1. 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
2. Unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style
3. High-quality Leica lens takes in stunning shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range
4. O.I.S. optical stabilization technology and ultra fast processing
5. Pure, discreet, timeless design in a housing of high-quality aluminum

Editorial Review :

Every picture taken with the LEICA D-LUX 3 has a story to tell. The unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style. Use the high-quality Leica lens to take stunning shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range. With O.I.S. optical stabilization technology and ultra fast processing, the LEICA D-LUX 3 sets new standards in its class. Choose between 3 picture formats, achieve first-class image quality with the camera's 10 million megapixel sensor and assess your shots on the wide-screen display. Small and elegant, the LEICA D-LUX 3 is always ready to make your personal view of the world reality. (The LEICA D-LUX 3 will be available from mid October 2006 on.) equipment. The brilliant 2.8 display also has an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Customer Review :

Use if for yourself!

I was in the market for a small compact comera with good images being top priority.

I did so much research I was almost over buying another camera for my collection. I read every single review on here(on the Leica D lux 3), in hopes that I may find some common ground on user reviews. Looks like that wasn't going to happen. I'm not a pro photographer, I just like taking good quality pictures that don't look like a cheap disposable camera. I already have a DSLR Canon, so i just needed a small P+S that i could carry around and have my girlfriend use when i'm on the DSLR.

Well, after weeks of consideration, I successfully found a near new D Lux 3 on eBay for $450. It had all wires, software, original box, and even a Lowepro case included. I figured it was too good a deal to pass up so I went ahead and jumped on it. In the few days I was waiting for the camrea to arrive, I grew extremely nervous with the amount of negativity there was towards this camera. Then, the day came.

After the first few days of using the camera, it is very safe to say that it really depends on the user of this camera to really give it a good review. I wasn't expecting Ansel Adams quality pictures from a P+S in the first place, so my expectations weren't high. But, good gracious this camera really does take amazing pictures. Even at night, i have a flexy pocket tripod at it works wonders. I never have to go about 400 iso, so noise has not been an issue for me. Maybe thats the novice level of photography knowledge I have? who knows.

What I do know, is that for a quality picture, this camera blew my mind. It takes as good (at low iso) if not crispier pictures than my DSLR. Again, that may be from my own lack of knowledge since i've taught myself how to shoot and how basic to moderate camera functions. Now, had i paid full price, then YES i would agree with all the naysaying. It is an overpriced camera brand new. BUT the beauty of eBay! at $450, there is no P+S camera that would be able to match the quality images this camera produces. I LOVE IT!

Rating :

So far so good.

As a Panasonic Lumix TZ3 owner I wanted the ability to manually focus and adjust aperture and that was my main reason for purchasing this camera.

I did not want to go the slr route because of the size and weight of those cameras. I put the heavy camera and the bag of lenses behind me 20 years ago. I wanted a very small and light point and shoot camera with the ability to make manual adjustments. Ironically this camera is lighter than the Lumix TZ3.

I also wanted a camera with an excellent lens.This camera choice wasn't difficult (having owned other Leica's, Nikons, Olympus, and CAnons) knowing first hand that the quality of the Leica lenses were a cut above the others.

Within 2 days of shooting with this camera I found myself using a few of the manual settings as if they were second nature,like the Auto exposure lock which I found to be a great feature. There was no frustration in attempting to take a shot that the camera wouldn't adjust to.

Focusing manually isn't that easy but it isn't necessary to focus manually all the time... It is only needed at those times when the auto focus can't focus on what you want it to focus on.

When working on the photos in Adobe Photoshop I was surprised to discover many shots did not require major adjustments or corrections. MY conclusion is the cameras operating software is top notch. Somehow the camera balances color, saturation and contrast, almost to perfection. I found myself making an adjustment and then re-adjusting back to the original over and over again.

Shooting with a wide angle lens is a must for me and this camera exceeded my emotional need for space...forground, sky, and the panoramic feel of the 16:9 ratio.

My only disappointment is that the mode dial isn't color coded and can't be easily seen without my glasses on like with the TZ3.

Having owned this camera for only a month I can say that so far I am very pleased with the results.







Rating :

Only average

I purchased the camera expecting the best point and shoot around ( I shelled out $650 for it) and after having the camera for more than six months the pictures are average, not excellent. The images lack sharpness and the shutter is crazy slow, even in burst mode. Of course I wasn't expecting DSLR speed, but if this shutter where a car it would do 0-60 in 15 seconds.

ALSO, why in the world is the camera now more than twice the price I paid for a few months ago? I HAVE NO IDEA!!! But honestly, it's not worth it.

Get the Samsung NV11, it's been getting GREAT reviews all over the place.

Rating :

okay but just up and buy the d-lux 4

The camera is okay. I just sold it and bought a new d-lux 4, a much better camera than the d-lux 3.

Rating :

Ya, its awesome ~ !

I'm not going to say anything that someone else hasn't said already or written already about this camera. This is just my 2 cents. I have had mine almost 3 years to the day (from Amazon, at the time they were $599)
and it's been everything I had hoped and much more. It is the best point and shoot I have ever had, and one of the best looking and well built. I have never had one problem with it and I have shot thousands upon thousands of photos with it, in all different settings.
I own a Nikon DSLR, and a couple Sony point and shoots, but I use the Leica most of the time. Very glad I bought it, and if your thinking about one of these, or the 4, I would not hesitate for a second.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3.6x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. High-speed wide-angle lens allows for creative framing
4. Classic, ultra-compact metal body measures 3.5 x 2 x .9 inches
5. Powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD memory cards (64MB memory card included)

Editorial Review :

If you want a stylish, slim compact camera but don't want to sacrifice picture quality then you'll love the ultra compact Leica C-LUX 2! Sporting a classic black metal body, it's a design classic - which can fit into even the smallest pocket. In fact it's the slimmest Leica digital camera ever made! That elegant exterior design - unmistakably Leica - is matched by an impressive array of precision optics and digital technology inside. If you want to take the style even further, then you can also compliment your LEICA C-LUX 2 with its own exclusive tan leather case and carry strap.The high-speed wide-angle 28 mm zoom lens enables you to take stunning, space-grabbing shots. The optical image stabilizer and intelligent exposure control prevent camera shake and the 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor enables you to take superlative prints you can enlarge - even up to poster size.The extra large 2.5" display, the image stabilization and short shutter delay of the Leica C-LUX 2 all combine to guarantee carefree photography with high-quality results. Fast, discreet snapshots captured on the fly, or picture perfect compositions at twilight or in other tricky conditions - all are possible with this elegant compact. Where the Vario-Elmarit zoom lens also retracts entirely into the camera body at the flick of the ?off? switch.So whether you're a partygoer, city stroller or nature lover, the Leica C-LUX 2 is always your dependable companion - any time, any place, you need never miss another photo opportunity.

Customer Review :

Uh oh

I got this camera new and within the first day of use an issue came up. The mechanism to cover/uncover the lens was faulty. When I turn the camera the lens come out but remains covered. Sometimes it just opens halfway. I don't know if other owners have experienced the same problems, but considering how delicate is this mechanism, I imagine is a problem with the model in general. The area around the lens scratches easily, so consider it a warning if you're going to put this camera in your pocket. I wouldn't blame you because it's the perfect pocket size, but it's also a pricey camera. I'm not crazy about picture quality but could be because I have a far superior digital SLR. There's some (barely noticeable) distortion in the images which I attribute to lens size.

Rating :

Amazing Colors

I purchased this camera because it is very small and easy to carry on. As all Leica products, this camera produces very great images, the color contrast is amazing, and every color appears to be real when you get the image printed.



Rating :

Excitment turns to "meh".

I was hoping to find something different. Something better than the rest. Sometimes you just don't feel like the usual selection is good enough. I already had a Canon, everyone and their brother had a Nikon.
I was thinking about the slim line Casio, but who wants to buy a Casio?
So one late night / early morning I found this Leica. It looked different than the Canon/Nikon/Casio/Olympus and plus it had that little red badge on the front. I had to have it.
I found a local dealer on the Leica website and the next day I bought it for the same price as Amazon.
BTW, I knew there was a Panasonic version for half the price. I bought into the cosmetic of the Leica, the story, and that little red badge.
Supposedly this model has different firmware than the Panasonic which gives your JPEG files a color palette similar to classic Leica cameras.
It does not shoot in RAW.

Design

The look of this camera is gorgeous. It is very understated but an instant classic design. The build quality is also very good. It doesn't attract unwanted attention but once you put your hands on it you know it is a well built product.

Ease Of Use

The button layout is nice. It is simple and clean with access to shortcuts for flash, exposure, self timer, and review.
Choosing auto settings or manual mode is easy and the icons make sense.
I wish there were shortcuts for shutter speed and ISO settings. To access those you have to get into the menu which is time consuming and cumbersome. PS most cameras are like that though.

Ergonomics

It is so small and thin that it is kind of hard to hold steadily. Definitely use the wrist strap because it has slipped out of my hands a few times.

Picture Quality

This is very subjective. With good lighting I love the way my pictures turn out. Colors are very natural and not over saturated at all. It is very hard to get "tac sharp" shots with it but I don't think that is the point of a point and shoot.
With average or difficult lighting this point and shoot really struggles. I hate using high ISO settings because anything over 400 has a lot of noise of this camera. The flash blows out the picture if you are less then 6 feet away. It isn't powerful enough in a dim room if you are more then 8 feet away. There are no controls to dial down the flash. To get a good picture with or without flash you spend a lot of time changing exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. There is a +/- 2 exposure control but the shutter speed can only be set to a maximum of 1 second in manual mode. ISO can be set from 100-1250 but again anything over 400 has a lot of noise. Using "simple mode" usually jacks up the ISO settings in dark rooms or uses the flash which is useless most of the time. You can get a good shot in a dark room or outdoors but it will take some time to set it up.

Extra

Includes a copy of Photoshop Elements which is a fun program to add effects to your photos.

Overall

If you are thinking about this for outdoor day trips to the beach or mountains then this might be a good choice for you. If you want something to take to parties and nights out with your friends then you need to find something with better low light performance and a smarter auto mode. I don't regret buying it but it is not all that I hoped for considering Leica's reputation and premium price.


Rating :

Very Good Camera

I really like this camera, but I'm dropping my evaluation to only 3-stars. It is lightweight and fits easily in a pocket or purse. The menus are intuitive, and the quality of the pictures taken is much better than anything I've seen from point-'n'-shoot cameras in the past. I even plugged it into my 42" television and projected the pictures I took in that format. I was amazed the even when blowing the image up to that size I still did not get any distoration or pixel loss.

The one problem I have had is that for some reason it quit working about a month after I got it. And that is why it only got 4-stars. The lens all of a sudden refused to retract when I turned the camera off. And when I turned it on, the message I got was to turn it off and turn it back on again. That process cycled over and over. The camera is in the shop now.

[EDIT - Jan 2, 2009] Well, I got it baack from the shop and took it on vacation with me in early November 2008. The camera functioned properly, and produced some exceptional pictures, mostly from a moving vehicle, since I was using my SLR when out of the car. Then, after returning home, it failed again in mid-December, for no particular reason. It hasn't been dropped or abused in any way. It just quit, so now I'm looking at another repair.

Warrantee or not,the postage costs me money, not to mention the time it takes for repair, during which I don't have a small camera at my side. Eval dropped to 3-stars!!! Opps, I mean ***

Rating :

Extremely impressive pocket camera

I am *extremely* impressed by this little Leica.

This will be a rather short review since this camera model is already, like, 300 years old in dog years.

I was able to pick a new one up for less than [...] on the internets from someone who clearly didn't know what they were parting with. When I inquired into why the party was selling she only told me that her husband needed something newer.

I have owned and used dozens of cameras (Leica, Nikon, Canon, Rollie, Mamiya) in my career.

The C-LUX 2 is an amazing unit in terms of color authenticity, image quality, zoom quality, sensitivity, precision, workmanship, and most of all: usability and convenience.

I cannot stress how perfect the menu system is on this camera. It's perfect and the controls are precise, accurate, and delightful to use.

Convenience means that having this camera in your pocket you will never miss a great shot no matter where you are. Yes it really is that good. With controls from scene mode to nearly manual you have precise control of your pictures. There is no reason you cannot achieve a National Geo picture with this camera.

When the C-LUX 2 debuted at [.........] it was really a Euro-jet-setting no-show. Now that you can find this gem below [....] it is a must have.

5 stars based on current market conditions and availability in late 2008. Good luck finding a mint unit. If you are indefatigable you will find no better camera in the same class at any price.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 10-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
2. Unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style
3. High-quality Leica lens takes in stunning shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range
4. O.I.S. optical stabilization technology and ultra fast processing
5. Pure, discreet, timeless design in a housing of high-quality aluminum

Editorial Review :

The Leica D-LUX 3 is a compact digital camera with 10 megapixels, & has a LEICADC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-4.9/6.3-25.2 ASPH lens with a focal range from 28 to 112mm. The optical image stabilizer (O.I.S.) ensures that sharp pictures are obtained without a flash or tripod in critical light situations. The 2.8" display gives the photographer a reliable, precise evaluation while recording & playingThe CCD 16:9 sensor shows the image in the format filling 16:9 ratio. The built-in flash unit is activated manually for fill-in lighting & is neatly concealed within the camera body when not used. There are a number of programmed motive modes as well as the manual setting options for fast as well as creative/individual photography. There is no viewfinder because of the large displaySimply Beautiful:The Leica D-LUX 3 is a compact but powerful companion. Available in black or silver finish, the 10 megapixels D-LUX 3 is an attractive companion with its clean-cut lines. Once again, Leica has combined quality optics and high-grade materials. It will appeal to existing customers & new groupsLeica Lens:From wide-angle to telephoto The D-LUX 3 offers superior image quality not only based on a high resolution. A decisive factor is the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 6.3-25.2 mm f/2.8-4.9 ASPH. With a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 & an interesting focal length range of 28-112 mm (35 mm format equivalent), there are hardly any limits to photographic creativity. The lens compris

Customer Review :

Everything it's cracked up to be!

After taking a few trips overseas with my wonderfull Nikon D200 10.2 MP digital SLR, I beagan to feel the weight (and bulk), to say the least. Still, the capabilities I could enjoy with this cam and its 18-200mm zoon lens were just too good to give up in favor of a pocket-size. Nonetheless, I started researching like crazy and finally wound up somewhere between the Panasonic and this Leica, which is modelled on the Panasonic (yes, not the other way around). In the end, I couldn't resist the idea of owning a genuine German Leica for just under $600! After having it for a few weeks, I have some simply spectacular pics in the 16:9 format at the full 10 MP. It really helps to take some just awsome images (and I am not in the obnoxious habit of overusing the word "awsome", BTW). The camera's heft and feel is one of sheer quality, as is the look, and use of it is simple, fun, and gives an amateur like me both a killer backup cam to the D200 AND a stand-alone that I can take pretty much around the word knowing I will miss very little and carry even less. It has literally contributed to making me happy in a way that few possesions ever have. But then, that's because I love to take pictures so much. This baby is everything it's cracked up to be, and more!

Rating :

Get the Panasonic equivalent instead

The only thing that satisfies me on this purchase is the Leica dot... that I can say that Ive owned a Leica for once in my life.

Otherwise, the picture quality is not worth the price (I bought mine Hong Kong two months ago for, equivalent to 780 USD). Try to tinker with white balance, try shade for example, and even with ample light, shots will exhibit noise and aberration. A simple sun reflecting on a calm beach, this camera will meter wrongly.

Buy the Panasonic equivalent instead. It still has a 'Leica' label around the lens!

Then spend the differemce on say the Olympus shockproof/waterproof for your snorkeling/scuba trips. I discovered just two weeks ago that Olympus has this model. I could have gone with this combination if I knew that Olympus has this early on.

Ah that red dot is expensive.


Rating :

Best in-pocket-always-with-me-camera-yet

The D-lux 3 is a major step for compact cameras. the wide angle alone is worth the price of admission, and the 16:9 format (selectable) is outstanding. It is small enough to keep with me at all times and quick and easy enough to use.

I always shoot RAW which allows amazing flexibility after the shoot. Like all compact cameras I've owned before, getting a stable shot is tricky - my digital SLR I can pull out and snap and generally get a sharp shot. Rarely so with a compact. I have to take more care to steady the camera to make sure, and take a few shots to make sure I get what I want. Small price to pay, a little caution and extra shooting and I always get what I want.

Video is better than most cameras, if you want true HD or zooming while shooting, by a camcorder. If you get hung up by the lack of live shooting zoom, well, zooms are annoying in home and professional videos anyway, teach yourself to avoid it, it helps!

This is the best compact camera I've ever owned. I shot 4000 pictures on it for a timelapse sequence just before christmas - in one day - and loved the results. I have shot another 4000 in full size raw mode and have a number of professionally used images that paid for the camera.

It is a seriously excellent compact camera.

Rating :

Highest Rating In Market Niche

...the leica d-lux 3 is probably the best current camera for its intended market niche...as an extremely portable/travel/back-up digital camera for your primary digital and/or film camera...

...high points: the lens is typical leica (camera purist will understand what this means)...16:9 aspect pictures...wide viewing screen...full manual controls...anti-shake stablizer...28mm - 105mm vario elmarit (2.8 - 4.9)...low-light photography potential...

...no, the d-lux 3 will not out-perform a canon d5 or nikon d200, or for that matter, a leica digi2 or digi3...but then again, it was never intended to as a $600 pocket digital...

...but then again, the d-lux 3 has created a photographic genra in its own right...the use of grain as an artistic counter-part to the use of shallow depths of field...

...an outstanding little digital camera that now travels with me everywhere...

Rating :

Not a good cam at all.

Not as I expected for a name like Leica's. the cam is expensive for nothing important. When you use the video recording, you can not change the zoom at all. The only advantage I noticed in this cam is the ability to take wide pictures. But still, this is not worth 600$. Besides, the cam is big. Compared to Canon cams, half the price for almost all the capabilities.


My advice: Do not buy, get a Canon for 200$. In that case if you want to get another cam after 2 years, you wont feel bad for the money you paid.


Rating :

More reviews...

1. Compact digital camera with 6-megapixel CCD for photo-quality 14 x 19 prints
2. 3.6x image-stabilized optical zoom (28 to 102mm equivalent in 35mm format)
3. High-resolution 2.5-inch LCD display; high-sensitivity setting up to ISO 1600
4. Elegant and rugged metal body with black finish; built-in SD memory card slot
5. Measures 3.68 x 2.12 x 0.94 inches (W x H x D); 3-year passport warranty

Editorial Review :

The LEICA C-LUX 1 is an engagingly attractive companion with a fashionably compact form factor. Having a basic outline of only 5 x 10 cm, it's a camera you'll want to take with you wherever you go. Its elegant exterior is complemented by cutting-edge technology: 6-megapixel capture, ultra short shutter delay, precise autofocus measurement, and a generous selection of scene modes make it ideal for taking great pictures effortlessly. Whether you're on the beach, on a stroll through narrow streets, or in your favorite restaurant - the C-Lux 1 will capture all those precious moments you want to remember in stunning, true-to-life color and detail.

Customer Review :

The Perfect Carry Camera

When my Canon Sureshot developed problems on a recent trip to Morocco, I purchased the Leica D-LUX 1 in the Amsterdam Airport Duty Free area. Despite the fact that the box contained four owners manuals, all in languages that weren't English, the camera was quickly familiar to me, extremely intuitive, and a fantastic thing to have stumbled upon. I purchased it for the brand name, and because I'd never seen a Leica digital camera, so I can't take credit for careful research before purchase, but boy does it take beautiful pictures. I love the wider angle lens, the crisp, rich images, the long-lasting battery, and its fantastic compactness. It easily slips in a shirt pocket if necessary, and although I used it constantly while working in rugged terrain in the Atlas Mountains ( film shoot) it functioned perfectly, and became the envy of the set as well. Let's face it, in addition to everything else, it's just downright beautiful.

Rating :

Tiny Leica Performer

I bought this camera to augment my Nikon D-200, (which I love), although it is too big to tote around casually. But the Leica c lux is almost too small! It is smaller than it looks in the pictures, about the sixe of my cell phone, but packs a punch. The shutter is slower and takes some getting used to, but it catches inages with superb clarity and is very easy to use and carry. I passed on the $70 Leica case and opted for one by SONY for $22, and I carry it on my belt like a phone. I wore it while playing golf this morning and came back with sixty images. The battery lasts a long time, maybe 4 hours, and the camera quickly darts back and forth between modes. As for whether the Panasonic is just as good, sorry. The build quality of the Leica is far above the Panasonic version, and it is a real gem to look at and handle. It has re-energized my love of photography, and I will continue to carry it at all times to capture the kinds of pictures that i used to miss.

Rating :

Leica C-LUX 1 6MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

A great camera for my highly cafinated hands!
Highly Intuitive menuing system allows you to use EVERY feature!
Couldn't possibly be happier with this purchase!
Highest Marks!
Purchase and delivery was as promised and hastle free!


Rating :

Flexible features, excellent quality.

The Leica C-LUX 1 is a little pricey, but you get an excellent, solid camera, easy to use right out of the box. I'm 70 years old and was dead set against getting a digital camera ("you can't teach an old dog to do new tricks" school of thought) But this camera sold itself. I use a photoelectric (no cord) slave flash if I need more flash, although the on-camera flash seems adequate for a small room. The manual is easy to follow for starting to take pictures, And there is further instruction for the great variety of applications this camera is able to perform. I have the black one, although there is a silver body available. I bought the "kit" which included an extra rechargable battery and a very nice leather case for under $70.00. Picture quality is outstanding due to the incredible quality of the Leica lens and good programmed exposure and distance controls. At my age, I think this is probably a "lifetime" purchase, but who needs more for the next 50 years?

Rating :

Great experience

I looked at a lot of options to replace a great Canon digicam. Having started my love of photography as an analog SLR user, I have grown to enjoy the spontaneous photos I get with a point and shoot digital camera. In the end I decided against a "bigger" camera and chose the Leica for the wider lense, the image stabilization and, yes, the prestige of the brand.

Like any camera this size, or any size for that matter, the brighter the conditions, the better the shot. The Leica C Lux takes fantastic shots in sunlight and I haven't been displeased with shots captured with the flash or in lower light. It's a great looking little camera, and I've really enjoyed being able to slip it in my pocket. My ultimate decision was that I could have a larger camera that takes amazing pictures, but I'd never get the chance without the camera with me, or a great little camera that get very good shots, but gets them everytime because it is always with me.

For brand snobs, this is certainly the camera to get. It is quite a head turner among folks who know the brand and I am often presented with the question of "what kind of camera is that" when I whip it out. That's either a turn on or a turnoff. I'd recommend choosing the camera for its wide lense, motion control and native ability to shoot in 16:9.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3.6x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. High-speed wide-angle lens allows for creative framing
4. Classic, ultra-compact metal body measures 3.5 x 2 x .9 inches
5. Powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD memory cards (64MB memory card included)

Editorial Review :

If you want a stylish, slim compact camera but don't want to sacrifice picture quality then you'll love the ultra compact Leica C-LUX 2! Sporting a classic black metal body, it's a design classic - which can fit into even the smallest pocket. In fact it's the slimmest Leica digital camera ever made! That elegant exterior design - unmistakably Leica - is matched by an impressive array of precision optics and digital technology inside. If you want to take the style even further, then you can also compliment your LEICA C-LUX 2 with its own exclusive tan leather case and carry strap.The high-speed wide-angle 28 mm zoom lens enables you to take stunning, space-grabbing shots. The optical image stabilizer and intelligent exposure control prevent camera shake and the 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor enables you to take superlative prints you can enlarge - even up to poster size.The extra large 2.5" display, the image stabilization and short shutter delay of the Leica C-LUX 2 all combine to guarantee carefree photography with high-quality results. Fast, discreet snapshots captured on the fly, or picture perfect compositions at twilight or in other tricky conditions - all are possible with this elegant compact. Where the Vario-Elmarit zoom lens also retracts entirely into the camera body at the flick of the ?off? switch.So whether you're a partygoer, city stroller or nature lover, the Leica C-LUX 2 is always your dependable companion - any time, any place, you need never miss another photo opportunity.

Customer Review :

Extremely impressive pocket camera

I am *extremely* impressed by this little Leica.

This will be a rather short review since this camera model is already, like, 300 years old in dog years.

I was able to pick a new one up for less than [...] on the internets from someone who clearly didn't know what they were parting with. When I inquired into why the party was selling she only told me that her husband needed something newer.

I have owned and used dozens of cameras (Leica, Nikon, Canon, Rollie, Mamiya) in my career.

The C-LUX 2 is an amazing unit in terms of color authenticity, image quality, zoom quality, sensitivity, precision, workmanship, and most of all: usability and convenience.

I cannot stress how perfect the menu system is on this camera. It's perfect and the controls are precise, accurate, and delightful to use.

Convenience means that having this camera in your pocket you will never miss a great shot no matter where you are. Yes it really is that good. With controls from scene mode to nearly manual you have precise control of your pictures. There is no reason you cannot achieve a National Geo picture with this camera.

When the C-LUX 2 debuted at [.........] it was really a Euro-jet-setting no-show. Now that you can find this gem below [....] it is a must have.

5 stars based on current market conditions and availability in late 2008. Good luck finding a mint unit. If you are indefatigable you will find no better camera in the same class at any price.

Rating :

Amazing Colors

I purchased this camera because it is very small and easy to carry on. As all Leica products, this camera produces very great images, the color contrast is amazing, and every color appears to be real when you get the image printed.



Rating :

Uh oh

I got this camera new and within the first day of use an issue came up. The mechanism to cover/uncover the lens was faulty. When I turn the camera the lens come out but remains covered. Sometimes it just opens halfway. I don't know if other owners have experienced the same problems, but considering how delicate is this mechanism, I imagine is a problem with the model in general. The area around the lens scratches easily, so consider it a warning if you're going to put this camera in your pocket. I wouldn't blame you because it's the perfect pocket size, but it's also a pricey camera. I'm not crazy about picture quality but could be because I have a far superior digital SLR. There's some (barely noticeable) distortion in the images which I attribute to lens size.

Rating :

Excitment turns to "meh".

I was hoping to find something different. Something better than the rest. Sometimes you just don't feel like the usual selection is good enough. I already had a Canon, everyone and their brother had a Nikon.
I was thinking about the slim line Casio, but who wants to buy a Casio?
So one late night / early morning I found this Leica. It looked different than the Canon/Nikon/Casio/Olympus and plus it had that little red badge on the front. I had to have it.
I found a local dealer on the Leica website and the next day I bought it for the same price as Amazon.
BTW, I knew there was a Panasonic version for half the price. I bought into the cosmetic of the Leica, the story, and that little red badge.
Supposedly this model has different firmware than the Panasonic which gives your JPEG files a color palette similar to classic Leica cameras.
It does not shoot in RAW.

Design

The look of this camera is gorgeous. It is very understated but an instant classic design. The build quality is also very good. It doesn't attract unwanted attention but once you put your hands on it you know it is a well built product.

Ease Of Use

The button layout is nice. It is simple and clean with access to shortcuts for flash, exposure, self timer, and review.
Choosing auto settings or manual mode is easy and the icons make sense.
I wish there were shortcuts for shutter speed and ISO settings. To access those you have to get into the menu which is time consuming and cumbersome. PS most cameras are like that though.

Ergonomics

It is so small and thin that it is kind of hard to hold steadily. Definitely use the wrist strap because it has slipped out of my hands a few times.

Picture Quality

This is very subjective. With good lighting I love the way my pictures turn out. Colors are very natural and not over saturated at all. It is very hard to get "tac sharp" shots with it but I don't think that is the point of a point and shoot.
With average or difficult lighting this point and shoot really struggles. I hate using high ISO settings because anything over 400 has a lot of noise of this camera. The flash blows out the picture if you are less then 6 feet away. It isn't powerful enough in a dim room if you are more then 8 feet away. There are no controls to dial down the flash. To get a good picture with or without flash you spend a lot of time changing exposure, ISO, and shutter speed. There is a +/- 2 exposure control but the shutter speed can only be set to a maximum of 1 second in manual mode. ISO can be set from 100-1250 but again anything over 400 has a lot of noise. Using "simple mode" usually jacks up the ISO settings in dark rooms or uses the flash which is useless most of the time. You can get a good shot in a dark room or outdoors but it will take some time to set it up.

Extra

Includes a copy of Photoshop Elements which is a fun program to add effects to your photos.

Overall

If you are thinking about this for outdoor day trips to the beach or mountains then this might be a good choice for you. If you want something to take to parties and nights out with your friends then you need to find something with better low light performance and a smarter auto mode. I don't regret buying it but it is not all that I hoped for considering Leica's reputation and premium price.


Rating :

Very Good Camera

I really like this camera, but I'm dropping my evaluation to only 3-stars. It is lightweight and fits easily in a pocket or purse. The menus are intuitive, and the quality of the pictures taken is much better than anything I've seen from point-'n'-shoot cameras in the past. I even plugged it into my 42" television and projected the pictures I took in that format. I was amazed the even when blowing the image up to that size I still did not get any distoration or pixel loss.

The one problem I have had is that for some reason it quit working about a month after I got it. And that is why it only got 4-stars. The lens all of a sudden refused to retract when I turned the camera off. And when I turned it on, the message I got was to turn it off and turn it back on again. That process cycled over and over. The camera is in the shop now.

[EDIT - Jan 2, 2009] Well, I got it baack from the shop and took it on vacation with me in early November 2008. The camera functioned properly, and produced some exceptional pictures, mostly from a moving vehicle, since I was using my SLR when out of the car. Then, after returning home, it failed again in mid-December, for no particular reason. It hasn't been dropped or abused in any way. It just quit, so now I'm looking at another repair.

Warrantee or not,the postage costs me money, not to mention the time it takes for repair, during which I don't have a small camera at my side. Eval dropped to 3-stars!!! Opps, I mean ***

Rating :

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