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Yes, Leica is expensive. However, for the size and the year this camera was made, the quality of the camera, the features and the quality of the images are all superb. Note that there are newer models of this same camera, the D-Lux 4 and 5, each incrementally better. First, the images. The lens is Leica. The lens has some chromatic aberrations, or color fringing on the edges of highlights. However, the amount is much less than other cameras of the same age and size. This is part of the higher price and the aberrations can be fixed moderately well in photo software. The images can be printed to sizes as large as 13 x 19 (I have not printed larger). The images can be taken in RAW and JPEG formats. As the price indicates, the RAW format is also what sets this camera apart from similar sizes of the same age. The case is metal with some plastic parts, which contributors to sturdiness. The lens is large with a large f/stop allowing for more light and better low light photography without a flash. The controls are intuitive and the key changes are easy to use when taking photos. The camera is slow to focus by today's standards and the JPEG processing in the camera in not as good as others in its class. However, Leica does adjust JPEGs for the specific lens. This camera is meant for shooting in RAW and post processing in computer software which it still does very well even at the time of this writing. The format used is Adobe RAW, the same as the newer models and a standard in the photo industry. If you are looking for a compact RAW camera on a budget, this used model is well worth checking out. The most important part of any digital camera is the quality of the lens and the quality of the sensor recording the light. This fits both bills.Read full review
It's old in technology years, and in some ways it shows. It's a great little camera, fun to use. And it has the Leica badge, which is really why we're interested. The prices have come down and one can sometimes be had for less than $100. Also, the 10 megapixels are at 16:9 aspect ratio, and if you move down to 3:2 or 4:3 you loose some. This is a nice opposite to most other cameras where the quoted megapixels is for a 4:3 ratio and it goes down if you change to 3:2 or 16:9. A few downsides. The raw files are huge, in the 20MB range. Add in a few more MBs for the jpg sidecar file and a 4GB SD card only holds 166 pictures. I keep mine set on B&W so I get a raw file and a camera processed black and white jpg. Partially due to the age and partially due to the size of the files, it does take a long time for pictures to save, so you'll wait several seconds between shots if using raw. Also, use an sd card adapter or plug the sd card directly into your computer to transfer photos to a computer, connecting via camera results in slow transfers. The focus tends to be on the soft side, especially at a distance and with lens fully extended. I like that, the photos I've taken have a cool look to them. But if you need things to be crisp, something to consider. Also, with the lens fully zoomed the focus does tend to hunt in less than full sunlight. It'll get there, but not as fast as a brand new compact camera.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
I've been an avid user of Leica cameras and lenses since the early 1980's, so it was obvious when the company entered the digital world - admittedly with Panasonic covering the electronics - that I would follow. I'm very happy with the image quality and ease of use of the D Lux 3. Vibrant and contrasty picture after picture. I look forward to picking up another of the model range. Outstanding.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Big camera feature and quality in small camera, I had panasonic version but it's different, Leica have far more quality picture ability.. Must buy for early adopters.
This is a brilliant camera. I am a fan of Lumix LX models, too. Simply put: this is a Leica and I believe the firmware is too. The models that come later will have a few more bells a few less whistles, but this is my favorite. If you are a former film photographer, this has manual everything and that makes it awesome. Leica is inspirational to me, so I cannot be objective. Of them all, this is the camera I grab when I go anywhere.
Verified purchase: No
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