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, but I'm dropping my evaluation to only 3-stars. 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.

[EDIT - Jan 2, 2009] Well, I got it baack from the shop and took it on vacation with me in early November 2008. The camera functioned properly, and produced some exceptional pictures, mostly from a moving vehicle, since I was using my SLR when out of the car. Then, after returning home, it failed again in mid-December, for no particular reason. It hasn't been dropped or abused in any way. It just quit, so now I'm looking at another repair.

Warrantee or not,the postage costs me money, not to mention the time it takes for repair, during which I don't have a small camera at my side. Eval dropped to 3-stars!!! Opps, I mean ***

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 :

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...

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.

Customer Review :

Best in-pocket-always-with-me-camera-yet

The D-lux 3 is a major step for compact cameras. the wide angle alone is worth the price of admission, and the 16:9 format (selectable) is outstanding. It is small enough to keep with me at all times and quick and easy enough to use.

I always shoot RAW which allows amazing flexibility after the shoot. Like all compact cameras I've owned before, getting a stable shot is tricky - my digital SLR I can pull out and snap and generally get a sharp shot. Rarely so with a compact. I have to take more care to steady the camera to make sure, and take a few shots to make sure I get what I want. Small price to pay, a little caution and extra shooting and I always get what I want.

Video is better than most cameras, if you want true HD or zooming while shooting, by a camcorder. If you get hung up by the lack of live shooting zoom, well, zooms are annoying in home and professional videos anyway, teach yourself to avoid it, it helps!

This is the best compact camera I've ever owned. I shot 4000 pictures on it for a timelapse sequence just before christmas - in one day - and loved the results. I have shot another 4000 in full size raw mode and have a number of professionally used images that paid for the camera.

It is a seriously excellent compact camera.

Rating :

Not a good cam at all.

Not as I expected for a name like Leica's. the cam is expensive for nothing important. When you use the video recording, you can not change the zoom at all. The only advantage I noticed in this cam is the ability to take wide pictures. But still, this is not worth 600$. Besides, the cam is big. Compared to Canon cams, half the price for almost all the capabilities.


My advice: Do not buy, get a Canon for 200$. In that case if you want to get another cam after 2 years, you wont feel bad for the money you paid.


Rating :

Everything it's cracked up to be!

After taking a few trips overseas with my wonderfull Nikon D200 10.2 MP digital SLR, I beagan to feel the weight (and bulk), to say the least. Still, the capabilities I could enjoy with this cam and its 18-200mm zoon lens were just too good to give up in favor of a pocket-size. Nonetheless, I started researching like crazy and finally wound up somewhere between the Panasonic and this Leica, which is modelled on the Panasonic (yes, not the other way around). In the end, I couldn't resist the idea of owning a genuine German Leica for just under $600! After having it for a few weeks, I have some simply spectacular pics in the 16:9 format at the full 10 MP. It really helps to take some just awsome images (and I am not in the obnoxious habit of overusing the word "awsome", BTW). The camera's heft and feel is one of sheer quality, as is the look, and use of it is simple, fun, and gives an amateur like me both a killer backup cam to the D200 AND a stand-alone that I can take pretty much around the word knowing I will miss very little and carry even less. It has literally contributed to making me happy in a way that few possesions ever have. But then, that's because I love to take pictures so much. This baby is everything it's cracked up to be, and more!

Rating :

Get the Panasonic equivalent instead

The only thing that satisfies me on this purchase is the Leica dot... that I can say that Ive owned a Leica for once in my life.

Otherwise, the picture quality is not worth the price (I bought mine Hong Kong two months ago for, equivalent to 780 USD). Try to tinker with white balance, try shade for example, and even with ample light, shots will exhibit noise and aberration. A simple sun reflecting on a calm beach, this camera will meter wrongly.

Buy the Panasonic equivalent instead. It still has a 'Leica' label around the lens!

Then spend the differemce on say the Olympus shockproof/waterproof for your snorkeling/scuba trips. I discovered just two weeks ago that Olympus has this model. I could have gone with this combination if I knew that Olympus has this early on.

Ah that red dot is expensive.


Rating :

Highest Rating In Market Niche

...the leica d-lux 3 is probably the best current camera for its intended market niche...as an extremely portable/travel/back-up digital camera for your primary digital and/or film camera...

...high points: the lens is typical leica (camera purist will understand what this means)...16:9 aspect pictures...wide viewing screen...full manual controls...anti-shake stablizer...28mm - 105mm vario elmarit (2.8 - 4.9)...low-light photography potential...

...no, the d-lux 3 will not out-perform a canon d5 or nikon d200, or for that matter, a leica digi2 or digi3...but then again, it was never intended to as a $600 pocket digital...

...but then again, the d-lux 3 has created a photographic genra in its own right...the use of grain as an artistic counter-part to the use of shallow depths of field...

...an outstanding little digital camera that now travels with me everywhere...

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. 5.0 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality prints up to 11 x 17
2. 3.2x optical zoom and 3x digital zoom (9.6x total)
3. Classic SLR setting ring controls on lens and shutter speed dial; 2.5-inch LCD
4. Compatible with Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards; 64 MB SD card included
5. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery; connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0

Editorial Review :

The new LEICA DIGILUX 2 camera combines the best of two worlds. In the new LEICA DIGILUX 2, modern digital technology and the proven concepts of traditional analog photography are joined in a harmonious combination: decisive photographic parameters such as sharpness, aperture, focal length and shutter speeds can be controlled like those on a classic single-lens-reflex camera by means of setting rings on the lens and a shutter speed dial.To ensure the best pictorial results, the lens, the sensor and the electronics are optimally tailored to one another. The 2/3-inch CCD sensor is very large for its resolution of 5 million pixels. This combination of a high-performance lens and a large surface per picture element produces an extraordinary pictorial quality.

Customer Review :

Nice to look at, good conversation starter, but very flawed.

Pros:

Quality of the photographs (especially in black & white) which have the "Leica" look;

Leica construction, fit & finish. The camera is mostly metal rather than plastic and has a two tone silver and black markings. It's built like a tank & beautiful to behold. (However, some photographers prefer the less flashy solid black color of the Panasonic DMC-LC1 twin and roll their eyes at the Digilux 2's attempt to imitate the look of the classic "Leica Rangefinder" camera.

Leica warranty and repair are of a very high quality and are unmatched in the industry;

Given that the Digilux 2 represents one of the first attempts by Leica to produce a digital camera, the look of the photographs it produces and the limited production run, this camera may become a collectors item.

The camera garners much attention from others that may be familiar with the Leica brand or history (quite a conversation starter);

Cons:

High price. At first glance, the Panasonic twin (DMC-LC1) is a much better deal (At the time of this review, it's 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a Leica) if you're willing to forgo the "red dot" and put up with a bit more plastic.

Unusual sized 69 millimeter camera lens width means that third party lens-filters are rare and expensive. Limited types of Leica lens filters are available, but are insanely expensive.

What other limited Leica accessories are available are very, very expensive compared to the cost of accessories for other brand cameras.

The camera garners much attention from others that may be familiar with the Leica brand or history (quite a conversation starter);

The camera has point & shoot features and specifications, but it's big & heavy compared to the typical point & shoots. It wont fit in your pocket (unless you wear "Joey Butafuco" clown pants). Also, for those still unashamed to wear "butt packs", you'd need one the size of "Grandma's purse" to carry this camera around in. If you want to do more "unobtrusive" photography, the DLux 3 is the Leica to get.

Full Review:

I've owned a Leica Digilux 2 for two years. The camera has very high quality construction. More metal than plastic. It has an amazing lens that can't be purchased apart from the camera body. Most color and all B & W images have a "Leica" look. Even the die-hard Leica film camera fans have to admit there is something special about the photographs this camera produces.

It's overpriced compared to its Panasonic twin (Panasonic DMC-LC1) and other brand cameras with similar feature, so I initially regretted my purchase. The camera sensor broke after two years of very easy use. Apparently, a good number of the Digilux 2's had sensors installed that did not meet Leica's quality control requirements. A good number of them are now failing. Fortunately, Leica is repairing the malfunction free of charge. They appear to be doing so for all of the Digilux 2 cameras even if they are out of warranty, were purchased on the grey-market or if they were purchased second-hand. As of today, Panasonic with the same sensors in the DMC-LC1 is not providing this level of protection and hassle free repair. I can't think of any Japanese, Korean or American company that would provide this type of protection to their customers and their reputation. For this reason, I no longer regret spending the extra money for the Leica camera.

Some reviews complain about the viewfinder and LCD image quality. I wasn't happy with the resolution either, until I realized that the little dial on the side of the viewfinder provides a way to adjust the resolution and focus of the viewfinder image. After reading the instruction manual and making a slight adjustment, I find the view finder more than adequate. I suspect that some reviewers may not have read the instruction manual and made this adjustment before writing their review.

The Leica lens has a non-standard width of 69mm. This means that third party lens filters are almost nonexistent and expensive even if you manage to find one. Forget about finding a non-Leica lens hood. A third-party adapter ring can bump the filter size up to a more standard 72mm or 77mm size, however I've found that non-Leica brand filters (even the expensive ones) seem to degrade the quality of the photographs too much.

There are third-party wireless flash triggers and wireless shutter controls available that work with the camera and that are relatively inexpensive. These help with portrait photography and low light photography and work nicely. Don't buy the Leica SF24D flash to use with the Digilux 2. It's a fixed-head flash and is very expensive. Panasonic and Metz make much better flash units for the same or less money that will work well.

I would have given the camera five stars if it weren't for the price, and the fact that the sensor failed prematurely for such an expensive camera. If Leica had not repaired the broken sensor free of charge, I would have given two stars at with a note that the camera would be a wonderful camera but would only work for about two years. Hope you found this review helpful.

12-15-08 Updated review:

Leica took over 1 year to repair the broken sensor. In fact, they lost my camera I sent in for repair and sent me another refurbished one. Leica digital cameras and their service department are not ready for prime time. I would change my star rating to 2 stars if I could and would suggest a potential buyer wait 3 or 4 years to see if Leica is still in business before spending money on their cameras.

Rating :

Excellent!!! Don't hesitate to buy it

Okay ----- many people have criticized me for buying a $1,400 digital camera, that is almost 2 years old and has only 5 megapixels

they were wrong to criticize

I ordered the camera about a week ago (early August, 2005) and just received it today ---- I have spent all day shooting with it, and I am deeply happy that I purchased it

so let's go over pros and cons, etc -

1. The Director in Us ---- Personally, I'm a filmmaker --- I'm not crazy about cinematography, and for me, I know enough about cameras to take it seriously, but at the end of the day, I see it as a personal hobby ------ this is OUR kind of camera ------ no interchangable lenses to deal with and complete manuel controls

2. Lense ----- the lense is terrific, and Leica glass is awesome ---- I'm having a good time looking at all the pics I took over my iPhoto, and there a clear difference between my Nikon/Sony pics versus the Leica ----- however, as mentioned, the lense is NOT changable ------ for me, I like this because I'm not interested in carrying 5 lenses to a bunch of locations ------ but for true photographers, this is a problem - so keep that in mind

3. RINGS!!!!!!! ----- Rings for ZOOM, Aperture, and FOCUS ---- I'm in hog heaven!!! There is nothing on this camera that isn't controlled manually, whether it be the rings, the shutter speed, or anything else ----- that is the best part!!!! With the exception of White Balance, I think everything is contolled by either a switch or a ring - which is neat!

4. On Board Light Meter ------ the light meter here is adjustable and very accurate ---- I depended on it whenever I set the aperture, and was very pleased with the results ---- in addition, if you hate the pic, you can always erase it

5. Stability ---- I shot all day in 4 fps and 2 fps shutter speed modes, and impressively, the camera never showed any blurred lines, provided that I held it still (however, I didn't have to stand like a statue)

6. CloseUps ----- closeups were great ----- the focus could probably focus anything in front of me, probably anything that is farther than six inches or more

7. BURST shooting ---- you can set the camera to shoot in bursts of 3 or 5 ---- this is a fun mode and works well with the camera

8. FLASH ---- I can't stand digital cameras with flashes that are way too strong ---- the flash on this is simple, quick, and not very strong ---- but good enough to produce great imaging

9. COMPRESSION ---- I took most of my pics in the LOWEST compression of JPEG, and they are beautiful -- most of them are less than one megabyte in size and very nice looking ---- in comparison, the high compression pics do look better, but there isn't much difference

Are there cons? For some, one lense is a con, but not for me ------- I shot all my pics in JPEG (my fav format) but I hear that the RAW can be slow ---- when shooting in JPEG, the camera was very fast to write each pic and move on

Don't let the 5 megapixel thing scare you ----- the pictures are gorgeous!

I even tried the latest Rebel by Canon today, and I'm just glad that I picked the Leica

Did I also mention that this camera just looks COOL too???

I'm just having too much fun with all of the manual settings at my disposal

Highly recommended for the Liebowitz in all of us!

Rating :

The Difference Between Photography and Just Taking Pictures

I am very much an amateur who had been using one of the older S series 2 megapixel Canon Digital Elph cameras for several years. Recently, I decided to upgrade, and considered purchasing the 7 megapixel Power Shot S70 before instead opting to move not only up in megapixels but also over into the realm of true photography. After some careful research concerning the tools I'd need,I stepped up and bought a Digilux 2.

In a word, it is awesome

The bottom line here is that is that most amateurs who tote along a digital camera to take some pictures on holiday seem to think that megapixels are everything.

This is a flawed mindset, for several reasons. First, assuming that all you want are some snapshots to serve as memories or to email to your friends and relatives, then a modestly priced 3 megapixel miniature model will serve quite nicely. Viewed on a typical computer screen or printed out as small pics, the subtlties of fidelity in image reproduction that pro and semi-pro reviewers go into on any of the plethora of available websites will typically go unnoticed to the rank amateur. If this is your cup of tea, then spending $1500+ for any digital camera, much less one with, gasp, ONLY 5 megapixels will seem and be totally unnecessary.

But if it's photography you wish to persue, then realize first and foremost that unless you want to produce really large prints, provided you have a reasonable minimum of 4 megapixels or so, that image quality doesnt come from megapixels but from the photographer and the lens. All the megapixels in the universe can not and will not make up for the limitations of a mediocre or miniaturized lens (or a poor artist) After all, your system will ultimately always be limited by its weakest component.

The best trained doctor cant perform quality microsurgery with a rusty butter knife, even if he is trying to do so in the world's highest tech operating room

And when it comes to glass, Leica Summicron simply has no peer. Every digital camera I had ever worked with or whose output I had seen typically produced pictures that were somehow, "soft", is the best way to describe it. Until the Digilux 2. The color fidelity, sharpness, and overall OOMPH of the images produced by this lens are incomparable. I dont know the exact words to describe the technical reasons for this, but I suggest that if you are considering this camera, then find someone who has one, and take ANY prosumer level digital camera of your choice along and do side by side comparisons of pictures taken with the two. You'll either appreciate the difference or you wont. If you dont, then stop right here. If you do, you'll buy a Digilux 2 post-haste.I guarantee it!

The pros -
1.First and foremost, the lens and the incomparable image quality it renders.

2.Next, the LCD. Most cameras have one that leaves you guessing at best as to what kind of picture you've REALLY taken. This one is big enough to not leave this to guesswork. The biggest overall advantage to digital photography is the ability to see what you've got and if need be, discard the pic and shoot again without having to wait for your developed film. This advantage is lost if your LCD leaves you guessing.

3.Elegant and functional ergonomics, logical menus, and silky smooth (if occasionally frustratingly slow) operations. Traditionalists will immediately take to the, well, traditional, setting rings on the lens. Refined might be the best adjective to use here. The camera has a simple but stylish "retro" look and a solid and quality feel to the all the components including the body itself.

4. The bounce flash feature is neat. Not $1500 neat in and of itself, but a nice touch that helps remind you of the difference between high end and the everyday

The cons
1.The lack of a RAW buffer means that the camera must finish writing one RAW file before you can shoot the next. Even with the fastest SD cards currently available, this means your rapid sequance capabilities will be rather severely limited in RAW mode (Figure 5 seconds or so between shots) Remember what I said about a system being limited by its worst component? This IS the Achilles heel of this camera IMHO.

2. It's BIG. For someone used to the ease and unobtrusiveness of a pocket sized-miniature, I am still trying to find the best way to tote it around and not feel a little laden down.

3. There are some hidden expenses. You can buy one from a Leica dealer at around $1500 delivered, but figure to be into the system for a little over $2000 when it's said and done

a.You'll need to spend some dough to buy two SD cards with the speed and capacity to do justice to this camera. At least 512, and better yet 1 Gig. One to use and a backup is worth the expense to ensure that a card malfunction doesnt ever shut you down for the day. And if you even think you might want to explore the possibilities of shooting RAW, you'll need a fast card like the Sandisk Ultra II or Extreme III, or you'll find that transfer times are way too long. Figure $150-$250 for two good fast cards

b. You will also want to buy a UV filter, if for nothing else than to protect that magnificent lens. Leica sizes are such that you cant expect to walk into any run-of-the-mill camera shop and find one (I actually had an employee of a well known retail chain look at me like I was from Mars when I told him I needed a 69mm filter, claiming that no such beast existed). Filters can be found of course, and can be had for $60 or $70, but if you want to go with Leica brand, it'll be $100-$120. Compare this to $15 or so for an off-brand filter in a more standard size.

c. For macro work, you'll want a cable release to overcome the problem of camera shake. The Leica Cr-DC1 will run you $75-$90

d. A small tripod ($20 or less for a table mount model) is money well spent.

e. An extra Leica BP-DC1 battery for the same reason you carry an extra SD card - $30-$40

f. An external flash unit for the more serious. The Leica SF-24D runs $250-$300

g. A cardreader - The Digilux uses a standard size SD card. A one function reader can be as cheap as $10. One that has ports for any memory device currently available is around $35

These little extras are individually trivial compared to the cost of the camera, but they do add up.

On a side note, I dont personallly see much need for a digital wallet, or image tank, as they are otherwise known. Yes it's a backup copy of your images, but if you paranoid about losing pics to corrupted date files, you can usually find a copy shop or somesuch that'll burn your stuff to disc for $10 or so

4. The electronic viewfinder is subpar compared to the rest of the camera. For those used to using one, it may well prove a disappoitment. I am used to lining up shots using the LCD, so to me, this is not a real issue, save to say that it wouldve been more aesthetically appealing if the rangefinder was of the same quality as the rest of the camera. If this would be a real issue for you, I'd suggest getting an accessory optical finder

5.When in autofocus mode, it is very easy to inadvertantly and unknowingly slip it from normal to macro. This typically happens when zooming. A few ruined shots, and it'll be second nature to double check, but it's a pain in the behind

6. That gigantic LCD? So big that it can be challenging to handle the camera without occasionally smudging the LCD with finger grease.

7. Numerous reviews that I researched were about unanimous in their opinion that image quality was rather badly compromised by noise at ISO 400. I havent yet experimented with that setting

8.Some might have an issue with the lack of lens interchangabiltiy in this price range. I for one am convinced, however, that one great lens beats a bagful of also-rans


Originally through Dec 31, 2004, and then extended through the end of January, Leica had program whereby buying a new Digilux entitled you to send in for an extra battery and an external flash unit. The end of that deal corresponded almost exactly with a drop in retail price from the $1700-$1850 range to $1450-$1600. Basically, it's about a wash

Some folks take issue with the fact that the camera is in fact produced in Japan, and that the electronics are made by Panasonic. To that I say, "Big deal" Remember, what you buying here is above all Leica quality glass - whether it's made by a guy who orders his dinner in German or Japanese isnt really important

As for the version of this camera with the same combo of eletronics and lens but branded Panasonic? It's about $300 cheaper. You are very much paying for the little red dot. But bottom line, the two camera could be identical and yet when it comes to either resale value, collectability (if any digital cameras ever achieve that status) or just prestige - as illogical as it might seem to some, Leica has it, and Panasonic doesnt and wont. Some might argue with me, but I say if you're going to step this far up, then dont not take the last little step

The competition? I suppose one could cite the Canon Digital Rebel, the Nikon D70, or the Panasonic brand version of the Digilux. Leica would of course say that they HAVE no competition. Follow my advice and take the time to do the legwork to track down a Digilux owner so you can try it out and do some side by side comparison. You'll either "get it" or you wont. Either way, your decision to buy or not buy will be clear cut.

To sum it up, for the artist, great glass is at the root of outstanding pictures. If you understand this,it might well be the resson you havent yet gone digital. This issue is now moot, provided you can afford the privilege.

Only 4 stars and not 5 because it does have a few equivalents of the cup-holders in a BMW

As for this camera becoming obsolete. Advances in technology may forever expand the bounds of what is possible. When this happens, medicority becomes obsolete, and quickly. Quality on the other hand, will forever stand as a classic


Rating :

I'm sorry, this does not deserve to have the LEICA name on it

Being a foto fan, I have always dreamed having a LEICA. Since I strongly believe in the Digital Age, I thought this is my opportunity to have the future of Leica.
I had an enormous disappointment with the camera and the quality of the pictures. I made an extensive research online and found many positive things and ratings, so I bought it. Maybe this camera had something wrong in it. I compared the same picture moment and conditions with pictures of a canon S50 and believe it or not... the canon pictures were much more impressive.
The worst I found in this camera was the digital viewfinder. I could never get a good focus with this technology... too complicated! You need to view a small box inside the vewfinder that changes so you can focus. This is a camera for a foto artist, this camera is for manual focusing and usage... believe me, you dont want to focus with a digital viewfinder... it is a terrible idea. At least not with this technology. There is not a better technology to focus than "what you see is what you get"!
So until LEICA understands more about digital photography I will have to wait. I changed the Digilux 2 with a Canon 20d. Now... that is a GREAT camera. Dont waste your money in a brand that is just entering the digital age. They have allot to learn. Canon is many years ahead of this guys.

Rating :

Observation

My familiarity with this camera is limited to the information on amazon.com, so my observations should be taken as that of a spectator rather than a true critical review. Nevertheless, we all make judgments as to purchases without actually handling the item, especially on-line. This is based on the criteria I would apply if I were considering purchasing this item.

I would expect a camera in the $1500 range to have more than a 3.2x optical zoom. Cameras costing less than one-third of that now have up to 10x optical zoom. 3x optical zoom is rapidly being relegated to low-end or ultra-compact cameras, neither of which fits the Leica. It is more in the price range of digital SLRs with interchangeable lenses, so I would expect a more powerful lens if there is no option to change it.

Rating :

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