'm desperate.:confused:

 

I saw and handled the Digilux 3 at Cambrian Photography yesterday. My first impression was that it is BIG. Much, much, bigger than the M8 and much bigger than the Digilux 2 that I've been using for the past two and a half years. I suspect it isn't far short of the size of an R8/9 with DMR and 28-90 zoom. The actual body is very obviously derived from the Digilux 2 so should work pretty well.

 

My second impression, on looking through the viewfinder was how small and dim the image appeared compared with the M8, or my R8. I was, however, using it indoors and it may be rather brighter in normal outdoor conditions.

 

The Rep. demonstrating the cameras confirmed that an adapter is (will be) available to use R lenses on the Digilux 3.

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If I could afford, I would love to have a M8. Sadly that's not possible. So I'm going to buy my first digital camara and my first Leica. Digilux 3 (before I had nikon f90). I think that is a great camara and is going to be perfect for me, but why there is no samples, reviews, post, news? I'm desperate.:confused:

 

I can't talk about the Digilux 3 but I've been using a Digilux 2 for a few years now and it's a wonderful camera. It's one weakness is the rather small sensor (5MP) but it does produce images that look like they've come from a camera with a higher resolution. I love it and suggest you might want to look for a secondhand one of those if you're on a tight budget.

 

I was waiting for the Digilux 3 with some anticipation but have been rather concerned with the look of it (the Digilux 2 looks and feels in use like a 'real' analogue camera) and the standard lens seems to be worse than the old on the Digilux 2 (which has a wider aperture - very important to me).

 

The Digilux 3 is supposed to be better at 'noise' (another controversial area with the Digilux 2) but loosing a stop means you have to double the 'film speed' anyway so what you gain on the roundabouts you loose on the swings...

 

You ought to know I will probably be selling my Digilux 2 in the near future (how else can I afford an M8?) so take my comments with a pinch of salt. However, if you're interested in buying drop me a line...

 

If you want to see what an average photographer and a first rate camera can produce look at the galleries on my website - all were taken with the Digilux with the exception of the Morris Men gallery (gulp - A Canon 5D! <hangs head in shame>)

 

Your confusion will pass ... your love for the Digilux won't. Mine is going with a heavy heart ; )

 

gareth

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I was waiting for the Digilux 3 with some anticipation but have been rather concerned with the look of it (the Digilux 2 looks and feels in use like a 'real' analogue camera) and the standard lens seems to be worse than the old on the Digilux 2 (which has a wider aperture - very important to me).

 

The Digilux 3 is supposed to be better at 'noise' (another controversial area with the Digilux 2) but loosing a stop means you have to double the 'film speed' anyway so what you gain on the roundabouts you loose on the swings...

gareth

 

The optical image stabilization in the D3 lens should give you a 2-3 stop advantage. Take away one of those stops, as it's an Elmarit rather than a 'Cron--you're still equal or ahead of the game with the D3.

 

I, too, love the D2. I spent the last month takig pictures with it in France and Italy, and enjoyed it hugely. I'm looking forward to delivery of my D3. Why?

 

--OIS.

 

--Bigger files. Going from 5 MP to 7.5 MP is a good jump.

 

--Noise. 7.5 MP on a 4/3 sensor vs. 5 MP on a 2/3 sensor. MUCH bigger pixels. That's good. The Panasonic L1 (D3's sibling) has fine noise control up to ISO 400 or 800, depending on how picky you are. D3 should match or slightly exceed.

 

--Better DOF control. The bigger the sensor, the easier it is to achieve shallow DOF.

 

--Interchangeable lenses. A 1.4 prime is already being promoted by Panasonic, and a long zoom is coming soon.

 

I have to comment about the D3's size. The body is not that much bigger than the D2. The leens is quite a bit longer, but that's partly down to the OIS, so I won't complain.

 

Anyone considering a D3 should search out the many published reviews of the Panasonic L1, but realize that the raw buffer problem mentioned in some reviews has been fixed in firmware, and will not plague the D3.

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Completely agree with all of Michael's comments. I am also pre-ordered for the D3 and eagerly await its arrival.

 

The negative comments all seem a bit disingenuous to me. Yes, it's bigger than an M. It's an SLR --- it has to be. But it's not nearly as big as an R, particularly an R with the DMR attached. Yes, the 4:3 sensor is not full frame. It's still a vast improvement over the sensor of the D2, which is widely heralded for its image quality. I won't use it for the same type of shooting that I use my M for (its not a stealth camera), but for telephoto and/or tripod work, I think it will be fantastic.

 

Jeff.

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It should be filtering into the dealers any time now. I hope to get my hands on one today as it should be in stock according to one London dealer, as will the V-lux. I haven't completely ruled the D3 out but I don't see many advantages over my D2, apart from the ability to use longer lenses (with OIS), and for that it is likely that the V-lux will suffice for me for a lot less expense!

Brian,

 

I am troubled with the same thoughts as you are:

- Digilux3 or

- V-Lux1 and keeping my beloved Digilux2

 

Especially the positive reviews and tests of the FZ50 made me wonder. I hope to get my hands on both coming weekend. The ergonomics are certainly key for me.

Let me know your thoughts when you had the chance to compare both.

 

Cheers,

 

Lars

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