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| Brand: Leica
Category: Photography
List Price: $1,995.00
Buy Refurbished: $1,799.00
You Save: $196.00 (10%)
New (2) from $2,499.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Media: Electronics
Optical Zoom: 3.6
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 50
Minimum Focal Length: 14
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 5.7 x 3.4 x 3.1
MPN: 18284
Model: 18284
UPC: 799429182847
EAN: 0799429182847
Release Date: November 15, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 6-10 of 10 | | « PREV | | |
 An outstanding camera for serious photographers October 12, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I bought the Leica version of this camera after getting Leica's offer of a $[...] rebate, making it closer in price to the Panasonic version. I use Leica rangefinders and will perhaps benefit from the JPG tweaks that are special the the Leica version. Most of my remarks would probably apply to the Panasonic edition, though.
This camera and lens replaced a Canon 20D kit with a similar IS zoom lens. In other words, the Leica replaced an excellent SLR with roughly the same resolution (8.x megapixels, versus 7.5 megapixels on the Leica).
I have been pleased in every way with the Vario-Elmarit lens, which is as sharp as I would expect for a Leica-branded lens. The controls (both on the lens and the top-mounted shutter speed dial) are very nice and familiar for an RF user like me.
The body is larger and "blockier" than a Leica rangefinder, as are all SLRs. However, I am excited that this 4/3 mount camera not only comes with an excellent lens (I think better than the Canon 17-85mm it replaced) but also gives me access to quite a few fine 4/3 lenses, such as the Olympus macro and telephoto lenses.
A couple of camera body features that I like a great deal and, in my opinion, are better than the Canon:
1. Nicely designed built-in flash that first comes up in "bounce" position and then on a second button-press moves into "straight-ahead" position. It fits flush into the body when not in use.
2. VERY accessible and easy to use control for adjusting flash power for fill flash and similar applications.
3. Equally accessible and easy to use back-panel control for exposure compensation--important on any digital camera, since you will want to dial back in sunlit and other contrasty scenes to avoid blown-out highlights!
4. Top-mounted MECHANICAL switches for shutter speed, sequence/single shooting, and metering mode, plus two preset buttons, are always there, always visible--no waiting for or squinting at an LCD display.
5. Lately I have not done much macro shooting, but I do like it. I expect to use the live view feature with all its strangeness. (The camera does two mirror-blips per exposure in this mode.) It beats hunching down on the ground photographing insects with a right-angle viewfinder.
As much as I liked the Canon 20D and 30D I used to use, I think this camera is better designed for easy and fast shooting.
I was going to say this is a camera for photographers at all levels. However, I will still likely use my Leica rangefinders for professional work. That's not a slam on the Digilux 3. The Canon 20D and 30D occupied about the same position in my mind--if I were using a DSLR for professional work I might want a higher end camera for more ruggedness, better dirt sealing, and so on.
Fabulous classical camera January 17, 2007
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
Leica has again proved that their long history in making fine cameras gives them an advantage. Perfect photos worthy the name Leica, very good handling (lika a good old analog camera), well thought-trough features. The anti-shake mechanism gives astonishing good results (my first camera with that feature, I am surprised it really works).
A little bit on the heavy side, but on the other hand its real metal not plastic.
The definition of a quality digital SLR - built & lens - A1 May 25, 2007
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
German Design/engineering & Japanese Manufacturing what more could you ask for? Totally different photographic experience,especially tactile experience (aperature ring on lens). The camera has a solid built & mechanics/switches not like these other plastic cameras. Lens is a solid perfomer (no distortions) and plenty of detail captured and no visible noise up to ISO 400. ISO 800 also usable. Flash very good for close shots and mid-range otherwise recommend Olympus FL-50 flash (over expensive Pana-flash FL500). I have never taken so many photos previously - initially noticed weight and size but not any more - feels good in the hands - hey I am really proud of this little marvel.If you know about photography then you know that most people will not need more than 7.5MP (ignore pixel race and consider print sizes needed). I highly recommend this camera. Quality, fast, feels good, easy to use and great quality pics. I prefer the Leica over Pana model extra Leica warranty is worth the difference (warranties always cost, peace of mind), better software & support service plus I think better looking too. Sorry have to run to take some more photos.....
Leica Digilux3 review August 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Recently purchased my first Leica. As I am a great Nikon fan, this is quite a change, but this time I wanted something different.
The Leica deliver excellence. It is easy to use, and deliver fantastic picture quality right out of the box. As I'm used to manual photography, I also like the "oldfashioned" but very effecient way of using the Leica just as an old SLR. A bit pricy, but the kit lens is probably the best normal zoom you can get anywhere.
 It's not a Leica.... October 7, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
It's not a Leica and don't buy it you think you are getting Leica quality you aren't. It's just a Panosonic with a faux red dot on it.
Forty year Leica shooter and not fooled by this.
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