1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3.6x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. High-speed wide-angle lens allows for creative framing
4. Classic, ultra-compact metal body measures 3.5 x 2 x .9 inches
5. Powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD memory cards (64MB memory card included)

Editorial Review :

If you want a stylish, slim compact camera but don't want to sacrifice picture quality then you'll love the ultra compact Leica C-LUX 2! Sporting a classic black metal body, it's a design classic - which can fit into even the smallest pocket. In fact it's the slimmest Leica digital camera ever made! That elegant exterior design - unmistakably Leica - is matched by an impressive array of precision optics and digital technology inside. If you want to take the style even further, then you can also compliment your LEICA C-LUX 2 with its own exclusive tan leather case and carry strap.The high-speed wide-angle 28 mm zoom lens enables you to take stunning, space-grabbing shots. The optical image stabilizer and intelligent exposure control prevent camera shake and the 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor enables you to take superlative prints you can enlarge - even up to poster size.The extra large 2.5" display, the image stabilization and short shutter delay of the Leica C-LUX 2 all combine to guarantee carefree photography with high-quality results. Fast, discreet snapshots captured on the fly, or picture perfect compositions at twilight or in other tricky conditions - all are possible with this elegant compact. Where the Vario-Elmarit zoom lens also retracts entirely into the camera body at the flick of the ?off? switch.So whether you're a partygoer, city stroller or nature lover, the Leica C-LUX 2 is always your dependable companion - any time, any place, you need never miss another photo opportunity.

Customer Review :

Leica C-LUX 2

A very nice camera; very easy to use intuitive interface - you'll rarely if ever need to use the handbook. Choose this or the D-LUX-3 over the cheaper look alikes.

CLUX-2 has more pixels (7.2M vs 6M) is smaller in all dimensions, and lighter, but even so I preferred the C-LUX 1 - the interface was just easier to drive, and had a nicer feel to it. (examples: flash mode cycled through options, whereas the C2 requires you to go down a 2 layer menu; the rotary mode select wheel on the C2 doesn't have the end stops the C1 had - so you now have to look to check the mode you've selected).

They should have just changed the sensor and kept everything else the same as the C-LUX1 - it was perfect.




Rating :

Uh oh

I got this camera new and within the first day of use an issue came up. The mechanism to cover/uncover the lens was faulty. When I turn the camera the lens come out but remains covered. Sometimes it just opens halfway. I don't know if other owners have experienced the same problems, but considering how delicate is this mechanism, I imagine is a problem with the model in general. The area around the lens scratches easily, so consider it a warning if you're going to put this camera in your pocket. I wouldn't blame you because it's the perfect pocket size, but it's also a pricey camera. I'm not crazy about picture quality but could be because I have a far superior digital SLR. There's some (barely noticeable) distortion in the images which I attribute to lens size.

Rating :

Very Good Camera

I really like this camera. It is lightweight and fits easily in a pocket or purse. The menus are intuitive, and the quality of the pictures taken is much better than anything I've seen from point-'n'-shoot cameras in the past. I even plugged it into my 42" television and projected the pictures I took in that format. I was amazed the even when blowing the image up to that size I still did not get any distoration or pixel loss.

The one problem I have had is that for some reason it quit working about a month after I got it. And that is why it only got 4-stars. The lens all of a sudden refused to retract when I turned the camera off. And when I turned it on, the message I got was to turn it off and turn it back on again. That process cycled over and over. The camera is in the shop now.

Rating :

Extremely impressive pocket camera

I am *extremely* impressed by this little Leica.

This will be a rather short review since this camera model is already, like, 300 years old in dog years.

I was able to pick a new one up for less than [...] on the internets from someone who clearly didn't know what they were parting with. When I inquired into why the party was selling she only told me that her husband needed something newer.

I have owned and used dozens of cameras (Leica, Nikon, Canon, Rollie, Mamiya) in my career.

The C-LUX 2 is an amazing unit in terms of color authenticity, image quality, zoom quality, sensitivity, precision, workmanship, and most of all: usability and convenience.

I cannot stress how perfect the menu system is on this camera. It's perfect and the controls are precise, accurate, and delightful to use.

Convenience means that having this camera in your pocket you will never miss a great shot no matter where you are. Yes it really is that good. With controls from scene mode to nearly manual you have precise control of your pictures. There is no reason you cannot achieve a National Geo picture with this camera.

When the C-LUX 2 debuted at [.........] it was really a Euro-jet-setting no-show. Now that you can find this gem below [....] it is a must have.

5 stars based on current market conditions and availability in late 2008. Good luck finding a mint unit. If you are indefatigable you will find no better camera in the same class at any price.

Rating :

Excitment turns to "meh".

I was hoping to find something different. Something better than the rest. Sometimes you just don't feel like the usual selection is good enough. I already had a Canon, everyone and their brother had a Nikon.
I was thinking about the slim line Casio, but who wants to buy a Casio?
So one late night / early morning I found this Leica. It looked different than the Canon/Nikon/Casio/Olympus and plus it had that little red badge on the front. I had to have it.
I found a local dealer on the Leica website and the next day I bought it for the same price as Amazon.
BTW, I knew there was a Panasonic version for half the price. I bought into the cosmetic of the Leica, the story, and that little red badge.
Supposedly this model has different firmware than the Panasonic which gives your JPEG files a color palette similar to classic Leica cameras.
It does not shoot in RAW.

Design

The look of this camera is gorgeous. It is very understated but an instant classic design. The build quality is also very good. It doesn't attract unwanted attention but once you put your hands on it you know it is a well built product.

Ease Of Use

The button layout is nice. It is simple and clean with access to shortcuts for flash, exposure, self timer, and review.
Choosing auto settings or manual mode is easy and the icons make sense.
I wish there were shortcuts for shutter speed and ISO settings. To access those you have to get into the menu which is time consuming and cumbersome. PS most cameras are like that though.

Ergonomics

It is so small and thin that it is kind of hard to hold steadily. Definitely use the wrist strap because it has slipped out of my hands a few times.

Picture Quality

This is very subjective. With good lighting I love the way my pictures turn out. Colors are very natural and not over saturated at all. It is very hard to get "tac sharp" shots with it but I don't think that is the point of a point and shoot.
With average or difficult lighting this point and shoot really struggles. I hate using high ISO settings because anything over 400 has a lot of noise of this camera. The flash blows out the picture if you are less then 6 feet away. It isn't powerful enough in a dim room if you are more then 8 feet away. There are no controls to dial down the flash. To get a good picture with or without flash you spend a lot of time changing exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. There is a +/- 2 exposure control but the shutter speed can only be set to a maximum of 1 second in manual mode. ISO can be set from 100-1250 but again anything over 400 has a lot of noise. Using "simple mode" usually jacks up the ISO settings in dark rooms or uses the flash which is useless most of the time. You can get a good shot in a dark room or outdoors but it will take some time to set it up.

Extra

Includes a copy of Photoshop Elements which is a fun program to add effects to your photos.

Overall

If you are thinking about this for outdoor day trips to the beach or mountains then this might be a good choice for you. If you want something to take to parties and nights out with your friends then you need to find something with better low light performance and a smarter auto mode. I don't regret buying it but it is not all that I hoped for considering Leica's reputation and premium price.


Rating :

More reviews...

1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3.6x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. High-speed wide-angle lens allows for creative framing
4. Classic, ultra-compact metal body measures 3.5 x 2 x .9 inches
5. Powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD memory cards (64MB memory card included)

Editorial Review :

If you want a stylish, slim compact camera but don't want to sacrifice picture quality then you'll love the ultra compact Leica C-LUX 2! Sporting a classic black metal body, it's a design classic - which can fit into even the smallest pocket. In fact it's the slimmest Leica digital camera ever made! That elegant exterior design - unmistakably Leica - is matched by an impressive array of precision optics and digital technology inside. If you want to take the style even further, then you can also compliment your LEICA C-LUX 2 with its own exclusive tan leather case and carry strap.The high-speed wide-angle 28 mm zoom lens enables you to take stunning, space-grabbing shots. The optical image stabilizer and intelligent exposure control prevent camera shake and the 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor enables you to take superlative prints you can enlarge - even up to poster size.The extra large 2.5" display, the image stabilization and short shutter delay of the Leica C-LUX 2 all combine to guarantee carefree photography with high-quality results. Fast, discreet snapshots captured on the fly, or picture perfect compositions at twilight or in other tricky conditions - all are possible with this elegant compact. Where the Vario-Elmarit zoom lens also retracts entirely into the camera body at the flick of the ?off? switch.So whether you're a partygoer, city stroller or nature lover, the Leica C-LUX 2 is always your dependable companion - any time, any place, you need never miss another photo opportunity.

Customer Review :

Very Good Camera

I really like this camera. It is lightweight and fits easily in a pocket or purse. The menus are intuitive, and the quality of the pictures taken is much better than anything I've seen from point-'n'-shoot cameras in the past. I even plugged it into my 42" television and projected the pictures I took in that format. I was amazed the even when blowing the image up to that size I still did not get any distoration or pixel loss.

The one problem I have had is that for some reason it quit working about a month after I got it. And that is why it only got 4-stars. The lens all of a sudden refused to retract when I turned the camera off. And when I turned it on, the message I got was to turn it off and turn it back on again. That process cycled over and over. The camera is in the shop now.

Rating :

Excitment turns to "meh".

I was hoping to find something different. Something better than the rest. Sometimes you just don't feel like the usual selection is good enough. I already had a Canon, everyone and their brother had a Nikon.
I was thinking about the slim line Casio, but who wants to buy a Casio?
So one late night / early morning I found this Leica. It looked different than the Canon/Nikon/Casio/Olympus and plus it had that little red badge on the front. I had to have it.
I found a local dealer on the Leica website and the next day I bought it for the same price as Amazon.
BTW, I knew there was a Panasonic version for half the price. I bought into the cosmetic of the Leica, the story, and that little red badge.
Supposedly this model has different firmware than the Panasonic which gives your JPEG files a color palette similar to classic Leica cameras.
It does not shoot in RAW.

Design

The look of this camera is gorgeous. It is very understated but an instant classic design. The build quality is also very good. It doesn't attract unwanted attention but once you put your hands on it you know it is a well built product.

Ease Of Use

The button layout is nice. It is simple and clean with access to shortcuts for flash, exposure, self timer, and review.
Choosing auto settings or manual mode is easy and the icons make sense.
I wish there were shortcuts for shutter speed and ISO settings. To access those you have to get into the menu which is time consuming and cumbersome. PS most cameras are like that though.

Ergonomics

It is so small and thin that it is kind of hard to hold steadily. Definitely use the wrist strap because it has slipped out of my hands a few times.

Picture Quality

This is very subjective. With good lighting I love the way my pictures turn out. Colors are very natural and not over saturated at all. It is very hard to get "tac sharp" shots with it but I don't think that is the point of a point and shoot.
With average or difficult lighting this point and shoot really struggles. I hate using high ISO settings because anything over 400 has a lot of noise of this camera. The flash blows out the picture if you are less then 6 feet away. It isn't powerful enough in a dim room if you are more then 8 feet away. There are no controls to dial down the flash. To get a good picture with or without flash you spend a lot of time changing exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. There is a +/- 2 exposure control but the shutter speed can only be set to a maximum of 1 second in manual mode. ISO can be set from 100-1250 but again anything over 400 has a lot of noise. Using "simple mode" usually jacks up the ISO settings in dark rooms or uses the flash which is useless most of the time. You can get a good shot in a dark room or outdoors but it will take some time to set it up.

Extra

Includes a copy of Photoshop Elements which is a fun program to add effects to your photos.

Overall

If you are thinking about this for outdoor day trips to the beach or mountains then this might be a good choice for you. If you want something to take to parties and nights out with your friends then you need to find something with better low light performance and a smarter auto mode. I don't regret buying it but it is not all that I hoped for considering Leica's reputation and premium price.


Rating :

Uh oh

I got this camera new and within the first day of use an issue came up. The mechanism to cover/uncover the lens was faulty. When I turn the camera the lens come out but remains covered. Sometimes it just opens halfway. I don't know if other owners have experienced the same problems, but considering how delicate is this mechanism, I imagine is a problem with the model in general. The area around the lens scratches easily, so consider it a warning if you're going to put this camera in your pocket. I wouldn't blame you because it's the perfect pocket size, but it's also a pricey camera. I'm not crazy about picture quality but could be because I have a far superior digital SLR. There's some (barely noticeable) distortion in the images which I attribute to lens size.

Rating :

Leica C-LUX 2

A very nice camera; very easy to use intuitive interface - you'll rarely if ever need to use the handbook. Choose this or the D-LUX-3 over the cheaper look alikes.

CLUX-2 has more pixels (7.2M vs 6M) is smaller in all dimensions, and lighter, but even so I preferred the C-LUX 1 - the interface was just easier to drive, and had a nicer feel to it. (examples: flash mode cycled through options, whereas the C2 requires you to go down a 2 layer menu; the rotary mode select wheel on the C2 doesn't have the end stops the C1 had - so you now have to look to check the mode you've selected).

They should have just changed the sensor and kept everything else the same as the C-LUX1 - it was perfect.




Rating :

Extremely impressive pocket camera

I am *extremely* impressed by this little Leica.

This will be a rather short review since this camera model is already, like, 300 years old in dog years.

I was able to pick a new one up for less than [...] on the internets from someone who clearly didn't know what they were parting with. When I inquired into why the party was selling she only told me that her husband needed something newer.

I have owned and used dozens of cameras (Leica, Nikon, Canon, Rollie, Mamiya) in my career.

The C-LUX 2 is an amazing unit in terms of color authenticity, image quality, zoom quality, sensitivity, precision, workmanship, and most of all: usability and convenience.

I cannot stress how perfect the menu system is on this camera. It's perfect and the controls are precise, accurate, and delightful to use.

Convenience means that having this camera in your pocket you will never miss a great shot no matter where you are. Yes it really is that good. With controls from scene mode to nearly manual you have precise control of your pictures. There is no reason you cannot achieve a National Geo picture with this camera.

When the C-LUX 2 debuted at [.........] it was really a Euro-jet-setting no-show. Now that you can find this gem below [....] it is a must have.

5 stars based on current market conditions and availability in late 2008. Good luck finding a mint unit. If you are indefatigable you will find no better camera in the same class at any price.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Carefree spontaneous photographs
2. Powerful zoom lens
3. Newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.4-22mm f/2.8-5.9 ASPH
4. 25 mm to 125 mm equivalent focal length with 5x zoom
5. 10.1 megapixels with a 1 / 2.33 inch low noise CCD

Editorial Review :

The Leica C-LUX 3 Compact Digital Camera features powerful lens, the intelligent automatic mode and the simple operation make it easy to take successful spontaneous pictures. The automatic scene recognition feature means great 'no preparation' shots. Depending on the subject, it selects the appropriate settings for macro, landscape, portrait, or night portrait, as well as moving pictures in film mode. The MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization system also provides added reliability. There need be no more shaky pictures. The new large sensor with 10.1 million effective pixels and the optimized processor guarantee excellent picture quality. The powerful zoom lens LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-5.9/4.4-22 ASPH delivers brilliant pictures with true-to-life color reproduction. You can capture the full scope of the city, life, friends and unforgettable moments. The large focusing range - from 25mm to 125 mm (both 35mm format) - and the 5x optical zoom significantly expand the capabilities of the LEICA C-LUX 3. Anyone can use the LEICA C-LUX from the very start. To change between capture and viewing mode, you just flick a switch. An extra knob lets you choose between photo and film mode. The large, readable lines make the clear menu structure easy to understand. The automatic face recognition system automatically adjusts focus and exposure to the faces in the scene. Now portraits and group photos come out even better.

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
2. Unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style
3. High-quality Leica lens takes in stunning shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range
4. O.I.S. optical stabilization technology and ultra fast processing
5. Pure, discreet, timeless design in a housing of high-quality aluminum

Editorial Review :

Every picture taken with the LEICA D-LUX 3 has a story to tell. The unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style. Use the high-quality Leica lens to take stunning shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range. With O.I.S. optical stabilization technology and ultra fast processing, the LEICA D-LUX 3 sets new standards in its class. Choose between 3 picture formats, achieve first-class image quality with the camera's 10 megapixel sensor and assess your shots on the wide-screen display. Small and elegant, the LEICA D-LUX 3 is always ready to make your personal view of the world reality. Aperture - F2.8-F8.0 (wide angle) F4.9-F8.0 (telephoto) Flash modes Choice between automatic ON with or without preflash (red-eye reduction), manual ON (fill-in flash) with orwithout preflash, SLOW sync for longer shutter speeds (with preflash), flash OFF Video Recording - In 16 - 9 format a choice between 1280 x 720 pixels 15 fps or 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps/ 10 fps,in 4 - 3 format a choice between 640 x 480 pixels 30 fps/10 fps or 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps/10 fps.Limited only by memory card capacity, recording with audio. File formats - Still - RAW, JPEG (Fine/Standard), Movie - QuickTime Motion JPEG. Scene Programs - Portraits, sport, night scenes, night portraits, fireworks, parties, snow, self-portraits, food, high-sensitivity mode, Baby 1, Baby 2, soft skin, candlelight, starry skies, landscapes, print Dimensions (WxHxD) - 4.2 x 2.3 x 1 inches (105.7 x 58.3 x 25.6mm) Weight - 6.5oz / 7.8oz (185g/220g) (without/with battery, memory card and lens cap)

Customer Review :

So far so good.

As a Panasonic Lumix TZ3 owner I wanted the ability to manually focus and adjust aperture and that was my main reason for purchasing this camera.

I did not want to go the slr route because of the size and weight of those cameras. I put the heavy camera and the bag of lenses behind me 20 years ago. I wanted a very small and light point and shoot camera with the ability to make manual adjustments. Ironically this camera is lighter than the Lumix TZ3.

I also wanted a camera with an excellent lens.This camera choice wasn't difficult (having owned other Leica's, Nikons, Olympus, and CAnons) knowing first hand that the quality of the Leica lenses were a cut above the others.

Within 2 days of shooting with this camera I found myself using a few of the manual settings as if they were second nature,like the Auto exposure lock which I found to be a great feature. There was no frustration in attempting to take a shot that the camera wouldn't adjust to.

Focusing manually isn't that easy but it isn't necessary to focus manually all the time... It is only needed at those times when the auto focus can't focus on what you want it to focus on.

When working on the photos in Adobe Photoshop I was surprised to discover many shots did not require major adjustments or corrections. MY conclusion is the cameras operating software is top notch. Somehow the camera balances color, saturation and contrast, almost to perfection. I found myself making an adjustment and then re-adjusting back to the original over and over again.

Shooting with a wide angle lens is a must for me and this camera exceeded my emotional need for space...forground, sky, and the panoramic feel of the 16:9 ratio.

My only disappointment is that the mode dial isn't color coded and can't be easily seen without my glasses on like with the TZ3.

Having owned this camera for only a month I can say that so far I am very pleased with the results.







Rating :

Nice package, but RAW mode has its flaws...

Leica D-Lux 3 is another offspring of the Panasonic-Leica cooperation, surely benefiting both partners. D-Lux 3 is a re-badged Lumix LX2. Main asset of both cameras is clearly the Leica VARIO-ELMARIT Lens, quite sharp on both ends. Fascinating is the 16:9 ratio wide panorama mode. 10Mpix is a good resolution, helping to get over the usual noise and noise correction smearing of details, which is visible even at ISO 100. If sampled down to approx. 2-3Mpix size, even ISO 400 images can be still well usable. ISO 800 is a stretch, but no worse than any competition in such small cameras, or rather such small sensors.

Of course, all photographers who do not like Jpeg's limited dynamic range are thrilled by the RAW mode! Me too. However, herein I see two issues:

1) First, I would like to know the Analog/Digital resolution in bits per pixel. Neither Panasonic nor Leica seem to be capable of or willing to give an answer to this simple question. My impression from conversions in Lightroom is that the dynamic range of the RAW images is barely over the 8-bit range of the jpegs, maybe 9-10bit/pixel effective.

2) Panasonic RAW format produces files titanic in size, why not to use DNG like in the L1 camera? The D-Lux 3 produces always *.raw and *.jpg file, and they both occupy whopping 22Mbytes typically. This is over twice as much as in a typical 10Mpix Nikon NEF or Canon CR2 file. Writing of such a vast amount of data takes time: Leica D-Lux 3 needs 3-4sec to store a raw file even to an Extreme III class of SD card, and this clearly renders Leica/Lumix RAW mode useless in all action situations.

The LCD display is nice, but it still has a very narrow angle of view. Turn the camera by as little as 30-40 degree, and the colors will strangely change or even reverse.

Nonetheless, D-Lux 3 is a nice and handy camera for numerous occasions. Being in the $500..600 class, it opens up the noble marque Leica to many photographers, who would have otherwise not even considered to invest in equipment with the famous red circular logo! We both with my wife like to have this little great camera handy, and we like to think that the Lumix-Leica cooperation will help Leica to succeed in its transition as a provider of top-notch digital cameras.

Rating :

Only average

I purchased the camera expecting the best point and shoot around ( I shelled out $650 for it) and after having the camera for more than six months the pictures are average, not excellent. The images lack sharpness and the shutter is crazy slow, even in burst mode. Of course I wasn't expecting DSLR speed, but if this shutter where a car it would do 0-60 in 15 seconds.

ALSO, why in the world is the camera now more than twice the price I paid for a few months ago? I HAVE NO IDEA!!! But honestly, it's not worth it.

Get the Samsung NV11, it's been getting GREAT reviews all over the place.

Rating :

old enough to know better

I love my old, heavy, rugged, film cameras, and I love being fluent in their operation. I'm also old enough to dislike lugging heavy cameras around all day, or being noticed for having lots of gear. This camera is tiny and light. It is discreetly understated. And, yes, it makes a remarkable photo. I'm going to have to learn something, but I've held out long enough: I wish I had known sooner that a point-and-shoot could do what this one does.

Rating :

great for what it is...(ie *not* a dslr)

I get so tired of people whining about noise on small sensor cameras. "OMG, it is noisier than my 30D/D80/etc." Hmm...what was your first clue? Perhaps that the same number of pixels are being stuffed on a sensor that is almost an order of magnitude smaller in surface area?!?!?

The MP race is stupid, but so are most consumers. I would have preferred that Leicasonic made this a 7MP camera with really high dynamic range and able to shoot high ISO. But they didn't...because consumers want big MP numbers.

This camera is unique because it is native 16x9. That changes the way you frame and shoot. At least it has for me. This also gives you very good manual control over things. And being able to shoot RAW is a big deal to me. I got hooked on that with my D70. And speaking of that D70, I just sold it because I am happier with the images I'm getting out of my D-Lux 3. Yes, they can be noisier, but I also can fit the Leica in my pocket. The best camera is the one you'll have with you to get the shot. This beast is a very good compromise between portability and performance. You can't have it all. Where would you put it?


Rating :

More reviews...

1. Combines the best Leica image quality with the convenience of an intelligent all-in-one solution
2. 12x zoom and 10-megapixel image resolution in an ultra-compact, convenient design
3. 2.0-inch high-resolution LCD can be swiveled horizontally and vertically through 180 degrees
4. Stores images on SD memory card (also SDHC cards) and multimedia card
5. Powered by lithium rechargeable battery; PC and Mac compatible

Editorial Review :

The V-Lux line makes photography in the compact class more professional than ever before. The all-purpose digital camera for universal use combines the best Leica image quality with the convenience of an intelligent all-in-one solution. Equipped with the 12x optical zoom and the optical image stabilization, there is hardly any photographic situation you won't be able to master with your V-Lux 1.

Customer Review :

Great Pictures, Indoors & Out

I wanted a camera with a huge, non-telescoping optical zoom, excellent macro range, and the ability to take photos in low light. I work in dusty, sandy environments a lot, so I decided against an SLR--the Nikon I was replacing broke down because of excessive grit in the zoom mechanism despite daily cleaning, so I hate to think what would happen to a mirror-flipping mechanism. I read the reviews for this camera, here and elsewhere, and debated the Panasonic equivalent, but decided on the Leica both on sentimental grounds (I learned photographyon my mom's 1940s Leica) and the fact that Leica tweaked the settings, and they know more about photography than Panasonic. I've now had the camera for about seven months and I've taken thousands and thousands of photographs. (A lot of reviews seem to me to be based on the first 24 hours.) I am very, very happy with it.

Outdoor photographs are wonderful, and the 16:9 ratio is great for landscapes. But that's the easy part. The indoor photographs are great. (Most of these have been taken in museums and churches.) At first I noticed a lot of noise in low light situations, but after playing around with the settings for a while, I don't seem to get it any more. Most important: Be sure to use Mode 2 Stabilization. Mode 1 only stabilizes a little, all the time; Mode 2 stabilizes only when the shutter is pressed. Using the self-timer also helps. In a pinch, you can use exposure compensation to take an underexposed photograph and then push it using Photoshop.

I like many things about this camera. The exposure compensation works beautifully, once you get the hang of it. It's also fairly easy to switch formats (16:9, 3:2, 4:3). I've set up my own preferred profiles for various conditions, which makes it easy to switch a lot of settings at once (a church/museum setting without beeps, so people don't glare at me). The viewfinder grid has saved me hours of straightening shots with Photoshop. And the manual is compact, well organized, indexed, and clear; it fits in my camera case. And the pictures I take with this camera just seem to glow.

The disadvantages are quite managable. I thought I'd lose the lens cap, but I haven't; sticking it in my pocket means it doesn't accidentally get in my shots. It's sometimes hard to get the auto-focus to work at a high zoom, particularly in dim light, which can be quite frustrating. But with resolution like this, you can afford to back off a little. And it is big and heavy, but that will make me strong.

One always has a vested interest in liking a camera that one has paid a lot of money for, but I find I don't even window shop for the newest cameras any more. I expect to use this one for another three or four years, at least.

Rating :

mediocre

First, the zoom lens needs to be a little wider angle capability. Close-in shots are difficult to make because one cannot zoom out enough. Secondly, the camera is not compatible with the operating system that I use on my computer. It is not designed to be used with the new Microsoft VISTA. Currently there is not even a work arounnd, although Leica has been promising some sort of software repair, for more than a month, but to date nothing has developed. Taking photos and not being able to process them is not acceptable.

Rating :

Poor reliability and poor service

I was excited when I first saw this camera and had to have it. When I got I found it was easy to use and took great pictures. But then after a few months it stopped working. I contacted service in NJ and sent it into then. They said I would have an answer back in "2-3" days. That turned into two weeks. My emails to then asking for status were deleted and not read (I asked for a read receipt). I finally got a letter from them to authorize the service (under warranty). Time estimate for the repair was 4-5 weeks. Nearly eight weeks later I am still waiting for it. I always considered Leica to be the Rolls Royce on cameras but unfortunately, in retrospect I wish I had bought a Canon or a Nikon.

Rating :

LEICA V lux 1- Above my expectations

I bought this camera at the same time I purchased a Canon xti (digital SLR). I had owned Canon before and was very pleased with the company.

I was VERY sure that I would keep the xti and sell the V lux 1. In fact I purchased several Canon lenses. Now that I have used both cameras for about year now, I have come to the conclusion that the V lux 1 takes better photographs.

First to all, the Leica has a very versatile lens that takes clear pictures with great color reproduction. The camera has IN BODY image stabilization that works very well. It has a zoom that is mechanical 35- 420 and incorporates an additional optical choice of 2x or 4x. This is a tremendous choice of range that works well.

The f-stops open up enough to get great photos indoors. The WB seems very accurate as well. It also has a quality lens.

If you are the kind of photographer who wants an all-in-one lens-camera choice that is light, easy to use and takes VERY good 10MP pics this one may be for you.

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Rating :

Sorry for just 1 star, but this is the fact, it's disappointing.

I bought this camera based on the reviews that Amazon provides, they are all good, plus the shortage of it, I'm so convinced that this was going to be my new toy. I took some indoor photos, they are so great. I went out for some night shootings, with tripod (maximum exposure time is only 8 seconds), they came out either too dark or outfocused. Next day I took some outdoor photos, bright sunny day, the pictures were not as good as my old camera (Sony 828).

The camera design is bad; the lens cap does not have a string, the strap that holds the camera is very awkward and it is too long, the battery runs out fast.

I simply returned it after my dream popped. I wasted about $60 in s/h and some accessories which I opened. It's still better than to collect dust.

By the way the Leica person was quite unfriendly on the phone (I called for some technically questions).

So folks, if you want to shell out $1,000 just because you love the red dot, it's your call. Leica has bought Panasonic and V-Lux 1 is based on Panasonic's technology. Panasoni actually has an identical model which costs $500 less.

I'm so confused about this marketing thing.

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