Leica Reviews

Regardless of what the numbers say, this camera is a (roughly) 2.1 megapixel system that uses a process similar to television "line doubling" to effect its claimed 4.3 megapixel resolution. While that is true, it also true that the pictures it takes are plenty sharp without "doctoring" and will easily enlarge to 5" x 7" without becoming grainy. This is in no small part a result of excellent optics. In addition, the true (optical) 3X zoom is excellent, and its ability to shoot rather long movies (80 secs with sound) is a nice plus. Having said all that in its favor, it is still (IMHO) *way* overpriced, mostly because it has the Leica name on it. You can buy the same camera with the Fuji name on it (model 4700) and save hundreds!

This little camera delivers awesome high resolution pictures in three scaleable sizes and video. Although no longer available on open market it can be found on the web through camera dealers. With the 32MB smartmedia card one can take from 18 high resolution (1700KB)photographs to 500 basic (50KB) resolution photographs. Downloading is fast with USB and Exif Viewer.
I use it in school regularly, as a middle school geography- social studies teacher accuracy and efficiency are important to me and my students -- clarity of picture is fundamental. The Leica Digilux 4.3 produces clean, clear stills for all but the fastest action shots. If you need action, use the 90 second video feature. I've owned and used this camera for two trouble-free years. It is invaluable.

I asked for this camera for christmas a got it(horay)! The main reason was that I thought it had the highest resolution 4.3 megapix. In fact it does not and Fuji who made it have had to change their advertising which has been called misleading. It is like a 2.3 megapixal but used some funny formula to produce data files that have 4.3 megapizals, but the original picture does not. HOWEVER - it takes really great pictures and can do movies for up to 80 seconds (with included 32mb sancard) There are a wide range of settings - full automatic, manual, movie, night time, 'rapid fire' that takes 3 pictures one after another. The controls are easy to learn and can be manipulated with one hand. It is relatively small and fits in a pocket. I was pleased to find a macro attatchment for it (you also have to by a small base stand to attatch this to the camera). this allows you to take extreme close ups mainly of skin which is good for me as a Dermatologist! Although it does have difficulty with colors at extreme close ups, it has no problem that I can see without the macro. The pictures is produces are really great. I also have an Epsonn 875 color printer, when combind with good photographic paper to print on they really do look like amazing pictures. Now - I have not used digital cameras before so I can not really compare it, but I have seen other frineds camera and I really like my one. It is not as small as those Cannon Elfs. It only uses rechargeable batteries. Make sure you buy it online - it is at least... more expensive in most stores. Enjoy. Oh yea, it comes with easy to use software.

This camera has exceeded my expectations of what any digital camera should be. I was fearful during the purchasing process because I read "pro" reviews for this camera that were not favorable. They complained about severe noise at ISO 200 & 400. Luckily, I do not use these settings very often, I use a tripod and long exposures for low-light situations if I have to.

The real test occured when I held this camera for the first time--wonderful! My favorite physical qualities of this piece of art are the well-placed levers (yes I said levers, much like a Leica M), manual focus/settings and magnesium housing. The large display is very useful. I've gotten many + comments about the camera's superb design.

More important than physical prowess though, OPTICS. This is what sets the Digilux apart from its competitors. Fast and clear, enough said.

One last note, I bought the optional Filter Adapter at a local camera shop... Ohhh, what I'm willing to pay for Leica quality. With the adapter screwed on, the lense cap does not fit. This is a minor detail because filters offer protection and you can get an aftermarket cap that fits. Soon I will add accessories (wide-angle lense, more filters) to increase the camera's photo possibilities.

It's truly first class.

The Leica Digilux 1 one may resemble a souped-up version of the old American 35mm Argus rangefinder camera, but appearances are certainly quite deceiving; it's images are far superior to any made by the old Argus. This is simply one of the best handling digital cameras I've held, producing images that are among the most brilliant, and rich in contrast, that I've seen from digital cameras. The controls may seem a bit large, but they should be comfortable to those accustomed to holding large 35mm autofocus SLR cameras made by the likes of Canon and Nikon. Unfortunately I don't own a Leica Digilux 1, but still I recommend it highly for anyone interested in getting the finest digital imagery from a relatively compact camera. Without question, Leica - in partnership with Panasonic - has made an excellent 21st Century camera worthy of Leica's dedication to optical quality and excellence surpassed by none.

OK, I admit that I am a sucker for the Leica name, but hey, it has meant quality and incredible optics for a very long time, so I had little difficulty choosing this camera last year when I decided to finally go digital. After one year of use, I have nothing but praise for this camera. Although I pine a bit for the Digilux 2, I am not ready to trade my Digilux 1 in and pay the premium. As a digital rangefinder, with excellent automatic and manual aspects, I have been able to satisfy both sides of my hobby: the snapshot photographer and the advanced hobbiest artist. The pictures I produce using this camera are stunning; the colors dense and true, and their ability to be manipulated in Photoshop a breeze. I highly recommend this camera to anyone considering it ... at this price, you're getting a bargain!

Can you get more digital camera for $750? Absolutely. Much in the same way you can get more GB/$ from some MP3 players than you can from an iPod. But try to "outcool" it, and you'll fail. Same situation here.

This is the ultimate stylish pocket-size point-and-shoot camera. It's retro. It's timeless and it's a Leica. Cool factor aside, Lecia is second only to Hasselblad in reputation in the world of photography and it wouldn't let a dog out of its shop. The quality of the photos from this pocket rocket are tremendous.

Note that this camera is not purely Leica. It is the result of a collaboration with Panasonic which provides the electronics. But the lens, arguably the most important component, is a Leica. Panasonic makes essentially the same camera but in a cheap plastic at about half the price. That takes excellent shots as well.

At 3MP, it's starting to show its age from a technology standpoint, but this isn't the camera you'd use to shoot anything for printing larger than 8x10 anyway.