digilux vs lumix

[grizzlyadam]

What are the major differences here? I am paying for a name in Leica or is there a noticeable difference? I like the simple nature of these cameras and am interested in something similar to this.
I like the fact that it is smaller and most of the controls appear to be on the body not in some menu. I have smaller hands so the large DSLR bodies are a turnoff for me.
Thanks
Adam

 

[photogdave]

The extra money is going to the 2 year international warranty, Adobe software and 1GB SD card. There are some differently-tweaked Jpeg settings on the Leica but if you shoot RAW it probably wouldn't matter.
Leica has some sort of "Customer Loyalty" program going on now that gets you the Digilux at a reduced price if you register some Leica gear you already own. This gets the price a little closer to Panasonic but if you aren't eligible for this, don't waste your money on the Digilux and go for the Lumix.
They are great cameras and the lens is incredible. With some of the better Olympus lenses you can build a really nice kit!

 

[shadowfox]

I'd get the 4/3rd Leica lens and then get an E-410 or E-510 to use it with for cheaper than both the panasonic and the leica.

 

[steamer]

In Japan anyway the LUMIX DMC-L1 can be had with lens for 135,000 yen
about a 1075 US. The lens alone is about 117,000 yen. The oly 400 body is 56,000, and the 510 body 114,000.

 

[retow]

What are the major differences here? I am paying for a name in Leica or is there a noticeable difference? I like the simple nature of these cameras and am interested in something similar to this.
I like the fact that it is smaller and most of the controls appear to be on the body not in some menu. I have smaller hands so the large DSLR bodies are a turnoff for me.
Thanks
Adam

I'm surprised you consider "the brick" smaller than......... It obviously depends what it is compared with. Competitions entry level or mid level dslrs are more compact.

 

[Socke]

Do you mean the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1?

Bigger and heavier than a Canon D350/Rebel Xt.


Here is a review

It looks good from the front, but not so from the back. More knobs and controls than a spaceshuttle and heavy!

 

[photogdave]

I have used this camera. It handles very well and the controls are well-placed. It seems big with the stock lens but when you put one of the Olympus 4/3 lenses on it it becomes more compact. The IQ is much better than anything from Olympus. This is a great camera.

 

[shadowfox]

In Japan anyway the LUMIX DMC-L1 can be had with lens for 135,000 yen
about a 1075 US. The lens alone is about 117,000 yen. The oly 400 body is 56,000, and the 510 body 114,000.

Yes, however the new Olys are 10 MPixels and has a live-view display. And when the Leica/Panasonic's next version came out, the Olys *will* still be cheaper.

 

[shadowfox]

The IQ is much better than anything from Olympus. This is a great camera.

Would be interested in seeing the comparison that lead you to this conclusion.

 

[photogdave]

Would be interested in seeing the comparison that lead you to this conclusion.

If I still have some files from the Olympus I'll post them, but I think I already trashed them.