Leica D-Lux 3 specs

At RM 2,699 for a prosumer, I know I'm more likely paying extra for the bright red logo, but I just can't resist the temptations!

My first impressions was that I was blown away, by the looks at least. It looks and holds like it means business! I'm a newbie to photography, so to the veterans and pros in this forum - what's your opinions about this?

Is it a worthy buy when compared with Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 which also uses the exact same Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, albeit at a much lower price? If I'm not wrong, the price difference is about a staggering RM 1000.

I know that Leica's camera processors have this trademark 'soft' look on photos taken (against Panasonic Lumix), and I don't know, even if it's not as sharp, it brings a certain indescribeable warmth to photography.

Leica D-Lux 3




vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

i wud recommend u 2 go for LX2 tho.. it seems the overall build of D-Lux 3 is a pana lumix afterall.. i bet itz the same lens s wat equipped on LX2... paying + RM1k for dat red logo... unless u r a leica camera collector, then i suggest otherwise.. :thumb:

if u got too much money to spend then can go for xtra branded leica la..else just stick to lumix..since it oso using leica lens ...

Ok - opinions heeded. Thanks for the feedbacks.
But has nobody has experiences with Leica cameras around here? There is definitely about the Leicas other than the hype that makes it appears so legendary.

I have used Leicas before, in particular the M3. Nothing, I repeat nothing, beats the image produced by a true Leica. B & W photos taken 30 years ago still look razor sharp today. But unfortunately, these were film cameras and I have since switched to digital cameras. Real Leicas today are just too expensive (not that they were cheap before).

As for the D-Lux, they are just Panasonics disguised as Leicas. If you read the reviews of the earlier re-badged Panasonics, the so-called Leica is noisy at higher ISOs - exactly the same problem with the cheaper Panasonics. Overall, both brands do take nice pictures - just don't move into the higher ISO range.

In short, the D-Lux is actually quite a good camera but its not a "real" Leica but priced like one.

what about the sensors? i'd go for the leica

The 2 (LX-2 & D-Lux 3) are identical sibblings.

The firmware is a little bit different. But is the Red Dot worth RM1k extra?

That's a subjective question.