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- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Worth a look; worth the price"
Pros: Impeccable engineering and optics; 16:9 format a natural for architectural and landscape photography; sturdy build quality
Cons: If you're not willing to pay the premium for the red dot, try the Lumix
Summary: Leica and Panasonic continue to marry their respective strengths in optics and engineering (Leica) and electronics (Panasonic) to develop remarkable cameras. After using digicams made by Kodak, Canon and Nikon, I find Leica's digi-cams to provide the most comparable user experience to 35mm I could ask for. Colors are warm and natural, and the potential for image artifacts at higher ISO values (something that happens with all digital cameras) is not a reason to avoid this camera. Tack-sharp enlargements are also possible with these image files. LIkewise, if you want to shoot movies, buy a movie camera. The D-Lux 3 is one of several new Leica cameras targeted at different market segments. This one is best suited for vacation and casual photography or architectural and landscape photos. If you want a faster shutter speed for action photos, Leica can oblige with the new digital M8. The price premium for the Leica version pays for better software and bombproof engineering. You won't regret it.
- 2 replies to this review
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You say: "The price premium for the Leica version pays for better software and bombproof engineering."
To me, an outdated version of Photoshop Elements (I already own CS2 anyway) and the tiny card are worth at most $50, and I'm being extremely generous.
So what else am I getting with the Leica that I'm not getting with the Panasonic?
I thought they were the exact same camera with the same lens. -
How does the Leica have "bombproof" engineering but not the Pansonic?
The estimate for the value of an outdated version of PhotoShop Elements and a nearly worthless 64 meg card (how many 10 megapixel photos will that hold?) was extremely generous in the review.
Where to buy
Leica D-Lux 3 (black):
$1,799.99
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$1,799.99 | Yes |
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