Comments on: Leica D-Lux 5 Review

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:16:36 +0000

One thing to keep in mind about the price difference between the D-LUX 5 and the Pany is Lightroom 3. A lot of people seem to overlook this, perhaps incorrectly thinking LR3 is “bundle ware”.

LR3 is a $300 piece of professional photo finishing / project management software. Between that and an additional 2 years of factory warranty, the price difference is easily justified!

That’s definitely the reason I made the choice to pull the trigger on this little gem of a camera. I’ve been looking for an excuse to pull the trigger, but was hesitant with the equivalent Panny out there for cheaper. However, I’ve been an Aperture user for the last several years, but decided to switch to Lightroom since Apple appears to be abandoning pro apps in favor of consumer ware. When Isaw a FULL VERSION OF LIGHTROOM bundled with it, my jaw hit the floor!

So basically, I bought Lightroom, and got a D-LUX 5 with it’s fantastic warranty for $100 more than the Panasonic. Plus, I got that fantastic little red dot to boot.

By: Russell Dawkins

Russell Dawkins — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:20:55 +0000

Thanks for this evenhanded and insightful review.

I am vacillating between the Sigma DP1/2, the Leica D-Lux5 and the Leica x1, although I’m not at all sure I could convince my wife that the price of the X1 is rational and anything more than obscenely self-indulgent.

My take on the difference between the D-Lux5 and the Sigma DP1/2 is that the 5 does not quite have the magic of the Sigma, but is immensely more versatile and even more reliable in terms of colour veracity and exposure appropriateness, leading to a different kind of satisfaction with the picture. Also, the D-Lux 5 is significantly better in low light, it appears.
I have only recently included Leica in my search for a Fuji F31fd replacement (it was stolen), but I have often been delighted with images I have seen coming from the x1 and even the D-Lux 5 (including yours!). I don’t see what the fuss is about the Fuji X100; none of the images I have seen from it do anything at all for me.

I am beginning to think that there is a lot to be said for the skill that Leica brings to image handling, and this is perhaps most clearly demonstrated by the D-Lux 5/LX5 comparison where the lens and sensor are the same but the results are vibrant on one hand and flat on the other.

Thanks. You have helped clarify my thinking. I think I will buy the D-Lux 5 while I wait to see what Leica replaces the X1 with.

I wonder what Leica could do with the Foveon sensor…

By: Kieran

Kieran — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:19:37 +0000

I haven’t found it a great sports camera. It will do as burst of three shots, which you can set up. Just make sure your shutter speed is fast enough!

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 23 May 2011 20:22:13 +0000

Nice photo you have posted. I just bought the D lux 5 couple weeks ago, didn’t have much time to mess with it yet. One question I have is – can this camera take fast/continuous shots like (when your kids are playing soccer. If so, what setting I need to set?

By: Kieran

Kieran — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:40:41 +0000

Cindy – I don’t know the Nikon p300, so I can’t comment on that. I have the D300, which is a different beast altogether. Macjim – Thanks for clarifying that the ownership. That’s news to me. As for the macro, I haven’t used it much, but I have a great macro lens for the Nikon (105), so I’m spoiled!

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 04:04:05 +0000

Nice images and review. Besides the price, which one would you recommend, Leica d-lux 5 or Nikon p300? What I like about the p300 is the 1080HD video. How does it stand against the d-lux 5? Thanks

By: macjim

macjim — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:35:41 +0000

I liked your review. Only one thing – Panasonic do not own Leica as you stated but Panasonic and Leica work together on the cameras and lenses.
I too have a D-Lux 5 am impressed with the quality of the photographs taken. The only bad point that I’ve found is the macro feature – it’s not very, well,
macro or at least that is my personal experience. Nice review though…

By: Kimme @ Irish Cottage Dreams

Kimme @ Irish Cottage Dreams — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:14:53 +0000

I like the photos you took with this camera… funny, I was just thinking about a new camera for my Irish postcards. I will have to look into this one. So glad I stopped by today.