the new digilux-2 is here and is a REFLEX!

[Trius]

The Olympus E-330 will list for $999USD. I doubt the Panasonic will much different. The genuine Olympus MA-1 adapter is $99, and you should be able to get a very nice 28/2.8 for less than $150. A 50/3.5 macro is normally less than $200. Let's say $1400 for the kit above.

 

[ywenz]

Why would anyone get this SLR? Other than the Live Preview feature?? and somewhat lower cost? Are you guys really being fooled into this package simply because of the leica logo on the lens?

 

[Trius]

I don't know about the Panasonic. The Olympus model's screen swings out to a variety of positions, making it extraordinarily useful in situations where using an optical viewfinder requires contortions.

Other than that, I like Zuiko glass, E-series image quality and the dust cleaner for the sensor. The last is a huge advantage for DSLRs.

 

[gustav[] pEña]

MMmm... whats the crop factor if I use a nikon an olympus om lenses whit and adaptor?

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I think that this looks interesting, but only if the price on the Panasonic is around the price of the Olympus cameras of the same make. This looks to be something that I'd be interested, though...the body of the camera is very rangefinder-like. The lens looks to be interesting as well. Together, it would be a good package for me.

But, really, I'm a film shooter. I don't see myself really going ga-ga over a digital until I not only see exactly what features it has, but also the results that come from it.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Gustav, you're getting a bit ahead of yourself. I'd also like to point out that this has a crop factor of 2x...and that regular lenses may not even really work.

 

[Trius]

"Regular" (i.e. OM series and other) lenses do work, but there are restrictions. Manual focus, stop-down metering, and not all apertures are give optimum performance. Not all OM-series Zuikos are "good" on a 4/3 body, but some, such as the 28, 35, 50, 50macro, 90macro, 100/2.8 and 135 are very nice indeed.

Yes, it's a 2x crop factor, which is often a minus, but sometimes a plus. The biggest hole in the E-series system is the lack of fast primes. There are only a couple out. My major concern lens-wise was that some reported the 21/2 didn't do that well. But I saw shots from a member that gave me hope that it wasn't so. On an E-x it would be a 42/2, a really nice focal length.

 

[Little Prince]

Overwhelmed by all the posts to read about it entirely. But hey I don't know, it looks kinda all right. I must look it up tomorrow when I have more energy. Anyway I'm not buying a digital camera anytime soon.

 

[aizan]

if leica and panasonic don't make some fast short primes, you have my permission to shoot me!

 

[gustav[] pEña]

yes, we need a beutiffull 21mm f/2.8, 28mm f2 and a 50mm f/1.4

 

[ywenz]

2x crop factor !?!?!

Ouch! May I call this a SSLR (Safari SLR)?

 

[grantray]

Why would anyone get this SLR? Other than the Live Preview feature?? and somewhat lower cost? Are you guys really being fooled into this package simply because of the leica logo on the lens?

I would consider this because no-one is making what I really want- a compact manual DSLR with aperture priority that has the intuitive functionability, build quality, scale, interchageable lenses, and simplicity of a Canon AE-1, Nikon F series, Contarex, etc.

-grant

 

[aizan]

it seems like a normal non-professional slr, except better in nearly every way.

 

[dgray]

I read over on the photo.net thread on this camera that the viewfinder is off to the side like a rangefinder because the mirror on this camera (as well as the Olympus versions) swings not up and down but to the side. This moves the optical path sideways and prevent the big bump on top above the lens. I think this is the main reason why its looks resonate with us rangefinder users, along with the apparent analog interface. But can it be a viable alternative to a real, affordable, digital rangefinder? As far as I'm concerned I've already got my temporary stop gap kit (Pentax ist DS with small fast primes), so I'm waiting for the real thing before I "upgrade." But if this system does come out with smallish fast primes in the same basic range of focal lengths we are used to, and has outstanding performance at 400 ISO and at least very good performance at 800, then it could fill a nice spot. I guess the real question is whether the unique features would be enough to sway someone from just getting a Rebel XT, D50/70, or *ist DS, all of which are small, have a great line of lenses, are very cheap, have bigger sensors, and can be blended with a legitimate D/SLR system.

 

[aizan]

as a lover of prime lenses, i won't get anything that doesn't have the sswf. come on 4/3!

 

[gustav[] pEña]

I dont get it. is thits lens (14-50) 35mm equivalent?

 

[aizan]

no, it's 28-100. so you've got your 28/2.8 elmarit, 35/2.8 summaron, 50/3.5 elmar, and ~90/4 elmar. not what i'd prefer, but it's ok.

 

[gustav[] pEña]

And what about the others 4/3 lenses without ring aperture? is it posible to control the aperture manually using something inside the camera?


I hope leica comes up with lots of lenses with aperture ring.

 

[jaapv]

It looks like a very interesting camera but not a substitute or upgrade for the original Digilux2. The concept is too different. The current Digilux2 owners, like me, will probably hang on to it and add a digital M body later in the year. I would not be surprised if this one were a huge succes with those that want a compact do-it-all camera of high quality. First timers in Leica mostly I would suspect.

 

[aizan]

the L1 just goes along with how the prosumer bridge market has given way to more affordable dslrs. it retains the low profile body and manual controls, even though the lens is much larger. the concept isn't really different. put a short prime on it and you couldn't tell the difference, aside from the lack of a zoom. but i bet it shoots raw!