M8 or 4/3?

[Bob Ross]

But do you have to manually stop down or can you use auto-exposure?

You have to stop down manually to the working aperture, since you lose the auto diaphram, but you can use aperture priority auto exposure. Awkward, but you gain the lens' quality and get constant DOF preview to boot
Bob

 

[jaapv]

You have to stop down manually to the working aperture, since you lose the auto diaphram, but you can use aperture priority auto exposure. Awkward, but you gain the lens' quality and get constant DOF preview to boot
Bob

For long tele it is not really an issue, as one uses those wide open most of the time.

 

[georgl]

I've compared the D3 and the M8 on a Leica-presentation. I've compared some pictures I made on the Mac - the M8 IQ was simply superior. It was sharper, had better colors, less artifacts, less noise... It's a completly dfferent class, even if 8MP vs. 10MP sound like being comparable.
Of course ergonomics and build quality was also superior - as you would expect at this price - but the D3 isn't exactly cheap either...

THe D3 is a simple Panasonic mass-product and has not much to do with Leica.

When you can afford it and you like rangefinders, the M8 will propably give you the best IQ avaible in 35mm-class. And the lenses are even fitted for the future, 35Asph, 50Asph, the Apos, the new Tri (I've watched some RAWs 16mm f4 - nearly perfect), they all have unique optical qualities, ready for even more Megapixels...

 

[ray_g]

this oly e1 is an older camera?
and adapters can be found that allow the use of older oly om lenses on it?

sounds pretty good to me.

joe

Yes, with stopped down metering. IIRC, the OM zuiko's have the advantage here, as you just need to press the stopdown button on the lens ring right before you shoot rather than turning the aperture ring. Meaning, it is wide open when you focus.

 

[cjago]

I've compared the D3 and the M8 on a Leica-presentation. I've compared some pictures I made on the Mac - the M8 IQ was simply superior. It was sharper, had better colors, less artifacts, less noise... It's a completly dfferent class, even if 8MP vs. 10MP sound like being comparable.
Of course ergonomics and build quality was also superior - as you would expect at this price - but the D3 isn't exactly cheap either...

THe D3 is a simple Panasonic mass-product and has not much to do with Leica.

The difference is probably more the filtering than the pixel count. All the 4/3rds cameras have anti-aliasing filters. I haven't yet been able to compare M8 pics with a 4/3rds camera, but I have used a DMR. The DMR outshines the 4/3rds cameras for quality of rendition, but the Leica isn't waterproof, doesn't have autofocus, isn't stabilised and so on. You pick the attributes that work for you. Even the humble and aging E1 produces fantastic pictures if you stick to its strengths.

I have the Lumix L1 now (why pay more for the Leica badge). Sure, it comes out of a high volume Panasonic factory, but that doesn't stop it being a terrific camera. The Leica D class isn't trying to be M or R class, but it isn't embarrased by the other makers either. I'm sure that Leica is badging this stuff for straightforward revenue purposes, but that doesn't make it junk. And the Leica / Panasonic thing seems to be a real partnership. For now, they both need the other.

 

[georgl]

Just like I said, they're different classes. It's not only the AA-filter, it's also the sensor itself, the lens-quality, the precision of the components...
You're right, take the camera that fits your purpose, but many photographers make the wrong decisions because marketing/press tells them they need features that they don't use, that the D3 is a Leica...

I'm not sure about the DMR but the R8/9 is extremly robust, I've used it under various hard conditions, despite the electronic contacts because of the modules (DMR, winder) the camera is very well sealed. The rubber-pieces (?) the seal modules (as with Canon or Nikon) aren't really waterproof at all - you still have to be careful... A little piece of rubber doesn't last for eternity...
Norbert Rosing, a nature photographer specialized on arctic conditions even uses only R8/9 (the R6.2 was unecessary) and Leica-glass under those conditions (arctic temperatures). I'don't know where this myth about lacking weather-sealing comes from!?

 

[CDT]

I briefly tried out the 4/3rds system with an E-300 this summer and gave it up rather quickly. The lens line up, completely lacking small fast primes, was too limited for me.
I like the crazy penta prism arrangement. The viewfinder is dimmer than a traditional SLR, but the camera fits nicely into a satchel because it doesn't have the bulge on top. I really hate carrying those fat SLR type bags. Not one of those things that pixel peepers mention but a big advantage in real life.
I might get an L1/Digilux 3 if they come up with more lenses, but for now I'll stick with Canon SLRs for which there is a huge range of good cheap primes.

 

[Bob Ross]

For long tele it is not really an issue, as one uses those wide open most of the time.

True JAAP, I tend to use my older manual lenses at the wider apertures. The only place that I have felt limited is with hand held macros, where I could use some more DOF.
Bob