Customer Reviews

Leica D-Lux 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Can you get more digital camera for $750? Absolutely. Much in the same way you can get more GB/$ from some MP3 players than you can from an iPod. But try to "outcool" it, and you'll fail. Same situation here.

This is the ultimate stylish pocket-size point-and-shoot camera. It's retro. It's timeless and it's a Leica. Cool factor aside, Lecia is second only to Hasselblad in reputation in the world of photography and it wouldn't let a dog out of its shop. The quality of the photos from this pocket rocket are tremendous.

Note that this camera is not purely Leica. It is the result of a collaboration with Panasonic which provides the electronics. But the lens, arguably the most important component, is a Leica. Panasonic makes essentially the same camera but in a cheap plastic at about half the price. That takes excellent shots as well.

At 3MP, it's starting to show its age from a technology standpoint, but this isn't the camera you'd use to shoot anything for printing larger than 8x10 anyway.

This has got to be the finest 3 megapixel camera ever manufactured. I was comparing this to a 5MP Panasonic Lumix for the longest time because of the equipped Leica lens. I wasn't sure if Leica had produced such similar digital camera until I did some search and came across the beautiful D-LUX model. What I like best about the Leica D-LUX is the timelessness of its design - one look and you know it's a quality piece and the trademark of Leica. Apart from the solid anodized aluminum metal construction, the photos do me justice! I took photos at pitch dark in auto mode with only the flash and the exposures were like from a studio with full lighting, its got amazing color balance. I could not believe the capability of this machine and it's incredible! Although noise level above ISO 100 is noticeable (photo journalist-magazine quality?). This camera almost doubled the cost compared to the Lumix FX8 (again, a 3MP vs 5MP) but worth it for the quality of photos and the construction of how it was built, like back in the good ol' days with pride. Also included is a generously packaged handsome Presentation Box with matching Leather Cases for the camera and two Batteries (yes, 2) along with a larger than usual 64MB SD card. Leica also compliments a free brand new HP photosmart145 printer with this purchase. At this cost, one can only wonder why...and it's worth every dollar spent!

Tips for reducing "Noise/Grainy" photos:
For daylight shots: Use "P" mode on the dial; on the Menu button, set to ISO 50 and adjust the "W. Balance" to (Cloudy Day) and you should get photos with vibrant colors and it should result to minimum or no noise effects.
Now, for night shots: On the dial, use the *Star* mode, repeat the same and adjust W. Balance to (Tungsten) and reduce its ISO setting, preferrably 100-200 and keep the flash ON! Take a few test shots until you get the desired results and lighting for low lit areas, but you MUST hold still like a rock if you're not using tripods, otherwise WAIT and not move a millimeter per the instruction from the screen (this is the price you pay for not using a tripod, but worth the fun).
There are endless possibilities with this piece of gem, so READ THE MANUAL thoroughly and play along!

Pros:
It's a Leica!
Packaging,
Imaging,
Design & Rugged Construction,
64 MB SD Card,
2 Batteries,
Leather Appointments
FREE HP photosmart 145 printer!

Cons:
Noticeable noise above ISO 100
No Anti-Shake or Image Stabilizer support
Thickness
Wish it was at least 4MP
Battery life is virtually useless (it could have gotten 5 stars if wasn't for this problem)

I have had this camera for over 3 years, still love it. Although only 3 MP, it produces crisp sharp pictures at average jpeg compression, final quality far superior to a number of recent 6+ MP.
This confirms the critical importance of lens quality and low noise.
The camera is fast, use is easy. The lcd looks small by today's standards but usable. The design, the handling are close to perfect. My camera has experienced all sorts of incidents during my trips around the world (felt several times, got hot, humid, etc.), minor scratch that's all.
Only problem after over 3 years: battery life is giving up, I need to buy new batteries. I can find replacements for $15 or 12, no big deal.
Don't ignore as used just because it's only 3 MP, it will give you more satisfaction than most recent more expensive 6+ MP cameras

First Leica Digital Camera . I use ISO at 50 , as a previous Reviewer suggested and Cloudy Setting . Recent snow pictures were Great ! I own quite a few Digital Cameras , and I feel this D Lux is probably the simplest and the one I will gravitate to using mostly ! Quality is so obvious , I just love this camera , even though I am still new to usage thereof . R E Keay