| Leica 'Digilux 2' 5MP Digital Camera with 3.2x Optical Zoom |
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Product Reviews:
Leica 'Digilux 2' 5MP Digital Camera with 3.2x Optical Zoom |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Nice to look at, great conversation starter, however flawed.
Comments: Pros:
Quality of the photographs (especially in black & white) which have the "Leica" look;
Leica construction, fit & finish. The camera is almost allly metal rather than plastic and has a2tone 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 high quality and are unmatched in the industry;
Given that the Digilux 2 represents1of the 1st 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 1st 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 are 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, however are insanely expensive.
What other limited Leica accessories are available are , 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, however it's big & heavy compared to the typical point & shoots. It will not fit in your pocket (unless you wear "Joey howeverafuco" clown pants). Also, for those still unashamed to wear "howevert packs", you'd need1the 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 have owned a Leica Digilux 2 for2years. The camera has high quality construction. More metal than plastic. It has an amazing lens that can not be purchased apart from the camera body. almost all 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 after2years of easy use. Apparently, a great number of the Digilux 2's had sensors installed that did not meet Leica's quality control requirements. A great 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 not think of any Japanese, Korean or American company that would supply 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 supplies 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 alalmost all 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 have 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. do not purchase the Leica SF24D flash to use with the Digilux 2. It's a fixed-head flash and is expensive. Panasonic and Metz make much better flash units for the same or less money that will work well.
I would have given the camera5stars 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 given2stars at with a note that the camera would be a wonderful camera however would only work for about2years. 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 purchaseer wait 3 or 4 years to see if Leica is still in business before spending money on their cameras. |
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Summary: I am sorry, this does not deserve to have the LEICA name on it
Comments: 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 purchased 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 great 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 do not 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. do not 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: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Excellent!!!!!! do not hesitate to purchase it
Comments: Okay ----- many people have criticized me for purchaseing a $1,400 digital camera, that is alalmost all 2 years old and has only 5mega pixels
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 am a filmmaker --- I am not crazy about cinematography, and for me, I know enough about cameras to take it seriously, however 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 am having a great 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 am not interested in carrying 5 lenses to a bunch of locations ------ however for true photographers, this is a problem - so keep that in mind
3. RINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ----- Rings for ZOOM, Aperture, and FOCUS ---- I am 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 ething is contolled by either a switch or a ring - which is neat!!
4. On Board Light Meter ------ the light meter here is adjustable and accurate ---- I depended on it whenever I set the aperture, and was 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, supplied that I held it still (however, I did not 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 than6inches 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 not stand digital cameras with flashes that are way too strong ---- the flash on this is simple, quick, and not strong ---- however great enough to produce great imaging
9. COMPRESSION ---- I took almost all of my pics in the LOWEST compression of JPEG, and they are beautiful -- almost all of them are less than1megabyte in size and nice looking ---- in comparison, the high compression pics do look better, however there isn't much difference
Are there cons? For some,1lense is a con, however not for me ------- I shot all my pics in JPEG (my fav format) however I hear that the RAW can be slow ---- when shooting in JPEG, the camera was quick to write each pic and move on
do not let the 5mega pixel thing scare you ----- the pictures are gorgeous!!
I even tried the latest Rebel by Canon today, and I am just glad that I purchased the Leica
Did I also mention that this camera just appears COOL too???
I am just having too much fun with all of the manual settings at my disposal
Highly endorseed for the Liebowitz in all of us!! |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Observation
Comments: 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: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: The Difference Between Photography and Just Taking Pictures
Comments: I am much an amateur who had been using1of the older S series 2mega pixel Canon Digital Elph cameras for several years. Recently, I decided to upgrade, and considered purchasing the 7mega pixel Power Shot S70 before instead opting to move not only up inmega pixels however also over into the realm of true photography. After some careful research concerning the tools I'd need,I stepped up and purchased a Digilux 2.
In a word, it is awesome
The bottom line here is that is that almost all amateurs who tote along a digital camera to take some pictures on holiday seem to think thatmega pixels are ething.
This is a flawed mindset, for several reasons. 1st, assuming that all you want are some snapshots to serve as memories or to email to your friends and relatives, then a modestly priced 3mega pixel 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 less1with, gasp, ONLY 5mega pixels will seem and be totally unnecessary.
however if it's photography you wish to persue, then realize 1st and forealmost all that unless you want to produce really large prints, supplied you have a reasonable minimum of 4mega pixels or so, that image quality does not come frommega pixels however from the photographer and the lens. All themega pixels 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 can not perform quality microsurgery with a rusty howeverter 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. E 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 do not know the exact words to describe the technical reasons for this, however 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 will either appreciate the difference or you will not. If you do not, then stop right here. If you do, you will purchase a Digilux 2 post-haste.I guarantee it!!
The pros -
1.1st and forealmost all, the lens and the incomparable image quality it renders.
2.Next, the LCD. almost all cameras have1that leaves you guessing at best as to what kind of picture you've REALLY taken. This1is 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 however 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, however a nice touch that helps remind you of the difference between high end and the eday
The cons
1.The lack of a RAW buffer means that the camera must finish writing1RAW file before you can shoot the next. Even with the quickest 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 purchase1from a Leica dealer at around $1500 delivered, however figure to be into the system for a little over $2000 when it's said and done
a.you will need to spend some dough to purchase2SD cards with the speed and capacity to do justice to this camera. At least 512, and better yet 1 Gig.1to use and a backup is worth the expense to ensure that a card malfunction does not ever shut you down for the day. And if you even think you might want to explore the possibilities of shooting RAW, you will need a quick card like the Sandisk Ultra II or Extreme III, or you will find that transfer times are way too long. Figure $150-$250 for2great quick cards
b. You will also want to purchase a UV filter, if for nothing else than to protect that magnificent lens. Leica sizes are such that you can not expect to walk into any run-of-the-mill camera shop and find1(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, however 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 will 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. A1function reader can be as cheap as $10.1that has ports for any memory device currently available is around $35
These little extras are individually trivial compared to the cost of the camera, however they do add up.
On a side note, I do not 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, however 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 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, however 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 for1am convinced, however, that1great lens beats a bagful of also-rans
Originally through Dec 31, 2004, and then extended through the end of January, Leica had program whereby purchaseing a new Digilux entitled you to send in for an extra battery and an external flash unit. The end of that deal corresponded alalmost all 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 purchaseing 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 however branded Panasonic? It's about $300 cheaper. You are much paying for the little red dot. however bottom line, the2camera 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 does not and will not. Some might argue with me, however I say if you are going to step this far up, then do not not take the last little step
The competition? I suppose1could 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 will either "get it" or you will not. Either way, your decision to purchase or not purchase 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, supplied 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
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