carlosecpf Posted September 2, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 2, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hey all, I am a proud owner of a Digilux 3, which I have recently bought brand new. The picture quality is simply outstanding! I also have a D-Lux 4, which was my first Leica, and sparkled the "Leica" obsession in me. But my recent acquisition is a Digilux 2, which will arrive later this week. I can't wait to put my hands on it after reading all the positive reviews at this site. I wonder if anyone in this list uses the D3 and D2 and could shed a light on what would be the best way to have them living together and taking the most out of them. My idea was to sell the D-lux 4 and keep the D2 as my compact camera for street photography and candid portraits. I would use the D3 for traveling purposes and action pictures, using a Vario Elmar 14-150mm + the kit lens, and, for low light, indoor shooting, I would it with a Summilux 25mm f/1.4. Is there anyone that with a similar setup that could share with me the experience of having a D3 and D2 at the same time? Thanks in advance! Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 2, 2009 Posted September 2, 2009 Hi carlosecpf, Take a look here Can a Digilux 3 and Digilux 2 coexist?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
joppepop Posted September 2, 2009 Share #2 Posted September 2, 2009 I don't have both, but only the D3 nowadays. I would use the D2 on calmer events (no rush to take the photos, no rapidly moving subjects), when a silent camera is needed. The D3 is more useful when greater versatility is needed, it has better capabilities in most areas. But it's noisy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 2, 2009 Share #3 Posted September 2, 2009 I don't have both, but only the D3 nowadays. I would use the D2 on calmer events (no rush to take the photos, no rapidly moving subjects), when a silent camera is needed. The D3 is more useful when greater versatility is needed, it has better capabilities in most areas. But it's noisy. My sentiments entirely. My D2 essentially 'stays at home' but is used almost every day. I would have thought your DLux4 would be best for street photography. More discreet and later technology. I do urge you to explore close up photography with your D2. It can hold its own in this field provided you don't need very large prints. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemalk Posted September 2, 2009 Share #4 Posted September 2, 2009 I have a Digilux 3 and the Panasonic version of the Digilux 2, the LC1. I just recently sold my D-Lux 3 and havent looked back. As far as whether the 2 and 3 can cohabitate - the answer is a resounding YES. The LC1 is a daytime camera great for silent street shooting amazing images as evidenced by the hundreds of images on the Digilux 2 thread; the Digilux 3 is much more versatile. I use it with older, manual lenses and the kit as well as a Sigma 30mm 1.4 for low light shooting. It's not silent, a little bit bulkier, but an extremely underrated piece of gear. I ended up getting rid of the D-Lux 3 because there was too much overlap with the LC1. But that may not be the case with the new D-Lux 4. The Digilux 3 is a system camera that can take pretty much anything you throw at it. It's a gem. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosecpf Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted September 2, 2009 Guys, Thank you very much for the great feedback. Things are starting to make more sense in my head regarding how I can use the D3 and D2 together more effectively. Of course I need to first start playing with the D2 to see how it can fit in my photography needs and evaluate its performance in terms of speed and picture quality. Anyway, I acknowledge this is a good problem/challenge to have. Probably I will take advantage of the labor day holiday next monday and perform a photography test comparing the D3, D2, D-Lux 4 and my, ready to be sold, Lumix G1. I haven't seen a photography test online comparing all those cameras's output side-by-side so I am thinking of creating one. Perhaps more people can find it useful too. I guess I will have some fun doing that! Please let me know if you think this could be of any value to you guys as well. Thanks, Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsolomon Posted September 3, 2009 Share #6 Posted September 3, 2009 i own both - i use both ! enjoy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Edwards Posted September 5, 2009 Share #7 Posted September 5, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) ...have the d2 + d3 + dlux3... ...use the d3 exclusively with the lumix 25mm summilux lens as a 50mm equivalent kit (day or night shots)...use the d2 for wide or long shots during the day or at night with a tripod... ...the dlux3 is always with me as a backup or for space-constrained travel... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leica@fuse.net Posted September 5, 2009 Share #8 Posted September 5, 2009 Hey Carlos, Let me know how the D2 is doing. My R7 misses it!!!! :-( Thanks for giving it a GOOD home, Bob BTW: If you in any way do not want it in your home for some reason..... My R7 says she would LOVE to see her back. :-)) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosecpf Posted September 5, 2009 Author Share #9 Posted September 5, 2009 Hi Thomas, Thanks for sharing your experience! I did some shooting at dim light conditions yesterday and, so far, the picture quality of the D3 + Summilux 25mm f/1.4 was way superior as the ones from the D2. Not to mention the D3 could autofocus fast on the subject, while the D2 could not do it at all. Nevertheless, I did some night landscape tripod shooting with the D2 and the results were quite pleasing. I will continue with my testing during the weekend and I will also add the D-lux 4 to it! Best, Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlosecpf Posted September 5, 2009 Author Share #10 Posted September 5, 2009 Hi Bob, I was just blown away by the packaging you made for the D2 and its accessories. You've set the bar higher, really! I did some shooting with the D2 last night and was really impressed by the results. It's too early to say, but I guess I am hooked by the d2 now! So, tell your R7 I won't be returning it! Best, Carlos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Edwards Posted September 6, 2009 Share #11 Posted September 6, 2009 I did some shooting at dim light conditions yesterday and, so far, the picture quality of the D3 + Summilux 25mm f/1.4 was way superior as the ones from the D2. Not to mention the D3 could autofocus fast on the subject, while the D2 could not do it at all. Nevertheless, I did some night landscape tripod shooting with the D2 and the results were quite pleasing. I will continue with my testing during the weekend and I will also add the D-lux 4 to it! ...thanks, carlos...yes, each leica has its own signature and, like a carpenter's tools, will be appropriate for different situations...the d3 + 25mm lux lens is a fabulous combination, imho...indeed, even the noise created by the dlux3 during night shots with high iso settings creates its own ambience, aesthetically speaking, imho...and, of course, the fun is to mix and match the "signatures" of the leica's in the quest for the perfect picture(s)... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cirrus1 Posted October 8, 2009 Share #12 Posted October 8, 2009 I wanted to resurect this thread with some questions.... I still cannot get my D3 to put out attractive B&W jpegs, and because of that find myself gravitating back to the D2. I have read the best practices thread on the D3 and have not found what I am looking for. Any recomendations for shooting B&W jpegs that can have the same jewel like/creamy quality as what I get with my D2.... does this make sense? Thanks for any tips! Regards, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted October 8, 2009 Share #13 Posted October 8, 2009 Carlos - The D2 is not a day-light only camera. In extreme low light you will not see anything in the viewfinder but the camera will still get the image, and at lower hand-held shutter speeds than you thought possible since it is virtually vibration free. Here are some examples. The first is at 6:30 this morning on 5th Avenue at 38th Street. It is a store window covered with this costume poster with only slight pre-dawn light. ¼ second handheld, ISO 200, f/2.0. Below that is another from last month shot at f/2, ISO 200, 2 seconds. I can come up with dozens more. My point is not to go into this with any preconceived notions. The D2 is pretty amazing. And the D3 with the lenses you mention will do for most travel situations. Strangely the “150” end of that beautiful zoom will not be long enough for a significant amount of wildlife shooting. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/95242-can-a-digilux-3-and-digilux-2-coexist/?do=findComment&comment=1066878'>More sharing options...
K I Posted October 22, 2009 Share #14 Posted October 22, 2009 Absolutely! Both incredible cameras, i own the D2, the pana version LC1 and the L1 pana version of the D3. I personally love the IQ of the pana L1, shoot mostly in B&W and the versatility of the L1 is unbeatable. Every time i shoot it, which is everyday, it just blows my mind. Its a standard back up when going out exclusively with my M8.2, main camera any day for all sorts of shooting. Still looking around for a D3 or another PL1 just in case i kill it. Originally purchased it for its 16:9 aspect ratio to integrate photos into a HD video project, my dealer did not have the D3 at the time plus i got a decent deal on it brand new. I want another one! You will definitely enjoy both... KI KI Photography Blog main Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cirrus1 Posted October 22, 2009 Share #15 Posted October 22, 2009 KI, would you mind revealing what settings you use for B&W on the D3. I have had mine for a few months and can't seem to get a "look" I like from the jpegs. Regards, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
K I Posted October 22, 2009 Share #16 Posted October 22, 2009 Hi John, I interchange between the standard and the dynamic film preset settings depending on the look i am going for with ISO setting of 100 most of the time. If i need grain for effects, i bump ISO up to 800. I compensate exposure by 1 stop +/- sometimes less when going all manual. I have been playing with the auto setting lately and the results are just as good IMO. I also read on the forum settings for the D3, here they are: Set focus to center Set WB manually ( Don't think this has any effect shooting B&W ) Manual aperture F/5.6 ( +/- half to one stop ) sweet spot ISO 200 as good as 100 99% of time ISO 400 as good as 100 97% of time B&W, recommends ISO 400 w/Dynamic B&W film preset OIS set to Mode 2 Though these settings work upon my trying it out, but can't see any difference from how i have been shooting the camera since i mostly shoot manual anyway, same results. I will be doing more with the auto settings and post results on my web or blog. Sometimes, i just want to point and shoot Let me assure you that the PL1/D3 is an amazing camera once you get used to it, a well underrated camera. It is my go to camera anyday anytime except for very low light, i am always blown away by the results i get with this gem, and i love the kit lens 14-50mm, perfect for one of my shooting style. Much more versatile than my M8.2, D2 or any other camera i own. I am on the look out for another one... I hope this helps! Kind Regards Kelvin KI Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cirrus1 Posted October 22, 2009 Share #17 Posted October 22, 2009 Thanks KI, I am determined to get a look I like out of this camera. I will keep expirementing. It was a diservice to this camera for me to buy a Dlux4, 2 D2's, and it within a 3 month period. I feel like I haven't given it a chance yet! I will keep shooting. Thanks again, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
K I Posted October 22, 2009 Share #18 Posted October 22, 2009 No worries! If for some reason you are still not pleased with it, i am open to buying it from you Kind Regards Kelvin KI Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cirrus1 Posted October 22, 2009 Share #19 Posted October 22, 2009 I was going to sell it and upgrade to an M8 but I don't have patience for lots of lenses anymore. I am going to rent an M8 and if it "blows me away" well then............... How do you like your M8? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karlumix Posted October 22, 2009 Share #20 Posted October 22, 2009 I use the Panasonic versions of each (L1 & LC1). The L1 is my primary for high quality shots taking advantage of interchangeable lenses, the better low-light capabilities, and shooting raw files. The LC1 is my backup and for hiking with less weight and bulk. Because of the excellent jpegs and slow raw buffer, this camera always shoots jpegs. The neat thing about using the two cameras together is that the battery packs and memory cards interchange (as long as SD rather than SDHC cards are used). I also have a DLux-4 for casual shooting and get some great shots with it, but the image quality is not as good, particularly compared to the L1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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