Leica D-Lux 3: 2nd Camera and Trekking Solution

[Scott Brady]

One of the challenges of a full-size DSLR is the bulk and weight, requiring extra bags, multiple lenses, etc.

I purchased the Leica for two reasons:

1. A back-up camera that can still shoot Journal quality images. If one of the staff is on assignment and their Canon breaks, the trip is not lost.
2. Lightweight solution: For quick trips and trekking where light weight is critical, but we still need quality and image size.

What made the decision easy:

1. Very compact, about 5"x3". Almost too small for my hands.
2. 10.4 mp with RAW image capture
3. Wide angle sensor for 16:9 format
4. ISO 100-1600
5. Full manual control of focus, white balance and exposure
6. LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 6.3–25.2 mm f/2.8–4.9 ASPH. (equivalent to 28 to 112 millimeters for 35 mm format), 4 x optical zoom.
7. HD construction, large display
8. Reasonable price at $600

I also picked up a few Scandisk Ultras, a leather case and extra battery.

Leica D-Lux 3

 

[Scott Brady]

Here is the first proof from the camera. I am very impressed.

 

[pwc]

You don't need smaller for a trekking solution. My wife got the Sherpas she was with to carry the 5D the whole time.

That Leica does look interesting...

 

[Lost Canadian]

Very nice. What other point and shoots did you consider Scott, for comparison sake?

 

[Dirty Harry]

I agree that a DSLR can be a pain at times. I use my Canon G5 almost exclusively on tech articles.

My girlfriend even got "my" first cover shot with the G5!

 

[sinuhexavier]

That is such a great camera... I have yet to buy one, but I have used one half a dozen times and impressed me it has, everytime.

One thing you failed to mention is it's ability to capture HD video...


...Ummm are those plastic grapes on your door?

 

[Scott Brady]

Very nice. What other point and shoots did you consider Scott, for comparison sake?

I did consider some of the Canon units, like the PowerShot SD850 IS. The D-Lux was the only compact with RAW image capabilities and exceptional glass combined. The Leica image processing is pretty impressive too.

The only other real option I considered was the Digilux 3, which is larger and considerably more expensive. I would rather spend the extra on the D5

 

[Scott Brady]

I am even considering only bringing the D-Lux 3 on my Alaska 4wd trip and Cincinati Zoo trip that I leave for next week. Stealth with my new D-Lux and Maxpedition bags

 

[Lost Canadian]

The D-Lux was the only compact with RAW image capabilities...

Really, that's surprising. I can easily understand your choice then.

 

[articulate]

My girlfriend even got "my" first cover shot with the G5!

:REOutArchery02:
Nice! That's hilarious.

I purchased the Leica for two reasons:

1. A back-up camera that can still shoot Journal quality images. If one of the staff is on assignment and their Canon breaks, the trip is not lost.
2. Lightweight solution: For quick trips and trekking where light weight is critical, but we still need quality and image size.

What made the decision easy:

1. Very compact, about 5"x3". Almost too small for my hands.
2. 10.4 mp with RAW image capture
3. Wide angle sensor for 16:9 format
4. ISO 100-1600
5. Full manual control of focus, white balance and exposure
6. LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 6.3–25.2 mm f/2.8–4.9 ASPH. (equivalent to 28 to 112 millimeters for 35 mm format), 4 x optical zoom.
7. HD construction, large display
8. Reasonable price at $600

I'm impressed! Redundancy: novel idea. What a powerful little camera, thanks for sharing that one.

 

[adventureduo]

Yeah that is impressive for its size. Large SLR's can get heavy lugging around after a bit.

 

[Scott Brady]

Prescott Sunset

How about this for a lightshow for my new camera :wings: , man I love Prescott

 

[bigreen505]

Scott, you know I love you man, but you're screwed. Leica is a one-way trip. All my Canon gear hit the auction block the day after I spent an afternoon shooting with a DMR and I definitely have an M8 in my future.

Do try processing your raw files through something besides Aperture as for some reason Aperture doesn't play nicely with the M8 and DMR.

 

[Scott Brady]

The only other Leica I lust after is this one: (the full kit with 28mm, 50mm and 160?mm, oh and the cool case and small binoculars)

Oh, and this too (to Jonathan's relief):
Leica Geovid 42mm

 

[sinuhexavier]

Do try processing your raw files through something besides Aperture as for some reason Aperture doesn't play nicely with the M8 and DMR.

Lightroom by Adobe is the cat's meow... It makes processing .raw extremely easy and it's interface is incredibly user friendly.