Leica D-Lux 4 Digital Camera (Black)

I have been a pro shooter for 15 years now, and have always used Canon gear. Today, my kit includes the 1Ds Mark III and over a dozen L-series, or special purpose lenses. I can honestly say that this little Leica gives my pro system a run for its money, at a fraction of the cost, and weight. It also allows me to keep a very low profile if needed, even though this camera is gorgeous.

The lens produces astounding sharpness, the color and contrast of the JPEGs are amazing right out of the camera, and yes, the dynamic black and white mode does produce that magical "Leica feel" right out of the camera. I was skeptical at first, however, even after one sunset test shoot, I would also agree with other users on this point. At 460k, the LCD screen has ultra high resolution, while all camera operations are quite fast. It's simply an incredible camera.

As for the cons that other users mention...in my opinion, no, the mode dial is NOT that easy to accidentally turn. Once you pick up the camera you'll see that your index finger, once poised over the shutter button, simply won't be close enough to the mode dial for an accidental spin. Also, the autofocus for spontaneous shooting, even in low-light is also plenty fast enough, and does not unnecessarily go hunting for subjects, in my opinion.

CONS: (1) Do not waste your money on the optional 24mm viewfinder. The optics, even at $350, do not zoom to match whatever focal length the lens happens to be at, which forces you to shoot at 24mm each and every time, which sort of defeats the purpose of having a zoom lens capability. Additionally, it does not even offer shoot information in the display, unlike a DSLR which does this and makes traditional viewfinder shooting possible.

(2) Don't waste your money on the Leica battery. Instead, buy the one for the Panasonic LX3, which is identical, only it doesn't say Leica and costs about half as much. The principle of Leica charging more without giving you any additional battery capacity simply irritates me.

OPTIONAL: I did splurge for the brown leather Leica case. It's a little overpriced to be sure, but if you've read this far, then you're someone willing to pay $700 for a point and shoot anyway, so you might as well just complete the package. It's pure class all the way around. If your goal was also to bask in Leica social cachet, then this case completes the package. If you're a pro shooter, then it also provides instant reassurance to your clients that yes, "this guy is actually pulling out a point and shoot camera on this shoot, but oh wait, it looks like a serious machine. It's all good."

In the end, I promise you will NOT be disappointed. This little gem is worth the money, and has definitely earned the following it has already attained.

Happy shooting...

~WC

Even with the $150 rebate (until end of 2008) I paid $200 for the red dot. Mind you, I'm not complaining. It is an estimable camera at the top of the heap in its class. I bought it for the f2.0 fast lens, the wide angle, the build quality, the Leica processing software in the camera itself (it is better than my Panasonic DMC-LZ50 less chunky and exagerated color at extreme magnification), the accessories like even more wide angle with an accessory lens or the 24mm optical finder. I have done some photojournalism in my life and this is what I wish I had back then.

I have gone through at least four digital cameras since I decided to leave my Nikon film SLR on the shelf a few years ago. I have never looked back. But this beauty allows me to do the photography I like best, to be inconspicuous, to be quick, to feel like taking it along because of its relatively light weight and size, to not spook people who are shy when an SLR is around. It looks (other than that wonderful red dot) like any P&S, but I'm thankful it isn't.

I've seen minimal barrel distortion, maximum sharpness and contrast, easy menus, abundant automatic as well as full manual features.

Unless you have a fetish about Leica, go with the much less costly extra batteries (under $15.00) and other items. A tip about non-Leica brand batteries: remove the stick-on label because it is just thick enough to make it difficult to remove these after market batteries. When I did this, they fit just as well as the Leica ($75.00) batteries. Get the S005 battery that the Panasonic twin uses. These aftermarket are just as good as maker branded batteries. Get a few of them. They charge up in just 45 minutes or so.

I have used the 720P HD video (use the wide 16:9 format at the right side of the lens barrel selector switch) and am impressed at the quality. Certainly a dedicated 1080P HD videocam would do better, but being able to use a 24mm wide angle lens is a real plus. On my digital TV and on my computer monitor the results were satisfying. My computer played it with a little stutter the first time but playing it again it was smooth on succeeding times. Go figure. I have a low end graphics card so that may be the cause. My HD videos have been less than one minute so far I understand there may be a limit of five minutes or so (per file). Don't buy another still camera without HD video!

A tip about what some pros and advanced amateurs do with a quality new camera to preserve its resale value is to cover as much surface on the camera as possible with adhesive plastic (such as the PDA screen protector materiel) to minimise wear (and actually, it gives you a better grip than the stock exterior). This is for a user camera. If, like some Leica owners, you just want to show it off rarely for the feeling that you know enough about cameras to choose a Leica you can skip this tip.

Oh, one thing. Do not trust the Leica neck strap. It almost came loose at the camera end while on its first use. Use a sailor's knot there don't trust the tiny plastic sleive to hold. We don't need any Leicas hitting the concrete.

UPDATE for August 2011

Just downloaded the ROM 2.2 D-Lux 4 upgrade to its operating system. Go to the Leica Germany website to download it, unzip, move the file to an empty SD card recently formatted on the camera. install the card, turn on camera and follow directions given. Hardly takes a minute. Numerous upgrades to features including square format. E-mail Leica USA service department if you have any questions. No need to get a D-Lux 5 for many of the new features except 90mm which this upgrade does not, and cannot, address. Just crop by a third or so to get 90mm equivalent.

Buy Leica D-Lux 4 Digital Camera (Black) Now

Fantastic and superbly versatile compact digital camera. The lens is really great (although it has easily noticeable barrel distortion at the wide end, hence four stars and not five) and the sensor too. Great in low light. User interface is easy to learn and pleasant to use; I'm used to Canon digitals since the EOS D30 in 2001 but quickly became Leica-acclimated with this camera.

As of November 12, 2008, neither Aperture nor Lightroom support the RAW format used by this camera. Surely in time they will, but if this matters to you then look into it.

Read Best Reviews of Leica D-Lux 4 Digital Camera (Black) Here

Most cameras are usually something I tire of after a few days of use. They are usually to complicated to use. If you want to get creative then you have to sort through cumbersome layers of menus in order to make creative changes. Not so here. After an hour of reading the manual I could photograph nearly anything with incredible results. The controls are intuitive and in just a few hours I was taking breathtaking creative photo's like I would see in photo journals. Even my wife was amazed at the clarity and color of the pictures I took in the French Quarter today. B&W photo's in the dynamic mode are amazing. I photographed (dynamic B&W) a heavily chromed Harley today parked on Saint Peter St and I'm going to have to frame this picture as it's just stunning. This is the camera for the rest of us who want to take great photo's and gave up because of complicated cameras. The LCD screen also has a higher resolution than the point and shoot cameras I've used (many). The flash will also handle most lighting conditions with ease although the lens is fast enough that rarely have I used the flash. Last night I photographed 5 intoxicated Santa's dancing together in the French Quarter with just the available light from two headlights heading their way (yes..naturally they were in the street). Funny and great photo stuff. Isn't this what a good camera should do..capture a moment with great results and add to your life without stress! Finally one that does just that.

Want Leica D-Lux 4 Digital Camera (Black) Discount?

My quest for the best P&S is finally over..

Am I paying too much for the red dot? Probably so. But do I have any regret? None what so ever. I started my search for a perfect (to me) P&S about a couple of months ago and have gone through most of the top of the line Canons. In my opinion, Canon makes the best cameras in the market. However, none of the compacts has come even close to my expectations. Then I decided to take the plunge, went to the dark side and ordered the D-Lux 4. Before this, I considered the Panasonic DMC-LX3. May be the LX3 does the same thing, but I am tired to being disappointed and shipping cost to return items. Just a note, I also own a Canon 5D Mkii, Canon A620 and Panasonic LX-2, these are excellent cameras and produce amazing images.

I only shot the D-Lux 4 for only about a week, but I already know that I will keep this camera. I love it so much, the 60mm maximum focal length and plastic battery door are non-issues for me. BTW, those were the only complaints I heard for other owners. The colors in Vibrant mode are gorgeous; Dynamic B&W produces images that are rival to those shot in B&W with a filmed Leica. Very acceptable lag time too. 24mm minimum focal lenght and f2.0 make tremendous differences. Not as fast as an DSLR, but I believe it is as good as you can get with a P&S. The large image sensor (largest in P&S, except Sigma DP1) produces images that have virtually no noise. I shot mine at ISO 80.

Someone said these Leica cameras have better resale values. I am not so sure. But if it is, I can certainly see why. Right now, I have no intetion of parting with it. This camera also comes with 2-year warrantee and that makes the price a little bit more bearable. I was willing to pay almost $500 for the Canon G10. This camera leaves the G10 in the dust. I am paying a premium price for a compact P&S, but have no regrets.

4/24/09 update: HD video is great, except for the following:

1. Only 10m30s each, even there is still plenty of space on the SD card.

2. Can not refocus or zoom, if you move closer you have to stop and restart.

I shot a wedding with over 300 frames, some with flashes and 5 videos that averages 5 minutes each and only used up half of the battery juice!

Still love it!!