Leica 'Digilux 2' 5MP Digital Camera with 3.2x Optical Zoom

by Leica

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

Product Details

Product Manual [1.61mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000182FHW
• Item model number: 18263
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,393 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 15, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

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. The Leica Digilux 2 at a glance

• Fast 7 - 22.5 mm LEICA DC VARIO SUMMICRON f/2 - f/2.4 ASPH. zoom lens (equivalent to a 28 - 90 mm zoom lens on a 35 mm camera)
• 2/3" CCD sensor with 5.0 million pixels
• Analog photography feeling conveyed by manual setting possibilities directly at the lens
• Its traditional clear design readily identifies it as a typical Leica
• Transfer-reflexive 2,5" display with a resolution of 211,000 pixels and outstanding brilliance
• Electronic viewfinder with 235,000 pixels that covers 100% of the picture being taken
• Extra large picture storage card with 64 MB
• Interval timing and control via the PC
• Connections: USB 2.0 (High Speed); DC IN; AV output with option of PAL or NTSC; Remote release cable
• Extremely robust and long-lived because of the use of high-grade materials and precision fabrication

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 104 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars EXPENSIVE, BUT WELL WORTH THE COST! December 30, 2004

By William V. Mcclung

31 DEC 04: Let me preface this review with a little personal history. I have been taking photographs for 53 years and ran a part-time wedding photography business for 24 years. I fought the change to digital for years, but finally succumbed in 2002. Since that time, I have never looked back. The Digilux 2 is my sixth digital camera and I can honestly say it takes better photographs than any of my other cameras, including my Nikon D-100. The Nikon is more flexible, with interchangable lenses, but the Leica is much more portable and intuitive.

Some might complain that the camera is "only" a five megapixel unit. But, there are megapixels and there are megapixels....not all are created equal. The CCD on the Digilux 2 is very large, providing larger megapixels. This solves a lot of problems currently being experienced by high-megapixel "pro-sumer" cameras and creates stunning photographs.

Having used range-finders and other "analog" cameras for many years, the Leica is like an old friend. There is no other digital camera on the market that is easier to use, when switching from "automatic" to manual or shutter/f-stop priority. This camera is usable by everyone, from a beginner (just go "full auto", until you learn more about the camera's capabilities) to a professional.

The Digilux 2 is built like a tank and will stand years of service and abuse. The LCD is HUGE, as well as being the clearest and brightest I have ever seen. It's usable even in bright sunlight. The built-in straight or bounce flash capability is extremely useful.

My only complaint is that Leica should have made the switch from "Autofocus" to "Autofocus-Macro" a little stiffer.... It's easy to move the switch and not be aware that you have done so (if you set the display to show the switch position, it is easy to check through the viewfinder before you take the shot). With all the other things going for it, I will not let that minor thing keep me from giving the camera a full five stars.

If you can afford it, the Digilux 2 will serve you well for many years.

UPDATE (5 JAN 05): Now that I have used this camera for a longer period of time, I would like to add some additional thoughts/information, based on that usage. (1) Because of the weight, configuration, minimum shutter lag, and lack of "monkey motion" (flipping mirrors, etc.), it is extremely easy to hand-hold the Digilux 2 at low shutter speeds that would be impossible with digital SLRs or most other digital cameras. Check out the sample photos on this site, many of them taken hand-held at 1/20th - 1/25th sec. (2) The depth-of-field is amazing, even at F-2.0. (3) The "out-of-the-camera color is the best of any digital camera I have ever owned or used, including top-of-the-line SLRs. (4) The custom white balance settings are quick, easy, and spot on. (5) The tonal values, when the camera is set on B&W are outstanding. (6) Contrast is also outstanding. BOTTOM LINE: I am in love!.
UPDATE 2 MAR 05: Check out the two new photos I have added. The landscape photo has been enlarged to 16 x 20 by a custom shop the level of detail is incredible (even the horses at the bottom right of the photo have amazing detail). This camera has an OUTSTANDING lens/sensor combination. Read more ›

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Difference Between Photography and Just Taking Pictures March 2, 2005

By Leitz Fan

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 Read more ›

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Traditional Design in the Digital Age June 3, 2004

By kkrome25

AESTHETICS: The Leica Digilux 2 can be described as a modern "retro" design. The body style is a direct descendant of the M6 and those before it. The body looks huge. It is about 33% larger than an M6, but this isn't readily apparent until you set it next to any Leica M chassis. There is a gaudy overabundance of faux chrome in the back. This is the least appealing part of the camera, because of the chrome finish that surrounds and accentuates the presence of the LCD monitor. I would have preferred a more predominant use of either a black finish or the faux leather. The rubber around the eyepiece is bulbous, but acceptable. Overall, it is a handsome camera.

ERGONOMICS: What sold me are the traditional manual adjustments: The focusing ring, the aperture ring, zoom adjustment, and shutter speed dial are so much more workable in the field. You do not have to take your eye away from the viewfinder like you would with touch pads and four-way rocker switches. Leave that for reviewing the recorded images. The box construction has the familiar feel of an M body, but weighs less. The "grippy" black rubber finish is handsome and remotely resembles leather. The flash has two positions: press halfway and it will set up for bounce flash. Press all the way down, and it will point directly towards the subject.

PRACTICALITIES: At the average price of about $1850 U.S. dollars, one would have to factor in the name. But also figure in the build quality.... There is the magnesium body, real metal hinges on the doors (which are designed beautifully), traditional aperture ring, manual & auto focusing, shutter speed dial, superior image processing (for markedly lower noise levels than the competition), aspherical Summicron lens, larger than average lcd monitor; and a few more, but the general impression is that it's built well. The baseplate is bare, but there are three 1/8" diameter round rubber feet, and one round plastic foot that is molded out of the battery door itself. Attention to small details are what I like about the Leica. For example, the camera strap also comes with two leatherette scuff protectors that fit around the camera strap eyelets. And not only is a lens cap included, but a lens cap for the lens shade.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The photographs are the bottom line. The images and image quality are on par with the pro-level dslr's. There is a real Summicron aboard this camera, and of it, I rest assured. There are and will be cameras with higher pixel counts, but I've come to realize that if most of my photographs will be printed smaller than 11" x 14," then I am not lacking with the five megapixels. I've compared identical images side by side with images from my Olympus C8080, and the Digilux 2's images can almost qualify as 8 megapixel images!! Magnify both the C8080 & the Digilux 2's images to 200%, and the Leica wins convincingly. This is not a point-and-shoot, as most would regard it as such. It can be set up for that if you wish, but the manual focusing, aperture and shutter adjustments make the D2 a capable tool for anybody who pursues photography seriously. Read more ›