Leica Digilux 3

[c995990]

My wife has been wanting a camera and for some reason, she wants a Leica Digilux 3.

I have a D300 and D200 and I use them a lot and there are times she wants to take her own photos but can't because I have these with me.

So, any input on the Leica will be appreciated. I know it costs a lot, but getting a D300 with a 2.8 lens may cost more. it looks like it's smaller than a D300 with a 2.8 which is a plus for her.

So let's hear your thoughts/comments on these 2 fine pieces of equipment!

[venchka]

Isn't there a Panasonic clone, same everything including the lens, for a lot less?

Buy her a Nikon body and share your lenses?

Buy her a Nikon body and a lens you want?

[toverman]

I try to spend as little as possible on camera bodies because then I'm not under as much pressure to take THE photo every single time. I mean, it's why I don't drive my Ferrari to the grocery store.

Or maybe it's why I don't have a Ferrari.

[crackhead]

It's a nice camera, but not as fast and does not handle as nicely as the Nikon. Also, not as many lens choices available (I think Leica only makes 3, if you are looking only at Leica system lenses). The autofocus isn't as fast as a Nikon either. Why not buy a cheaper 4/3 body from Olympus?

The bundled Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm lens is a very sharp lens. The images are very smooth and clean at low-to-mid ISOs. I'd say noise starts to come in at around 800 and up. The built-in flash can be tilted up to bounce the flash. This is maybe the nicest feature of the DL3. Its takes great bounce flash photos. Wish this feature would be implemented more widely in other cameras.

[johnastovall]

By the Panny clone, it's not a Leica. You are just paying for Panasonic to license the Red Dot.

It's the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2.

Don't buy Faux-Leicas.

[Daniel W.]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

Don't buy Faux-Leicas.

Buy five!

[c995990]

Thanks for all your input!

After considering all options, I got my wife her very own "Pristine D200" on this forum!