tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post1987397671479256798..comments2023-08-05T02:44:05.320-07:00Comments on Life is Good!: Panasonic LX3 vs Leica DLux4, Part 1Ian Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-90107313233059552742010-04-14T18:01:57.826-07:002010-04-14T18:01:57.826-07:00It's not a hood. It's a Ricoh LC1 cap modi...It's not a hood. It's a Ricoh LC1 cap modified to fit.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-40454546852970907112010-02-22T09:30:14.665-08:002010-02-22T09:30:14.665-08:00What kind of lens hood do yu=ou have on the Leica?...What kind of lens hood do yu=ou have on the Leica?Perryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05675898948443379864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-9987391302902796142010-02-20T17:45:31.138-08:002010-02-20T17:45:31.138-08:00Heh! How I wish the manufacturers paid me to do th...Heh! How I wish the manufacturers paid me to do this. It would certainly take away a lot of the financial pain of buying both these cameras. Hehehe.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-34479008566516404922010-02-20T11:33:33.284-08:002010-02-20T11:33:33.284-08:001st- thanks Ian for this excellent comparison and ...1st- thanks Ian for this excellent comparison and exchange of ideas regarding the two cameras. (I can't believe how much the manufacturers pay you for doing it! ha ha.)<br /><br />Yes, there are subtle differences between the two cameras output. <br />Differences which could be compensated for, and further enhanced, using Photoshop. <br />So, IMO- that NULLS any issue over one being better than the other. Aside from cosmetics.<br /><br />I've traveled the world for shooting. <br />I've always had a 'red dot' something or other in doing it.<br />At first (and always, really) it was all about the glass- as the mechanism wasn't that spectacular. Quiet enough, but it should be- cloth shutter after all.<br /><br />When I came to realize Leica glass wasn't that great (by noticing I'd obtained Zeiss glass for my M's instead of Leitz) it was a real epiphany.<br />Zeiss is -by far- the best glass out there (and I don't do endorsements either.)<br /><br />I've subsequently dumped all the 'red dot' stuff I had (but must admit, the DL4 is pretty to look at!)<br />I shoot pro with C645AF, and carry the Panasonic LX3 on my hip for the P&S, quick grab shots (with truly stunning results!)<br /><br />BUT- and this long winded response does have a POINT:<br />I want to thank the contributor who pointed me to the FUJIFILM cameras.<br />I'd never considered them, and hadn't heard much about them either.<br /><br />The new HS10 is ASTOUNDING. Flabbergastingly so!!<br />(I know, it's not a slim line, pocketable P&S, but its features are amazing!)<br />Forgive me for straying off topic, it is just that:<br />with these three guns in my arsenal - the Contax, the LX3, and (when it arrives) the HS10; I can do anything. Bar none- it is a force to be reckoned with.<br /><br />[FWIW; I have a handful of 'red dots' in my 'collection'. Just can't let go, you know. It's like an incurable infection! The camera junkie's tika dust red dot syndrome!]<br />THANKS AGAIN!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-21299214543607530512010-02-07T16:03:31.124-08:002010-02-07T16:03:31.124-08:001st of all, most people already said they can hard...1st of all, most people already said they can hardly see any difference in this set of comparison pics n ur questioning the perceived sharpness? There is a reason I did a part 2. This is so that I can compare indoor n outdoor pics in bright sunny sunshine. Or do u still think a tripod is essential for daytime pics in an outdoor park? Read the entire thing before being so quick to judge ya?Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-87485420584298663952010-02-07T09:42:19.372-08:002010-02-07T09:42:19.372-08:00ianho, while I appreciate you making and posting y...ianho, while I appreciate you making and posting your comparison, this sentence invalidates any comments related to lens quality: "I didn't put them on tripods for the comparo coz that's not how I use them in real life." At that point an uncontrolled variable was introduced -- <i>your</i> ability to hold the cameras steady. Since you were shooting at relatively low shutter speeds, that can have a significant impact on perceived sharpness.<br /><br />And yes, I do understand that in such a situation one would normally not use a tripod, but this was supposed to be a comparison test. As such it's just another anecdotal report comparing the two cameras.<br /><br />For perspective, if we were comparing tires that were supposed to be identical even though offered under two different names, would it make sense to measure their responses without considering the condition of the pavement?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08139284772405860577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-75145744122749780902009-12-30T05:19:20.027-08:002009-12-30T05:19:20.027-08:00r4i, yes it's a lovely lil camera n I love the...r4i, yes it's a lovely lil camera n I love the Dynamic B&W picture style the most. Only problem with the LX3/DL4 is when we use the pop up flash. It's absolute rubbish. Makes our skin look like wood. LOL.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-52516184434785435792009-12-30T02:04:11.266-08:002009-12-30T02:04:11.266-08:00I love the LX3. When I go on vacation, I take the ...I love the LX3. When I go on vacation, I take the LX3 along with the TZ5, and I'm all set. In good lighting, the LX3 takes pictures that can compare to a DSLR. They're stunning. Even in low light, the pictures are still excellent.r4ihttp://www.dsi-r4.cnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-25784520929331795672009-12-26T21:48:56.276-08:002009-12-26T21:48:56.276-08:00Jack, since u can afford the red dot then by all m...Jack, since u can afford the red dot then by all means go for it. Most important thing is that we're happy with the purchase. <br /><br /><br />JL, I think the X1 is awesome BUT the price is a lil crazy. I may be willing to pay twice the price of an LX3 for the DL4 but I certainly am not paying $2000 for the X1. It's just plain madness! <br /><br /><br />lillian, just go with whichever 1 that tugs at your heart. Hehe.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-61204746203180651722009-12-26T21:13:10.867-08:002009-12-26T21:13:10.867-08:00Thanks for doing this comparison for us. Actually,...Thanks for doing this comparison for us. Actually, The leica D-LUX4 is as twice price as the LX3.I still thinking for chosing one of these.lillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07178706723240144458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-82979221007435369722009-12-05T10:56:59.174-08:002009-12-05T10:56:59.174-08:00First of all, TONS OF CONGRATULATIONS for this ama...First of all, TONS OF CONGRATULATIONS for this amazing post & thread!<br /><br />BRAVO IANHO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />1) The pictures posted are VERY different. Look at them in a dark room. Leica's are so much more classy (less vibrant colors, little vignetting, greyish, softer, etc). So nice.<br /><br />2) FYI guys : I talked to my local Leica salesman (Montreal Leica Store), here is the bottom line :<br />Yes the lens are basically the same (LX3 vs D-Lux 4).<br />What is not the same : The Operating System & the factory Settings.<br />LEICA “TWEAKED” COLOR AND CONTRAST TO MATCH M FILM SHOOTING.<br /><br />3) If only the new Canon S90 had the Leica Settings! ( http://bit.ly/8cCz6A )<br />What a fabulous new little compact camera !!!!!!<br /><br />4) I'm curious what you think of the new Leica X1 coming in January !!!!! <br />( http://bit.ly/X1-sudygffhj )<br />Very nice, Big CMOS sensor !!!!!! BUT : no video, no zoom, no f/2.0, etc<br />http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/compact_cameras/x1/<br />Who will buy this 2000$ camera ? Who is it for ? <br />I don't understand. Especially with the new Micro Four Thirds cameras.<br /><br />Anyway.. Again, congratulations for your post !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />I'm getting the D-Lux 4 this weekend.photosJLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07074697185871757854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-9004898183226114862009-12-01T20:55:13.497-08:002009-12-01T20:55:13.497-08:00I am off to Egypt and looking at a back up for my ...I am off to Egypt and looking at a back up for my D300. I looked and looked at these pictures trying to decide which looked best and I the LX3 seemed best. Then I did a side by side using the Safari browser. I mixed them so even I didn't l know which one was which. One time I thought the one of the right might be better, but then thought the one on the left. It turned out they were both DL4. I read the comments and tried again. In one picture a highlight looked better to me in the DL4. But I want the DL4 and was rooting for it. I just can't see where someone being presented with a single picture could possibly say, "nice pic, but is from DL4 not LX4. I have to believe and from the reading of the comments believe any difference is either psychological or my eyesight. Which one will I buy? The DL4. It does red better---red as in red dot.<br /><br />JamesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-83256525784290131902009-10-03T20:04:13.855-07:002009-10-03T20:04:13.855-07:00The GF1 is nice but a lil big. I'm hoping the ...The GF1 is nice but a lil big. I'm hoping the DL5 will be the same compact dimensions as now but with a bigger sensor . The DL4 is pretty much ideal the way it is IMHO. Just needs a big sensor in it n it would b awesome <br /><br />Make the lens a 24-70mm f1.4 and it would be a wet dream. lol. With the 24-70 it'll b the perfect partner for my 5D MkII when I'm using the 70-200.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-50575179106802659012009-10-03T10:26:49.955-07:002009-10-03T10:26:49.955-07:00Very Good job! I prefer the colors from the LX3.
T...Very Good job! I prefer the colors from the LX3.<br />The lx3 built-in handgrip comes in handy.<br />Hope to see an DL-5 in 2010...with micro 4/3 lens like the panasonic DMC-GF1.<br /><br />mfomfoconsultinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898612313235244778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-4851860843353290452009-09-17T18:56:19.623-07:002009-09-17T18:56:19.623-07:00JW, I'm only too happy to share. :) Hope u en...JW, I'm only too happy to share. :) Hope u enjoy your new toy. Now's the perfect time for the D-Lux4 Titanium as the price premium over the normal black version is not a lot. It used to be extortionate but now seems reasonable.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-89077537651090835742009-09-17T18:52:58.792-07:002009-09-17T18:52:58.792-07:00"I would rather have a camera I can "get...<strong>"I would rather have a camera I can "get dirty" versus something I want to polish every Saturday morning."</strong><br /><br /><br />^^^^ To some of us, the D-Lux4 IS the dirty camera we go out with n use everyday. :)Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-41792605638207969912009-09-16T02:44:42.361-07:002009-09-16T02:44:42.361-07:00Ian, Thanks for all the comments and comparisons.....Ian, Thanks for all the comments and comparisons.. Now I'm convince that D-Lux4 is a better of than LX3. Going to get a DLux4 Titan by this weekend. JWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-49640428224871342602009-09-11T22:22:44.876-07:002009-09-11T22:22:44.876-07:00The differences between these 2 cameras is fairly ...The differences between these 2 cameras is fairly thin. If you step back, take a break and then look at them again, it is easy to see how the similarities greatly outweigh the differences. That said, as a designer I prefer the Leica. For color quality I prefer the Leica. For warranty I prefer the Leica. The thing is that I use Photoshop and shoot RAW, so the Panasonic wins because after photoshop work, the difference is null. I also get to save a butt-load of dough. Since I am a camera user, I would rather have a camera I can "get dirty" versus something I want to polish every Saturday morning.<br /><br />I also don't find that excess cameras are necessary as I am a minimalist, thus Panasonic wins. No offense to the materialists out there. The Panasonic is a heaping value over the Leica if you shoot the way I do. The Leica pluses are just too miniscule IMHO.<br /><br />That said, you do get what you pay for, in some sense, so the Leica is "better". Why would Leica let Panasonic make their camera appear so much more overpriced?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-14617224422699669462009-08-26T10:40:05.775-07:002009-08-26T10:40:05.775-07:00I have no regrets purchasing the Leica, I much pre...I have no regrets purchasing the Leica, I much prefer the styling over the Panasonic. <br /><br />It's one of those cameras that force me to want to take better pictures, and I can't put a price tag on that!<br /><br />Having said that, I may also end up buying the new Panasonic GF1 as well, when it arrives.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-77741286886138854382009-08-14T19:34:18.877-07:002009-08-14T19:34:18.877-07:00Frank, u can see the step by step guide I made for...Frank, u can see the step by step guide I made for the lens cap mod here-http://ianho.blogspot.com/2008/11/ricoh-lc1-auto-lens-cap-on-leica-d-lux.html<br /><br />U can buy the Ricoh LC1 cap by clicking on the link at the bottom of that article. Your support will be much appreciated. Hehe.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-7835387745033076822009-08-14T14:13:33.959-07:002009-08-14T14:13:33.959-07:00Ian, nice work on the DL4 review. Question: where...Ian, nice work on the DL4 review. Question: where can I get the lens shade as seen in your image?<br />http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y209/ianho_/Leica/DSC00956.jpg<br />Frank in Southern California.Flduerrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04269694736191620126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-78132176405415410952009-07-28T04:17:13.248-07:002009-07-28T04:17:13.248-07:00Guys, be honest, none of the above mentioned issue...Guys, be honest, none of the above mentioned issues cannot be reached with a raw processor software like Adobe Lightroom. Okay, the Leica's got the better software... (Since I use Lightroom for me that's no issue). <br />Actually it's all about the design, the "Leica feeling" and (maybe) the resulting higher resale value. <br /><br />But why not pay the extra bucks for style?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-21935572777872371392009-07-21T12:16:01.850-07:002009-07-21T12:16:01.850-07:00Thanks for posting these, it is great to see the c...Thanks for posting these, it is great to see the comparison. I honestly cannot see an advantage either way. There are some color variations but even those are minor. It would be great to see how many people who claim that they can see a difference would be able to do a blind test and see if people could consistently pick which images are Panasonic versus Leica,Ruisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16895352994417916436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-54441583795923124322009-07-17T18:01:19.561-07:002009-07-17T18:01:19.561-07:00"haha. forget it. lx4 will be announced in 2 ..."haha. forget it. lx4 will be announced in 2 weeks using the new panasonic backlight sensor. those who bought the leica....good luck trying to sell it.<br /><br />in the end. the panasonic is a panasonic. the leica is also a panasonic. and both will be surpassed by the next generation."<br /><br /><br />And your point is.......since technology moves so fast, we should all stop buying new cameras? LOL. Anyway, you're a lil behind time with the LX4 announcement. It's been a while since Panasonic announced the LX4 coming in Q1, 2010. <br /><br />Why the sarcasm towards the Leica users? Doesn't the launch of LX4 also make the LX3 obsolete? Those who can afford it will just upgrade to the LX4 or D-Lux 5 when they are launched. Simple as that, no luck needed for selling them. LOL. In the end, it's all about individual preferences and personal finances. There's no need to be a fanboy of either brand.Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581247223867635351.post-5109197023822657122009-07-17T17:58:18.976-07:002009-07-17T17:58:18.976-07:00"About the difference in lens coatings. That ..."About the difference in lens coatings. That is most likely manufacturing variation. I work for Zeiss and no two AR coats are ever identical. The vacuum coating process is very sensitive to process variations (much to our chagrin) :)"<br /><br />Thanks for sharing. That's some useful info there. Mind sending over some Zeiss lenses for my Sony Alpha? :)Ian Hohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246587128048845918noreply@blogger.com