Leica D-LUX 5 opinions

[MattKellett]

Does anyone have a Leica D-LUX5 camera or similar that you can comment on.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/736234-USA/Leica_18151_D_LUX_5_Digital_Camera.html

Image quality, ease of use, limitations etc.

I'm really interested in this camera and about the only con I can see is the lack of a viewfinder, although this can be added. But I'm seriously digging the fast lens and overall design.

Opinions?

Sample photos that you may have shot with this camera or D-LUX4, which I understand is very similar.

[nostatic]

I have a D-LUX 4 and like it a lot. The equivalent Panasonic is cheaper, though if you shoot jpeg the engine in the Leica is tweaked to give better (to my eye) results. Plus the warranty is longer but that usually isn't an issue. You're paying the red dot tax a bit.

I can't remember which shots were taken from which, but I shot a lot with both DLux3 and DLux4. A lot of these were either the 3 or 4 hk08 - Page 1

[MattKellett]

nostatic - I presume the Panasonic equivalent is the Lumix DMC-LX5. I also assume they are both made by Panasonic with the lenses supplied by Leica, or is the Leica made in Germany? I'll have to look into this.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Digital Camera (Black) DMC-LX5K B&H

It ends up around $350 cheaper. I expect at my level of photography I might not notice the difference in the processing of the photos.

But that red dot tax, as you put it, is firing on all cylinders at me......

I've wanted to own a Leica for a while now, I think that little red dot logo must be worth the money right

Although I have to say the Panasonic is tempting at that price. I think I'll be checking them both out at my local store this week.

[Dottore]

I also have a d-lux 4 and love it. It is the perfect camera for all around photography. Small, beautifully built etc.

I have heard from Leica dealers (three seperate dealers in Germany) that the d- lux 4 is better than the d-lux 5 for a number of reasons. You should read some trade reviews on this, and perhaps pick up a d-lux 4 .

[tchanson]

I've also had a D-LUX 4 for the last few years. Its a great little walk around camera.

As noted, you pay dearly for the red dot vs the Panasonic sister, but it is a nice item. Comes with a warranty twice as long as the Panasonic, and better software.

I didn't see enough difference in the D-LUX 5 to justify the trade up from my D-LUX 4.

Samples:










Tim

[MattKellett]

Originally Posted by tchanson

I've also had a D-LUX 4 for the last few years. Its a great little walk around camera.

As noted, you pay dearly for the red dot vs the Panasonic sister, but it is a nice item. Comes with a warranty twice as long as the Panasonic, and better software.

I didn't see enough difference in the D-LUX 5 to justify the trade up from my D-LUX 4.

Samples:






Tim

ummmm ..... sold!!!!!

Superb photos Tim.

Were you using auto mode for these or manual?

Dottore, I'll look do some research on the D-LUX 4 too.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by MattKellett

Dottore, I'll look do some research on the D-LUX 4 too.

Do that.

As I said, I walked into three separate Leica dealers with my D-Lux 4 to look at the D-Lux 5—and all of them told me not to even think about trading mine in because the D-Lux 4 was a much better unit. Can't remember all the reasons why...but if you check out a few sites like stevehuffphoto.com or B&H etc, they should have the skinny.

[nostatic]

I shoot video as well with the DLux4. It actually is a nice camera as long as you don't require a long lens. The payback is f2.0 at the short end and f2.8 at the long end. Fast is good.

[mph911]

I've had a D-Lux-3 for about 4 years , I shoot mainly on the Canon 5d mk11 now, however the Leica is nice as a point and shoot.
Here some old Leica shoots of mine...

[MattKellett]

Mph911 - I'm normally shooting with my canon d40, but really looking for a quality point and shot.

I'm pretty much going to pull the trigger on the D-LUX5 as it's getting some excellent reviews.

Dottore - most reviews seem to be rating the 5 over the 4, but I'll ask at the leica dealer for their opinion anyway, but as they only have the 5's I'm sure they'll rate it better too!

[mph911]

Its expensive,though you cant go past the Leica leather case... love mine.

[Super_Dave_D]

Check out the panasonic 4/3 Cameras. I have the GF2. Interchangeable lens in a small body. I dumped my Canon 40d for one. Olympus and Sony make them as well.

[GeorgeK]

Dottore,
I have read the stevehuffphoto.com reviews, and it seems the D-lux 5 has some advantages.

[Joeaksa]

I have two D-Lux cameras and like and use both of them.

Some comments above about the cost and guess I am too Scottish because almost every one of my Leica's (have a few) were purchased used. Best place I have found is the LUG, Leica Users Group, and they have a "market day" every Friday where people from around the world list used camera's and accessories. Have paid 50% or less on every one I have gotten there and never had an issue.

Joe A

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit LUG Info Page

or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to lug-request@leica-users.org

You can reach the person managing the list at lug-owner@leica-users.org

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by Dottore

I have heard from Leica dealers (three seperate dealers in Germany) that the d- lux 4 is better than the d-lux 5 for a number of reasons. You should read some trade reviews on this, and perhaps pick up a d-lux 4 .

I believe the 5 is better overall (features, sensor quality, dynamic range, etc.). The 4 has a very, very slight sharpness advantage over the 5, but that is due to the nature of the lens. The 5 gives you longer reach on the zoom in exchange for the basically unnoticeable sharpness edge of the 4. Also, I'd go with the 5 just to have the rear command wheel, versus the fragile "joystick" on the 4.

I've had the DL5 for about a year, and it's a great camera. Worth the premium over the Panasonic? Yes and no, but I couldn't turn down the deal I got on mine. The Leica does come with a better warranty, and also ships with Adobe Lightroom 3. That alone would justify the additional expense for some, especially if you didn't have a decent photo-editing program prior (LR3 is no slouch, and would run you $300 if bought from Adobe).

Here's the beast (excuse the crappy phone pic):


Also, just FYI the accessories for the DL4 (hand grip, lens barrel extension tube, viewfinder, etc.) will not work on the DL5.

Here are a couple quick test shots (crops). Keep in mind these were processed (with little time/effort), saved at just "OK" quality/compression (.jpg), then further compressed by flikr. They are probably a bit on the dark side as well (still tinkering with calibrating sRGB monitor):