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Leica Digilux 1 3.9MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Leica Digilux 1 3.9MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

List Price: $950.99
Your Price: $799.95
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Retro Camera With Great Digital Imagery
Review: The Leica Digilux 1 one may resemble a souped-up version of the old American 35mm Argus rangefinder camera, but appearances are certainly quite deceiving; it's images are far superior to any made by the old Argus. This is simply one of the best handling digital cameras I've held, producing images that are among the most brilliant, and rich in contrast, that I've seen from digital cameras. The controls may seem a bit large, but they should be comfortable to those accustomed to holding large 35mm autofocus SLR cameras made by the likes of Canon and Nikon. Unfortunately I don't own a Leica Digilux 1, but still I recommend it highly for anyone interested in getting the finest digital imagery from a relatively compact camera. Without question, Leica - in partnership with Panasonic - has made an excellent 21st Century camera worthy of Leica's dedication to optical quality and excellence surpassed by none.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Fantastic Pictures are the reason.
Review: 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...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I Leic it!
Review: 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.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I Leic it!
Review: 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.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Really Cool Camera
Review: This ia a lot of camera, but the most amazing photos I have ever seen. I look like a pro now. Best of all it is really cool. How many people have a Leica, yet alone a digital one? It has a pretty heafty manual, and I must admit I am a little overwhelmed, but my husband knows what he is doing so I am in good shape. If you can afford it , go for it.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Leica Digilux 1 Digital Camera
Review: This is the nicest camera I've ever owned. My traditional camera is being put aside for a long rest. I was nervous before buying this camera because I had read a few unfavorable reviews about it. Now that I own the Digilux 1 and have had the chance to experiment with it, I can honestly say it takes truly professional, crisp pictures. It helps to have some camera experience, but, anyone who's willing to spend an hour or two glancing over the instructions can take pictures that will make others envious. I give this camera a solid FIVE STARS. Another great thing available is the Leica Digital Forum that's available at their website, where you can literally ask any question you may have about this camera. There are many knowledgeable DGL1 camera owners ready to help. You'd struggle to find a better camera in this price range. I was glad to have purchased it from Amazon.com for their customer service.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good value in a digital camera
Review: Unlike many other digital cameras, the Digilux 1 has little or no perceptible lag between pressing the button and taking the picture, especially if you 'prefocus'. Another nice feature is the multi-exposure setting, where you can automatically shoot 3 or 5 photos in rapid sequence, varying either the exposure by 1/4 to 1 stop increments, or varying the depth of field using different F stops. Both approaches give you a chance to pick the best shot after the 'decisive moment' has passed.

A negative is that the smallest aperture seems to be F8, which impacts the depth of field available in closeup photos. You'll also want to get a 256M card, the supplied 64M card holds only about 30 photos at medium compression.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good value in a digital camera
Review: Unlike many other digital cameras, the Digilux 1 has little or no perceptible lag between pressing the button and taking the picture, especially if you 'prefocus'. Another nice feature is the multi-exposure setting, where you can automatically shoot 3 or 5 photos in rapid sequence, varying either the exposure by 1/4 to 1 stop increments, or varying the depth of field using different F stops. Both approaches give you a chance to pick the best shot after the 'decisive moment' has passed.

A negative is that the smallest aperture seems to be F8, which impacts the depth of field available in closeup photos. You'll also want to get a 256M card, the supplied 64M card holds only about 30 photos at medium compression.


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