5 comments about Leica Digilux 4.3 2.4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom.

1. This is indeed a great camera to use, full of features and provides high quality images. If you are having problems finding this model it is also available as the Fuji Finepix 4700 Camera. Fuji designed, and manufactures this camera.



2. I asked for this camera for christmas a got it(horay)! The main reason was that I thought it had the highest resolution 4.3 megapix. In fact it does not and Fuji who made it have had to change their advertising which has been called misleading. It is like a 2.3 megapixal but used some funny formula to produce data files that have 4.3 megapizals, but the original picture does not. HOWEVER - it takes really great pictures and can do movies for up to 80 seconds (with included 32mb sancard) There are a wide range of settings - full automatic, manual, movie, night time, 'rapid fire' that takes 3 pictures one after another. The controls are easy to learn and can be manipulated with one hand. It is relatively small and fits in a pocket. I was pleased to find a macro attatchment for it (you also have to by a small base stand to attatch this to the camera). this allows you to take extreme close ups mainly of skin which is good for me as a Dermatologist! Although it does have difficulty with colors at extreme close ups, it has no problem that I can see without the macro. The pictures is produces are really great. I also have an Epsonn 875 color printer, when combind with good photographic paper to print on they really do look like amazing pictures. Now - I have not used digital cameras before so I can not really compare it, but I have seen other frineds camera and I really like my one. It is not as small as those Cannon Elfs. It only uses rechargeable batteries. Make sure you buy it online - it is at least... more expensive in most stores. Enjoy. Oh yea, it comes with easy to use software.



3. Regardless of what the numbers say, this camera is a (roughly) 2.1 megapixel system that uses a process similar to television "line doubling" to effect its claimed 4.3 megapixel resolution. While that is true, it also true that the pictures it takes are plenty sharp without "doctoring" and will easily enlarge to 5" x 7" without becoming grainy. This is in no small part a result of excellent optics. In addition, the true (optical) 3X zoom is excellent, and its ability to shoot rather long movies (80 secs with sound) is a nice plus. Having said all that in its favor, it is still (IMHO) *way* overpriced, mostly because it has the Leica name on it. You can buy the same camera with the Fuji name on it (model 4700) and save hundreds!



4. This little camera delivers awesome high resolution pictures in three scaleable sizes and video. Although no longer available on open market it can be found on the web through camera dealers. With the 32MB smartmedia card one can take from 18 high resolution (1700KB)photographs to 500 basic (50KB) resolution photographs. Downloading is fast with USB and Exif Viewer.
   I use it in school regularly, as a middle school geography- social studies teacher accuracy and efficiency are important to me and my students -- clarity of picture is fundamental. The Leica Digilux 4.3 produces clean, clear stills for all but the fastest action shots. If you need action, use the 90 second video feature. I've owned and used this camera for two trouble-free years. It is invaluable.



5. I recently acquired a Used L DL4.3 , and I am very impressed with both the Camera , and its general qualities ! Form , Fit and Function have produced a Low Pixel device , but a real producer of quite good pictures ! Slow in comparison to current Market Cameras , but it has a general Feel of " Leica , irrespective of Fuji ' s design , and production ! I paid $125. on ebay , and am really enjoying My " Find " ! Fuji's Finepix 4700 is the identical Model , and some are still available !!! R E Keay

5 comments about Leica Digilux 1 3.9MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom.

1. This camera has exceeded my expectations of what any digital camera should be. I was fearful during the purchasing process because I read "pro" reviews for this camera that were not favorable. They complained about severe noise at ISO 200 & 400. Luckily, I do not use these settings very often, I use a tripod and long exposures for low-light situations if I have to.

   The real test occured when I held this camera for the first time--wonderful! My favorite physical qualities of this piece of art are the well-placed levers (yes I said levers, much like a Leica M), manual focus/settings and magnesium housing. The large display is very useful. I've gotten many + comments about the camera's superb design.

   More important than physical prowess though, OPTICS. This is what sets the Digilux apart from its competitors. Fast and clear, enough said.

   One last note, I bought the optional Filter Adapter at a local camera shop... Ohhh, what I'm willing to pay for Leica quality. With the adapter screwed on, the lense cap does not fit. This is a minor detail because filters offer protection and you can get an aftermarket cap that fits. Soon I will add accessories (wide-angle lense, more filters) to increase the camera's photo possibilities.

   It's truly first class.




2. ..if you aren't obstinately attached to the brand. Aesthetics apart ('big', 'boxy' come to mind) this is NOT the camera you should go for if you want anything beyond an ISO of about a 100 -- and this is not coming from a point-and-click amateur. Yes, the manual controls are charming but if alternative brands offer me a better device (primarily, better pics, i.e.) with a lighter price tag, I begin to question.

   WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT THE DIGILUX:

   (1) Very, very fast response times in its class. This alone could be a dream criterion for some of you.
   (2) A spacious monitor on the cam, bigger than matching Olympus, Canon or Nikon offerings.
   (3) The much vaunted manual controls, no need for reflex cams.
   (4) The Summicron lens, which leads to good pictures if the only alternative you have owned is a Sony entry-level point and shoot. If you have ever worked with a Nikon D100 or a Canon G3 (or above) then the quality difference is minimally incremental.

   WHAT'S NOT:

   (1) The price tag. For me, just the name doesn't cut it.
   (2) Sub-par battery life.
   (3) .mov format for the movies? Why?
   (4) Think about where you'll be getting your tech support. It's not very easy.
   (5) The reference guide is a pain to comprehend.
   (6) A lean 2x optiocal zoom, which is also a bit deceiving - the imaging chip is so small, you can almost NEVER achieve background blur for portraits, or any other form of professional photography.
   (7) Where's the noise reduction that is so COMMON with other competitors?
   (8) A hood for the lens would've been nice.
   (9) WB when using a flash is too bluish green.
   (10) Ugly body (ok, this is subjective) -- almost seems tailor made for big German hands.
   (11) Where's RAW?

   SUMMARY:

   I know a Leica when I see one. If you're looking for a digi version of the M6, this isn't it. I wonder why other reviewers would rate a product based on the halo of its overall brand. I'd wait for a revised version of this offering from Leica, their lens is worth the wait. Meanwhile, consider Nikon D100s (or even 5700) or Canon's EOS (or G5 etc) if you are in the market for a digital.




3. The true measure of this camera is the quality of the pictures it produces. Here's my take on the reasons this camera takes such stunning shots (and is worth the cost):

   1. Button speed. You will actually capture the moment you are looking for with this camera. Most digital cameras take bland pictures because, well, what they are taking a picture of is not interesting and the moment has passed. With this camera your eye will tell you when the picture is right, and blam! You'll have it captured.

   2. Lens quality. The blacks are blacker, the whites are whiter, the colors are richer. Things are sharper. Nobody can deny Leica produces top-quality lenses.

   3. Feel good controls. The camera body is Magnesium and feels fantastic. With it in your hands, it has a tendancy to outclass it's wearer, like a suit that's a bit too expensive for the occasion. An interesting thing happens, you will try to take better pictures. Don't underestimate this effect. Due to the excellent simplicity of the controls, when you do try to become an expert, you actualy can because the camera doesn't get in the way or make you squint endlessly at onscreen menus to change settings.

   These are three very simple things that combine to make a very unique camera. I don't believe you'll find all of these things combined in any other digital camera.

   Some have said there's a strange pattern or pixelation when zoomed WAY in on images on screen. Two responses:

   1. You aren't going to spend any time zoomed in on pictures on your computer when looking at them in a normal manner. At display resolutions, these pictures are as clear or clearer than any from Canon, or Sony comparable models.

   2. This *may* actually be intentional on Leica's part. If you print out a picture from this camera, it is always stunning, even at full size or larger. Some liken this to a stochastic (look it up) printing process. Whatever the case, find a print sample your self from this camera, there's no denying the overall effect more artistic and is a cut above simiar competitive brands.

   I have had zero issues with this camera since ordering it from Amazon 8 months ago. My only complaint is that the Digilux 2 is even better...




4. I love my Leica. It is rock solid and it takes nice pictures. It is true that there are some noise problems in iso 200 and 400, but hey then I just use iso 100 for indoor shots. That requires longer opening times and can give blurry pictures, but usually I just set it to take 4 or 8 pictures at a time and then at least one of them is usually ok. Should I buy again I would probably go for Canon Digital Rebel which is almost in the same pricerange.



5. OK, I admit that I am a sucker for the Leica name, but hey, it has meant quality and incredible optics for a very long time, so I had little difficulty choosing this camera last year when I decided to finally go digital. After one year of use, I have nothing but praise for this camera. Although I pine a bit for the Digilux 2, I am not ready to trade my Digilux 1 in and pay the premium. As a digital rangefinder, with excellent automatic and manual aspects, I have been able to satisfy both sides of my hobby: the snapshot photographer and the advanced hobbiest artist. The pictures I produce using this camera are stunning; the colors dense and true, and their ability to be manipulated in Photoshop a breeze. I highly recommend this camera to anyone considering it ... at this price, you're getting a bargain!

5 comments about Leica C-LUX 1 6MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black).

1. I bought this camera to augment my Nikon D-200, (which I love), although it is too big to tote around casually. But the Leica c lux is almost too small! It is smaller than it looks in the pictures, about the sixe of my cell phone, but packs a punch. The shutter is slower and takes some getting used to, but it catches inages with superb clarity and is very easy to use and carry. I passed on the $70 Leica case and opted for one by SONY for $22, and I carry it on my belt like a phone. I wore it while playing golf this morning and came back with sixty images. The battery lasts a long time, maybe 4 hours, and the camera quickly darts back and forth between modes. As for whether the Panasonic is just as good, sorry. The build quality of the Leica is far above the Panasonic version, and it is a real gem to look at and handle. It has re-energized my love of photography, and I will continue to carry it at all times to capture the kinds of pictures that i used to miss.



2. The Leica C-LUX 1 is a little pricey, but you get an excellent, solid camera, easy to use right out of the box. I'm 70 years old and was dead set against getting a digital camera ("you can't teach an old dog to do new tricks" school of thought) But this camera sold itself. I use a photoelectric (no cord) slave flash if I need more flash, although the on-camera flash seems adequate for a small room. The manual is easy to follow for starting to take pictures, And there is further instruction for the great variety of applications this camera is able to perform. I have the black one, although there is a silver body available. I bought the "kit" which included an extra rechargable battery and a very nice leather case for under $70.00. Picture quality is outstanding due to the incredible quality of the Leica lens and good programmed exposure and distance controls. At my age, I think this is probably a "lifetime" purchase, but who needs more for the next 50 years?



3. I looked at a lot of options to replace a great Canon digicam. Having started my love of photography as an analog SLR user, I have grown to enjoy the spontaneous photos I get with a point and shoot digital camera. In the end I decided against a "bigger" camera and chose the Leica for the wider lense, the image stabilization and, yes, the prestige of the brand.
   
   Like any camera this size, or any size for that matter, the brighter the conditions, the better the shot. The Leica C Lux takes fantastic shots in sunlight and I haven't been displeased with shots captured with the flash or in lower light. It's a great looking little camera, and I've really enjoyed being able to slip it in my pocket. My ultimate decision was that I could have a larger camera that takes amazing pictures, but I'd never get the chance without the camera with me, or a great little camera that get very good shots, but gets them everytime because it is always with me.
   
   For brand snobs, this is certainly the camera to get. It is quite a head turner among folks who know the brand and I am often presented with the question of "what kind of camera is that" when I whip it out. That's either a turn on or a turnoff. I'd recommend choosing the camera for its wide lense, motion control and native ability to shoot in 16:9.



4. When my Canon Sureshot developed problems on a recent trip to Morocco, I purchased the Leica D-LUX 1 in the Amsterdam Airport Duty Free area. Despite the fact that the box contained four owners manuals, all in languages that weren't English, the camera was quickly familiar to me, extremely intuitive, and a fantastic thing to have stumbled upon. I purchased it for the brand name, and because I'd never seen a Leica digital camera, so I can't take credit for careful research before purchase, but boy does it take beautiful pictures. I love the wider angle lens, the crisp, rich images, the long-lasting battery, and its fantastic compactness. It easily slips in a shirt pocket if necessary, and although I used it constantly while working in rugged terrain in the Atlas Mountains ( film shoot) it functioned perfectly, and became the envy of the set as well. Let's face it, in addition to everything else, it's just downright beautiful.



5. A great camera for my highly cafinated hands!
   Highly Intuitive menuing system allows you to use EVERY feature!
   Couldn't possibly be happier with this purchase!
   Highest Marks!
   Purchase and delivery was as promised and hastle free!