Product Description

Compact Camera

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #992 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Black
• Brand: Leica
• Model: D-Lux4 Black
• Dimensions: 4.28" h x 1.07" w x 2.34" l, .50 pounds
• Display size: 3

Features

• 10.1-megapixel resolution and 24-60 Summicron lens f2.0
• Small, compact design with 3.0-inch TFT LCD screen
• 50 MB built-in memory; capture images to SD memory card, SDHC memory card and MultiMedia cards (not included)

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer

The compact nature of the D-Lux 4 means it can be with you all the time. But despite its compact size, it offers top Leica quality and gives the photographer plenty of artistic freedom. The D-Lux 4 is ideal, whether for subjects composed with lots of forethought or for spontaneous reportage.

The high-aperture professional lens

The Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens 1:2.0-2.8/5.1-12.8 ASPH is a high-aperture lens for digital compact cameras that allows the real enthusiast to work with an open shutter. Its high speed makes the Leica D-LUX 4 ideal for available light exposures. Whether in poor light or for selective use of field depth, the lens of the Leica D-LUX 4 gives the photographer scope for highly individual picture composition. The aspherical zoom lens with a focusing range of 24-60 mm opens up new creative options in reportage photography.

The lens design consists of eight elements, of which four are aspherical. These are matched individually to the camera sensor, working in harmony with the electronics and software, to produce stunningly brilliant pictures in true-to-life colors.

Powerful sensor

At a standard resolution of 10.1 megapixels, the overlarge size of the 1/1.63" CCD image sensor increases image quality distinctly. The smallest details of the subject are reproduced exactly. The D-Lux 4 can take photos in all three formats (4:3/3:2/16:9) to suit the particular recording or playback situation. On the 3" LCD monitor with a resolution of 460,000 pixels, pictures can be viewed and assessed in excellent quality before and after they are taken. Leica Camera AG has developed its own unique colour matching, contrast and picture definition profile which produces digital characteristics complimentary to Leica M film photography.

More creative possibilities

The ergonomic layout of controls and intuitive operating system make it a pleasure to handle the D-Lux 4. Focus, shutter speed, stops and exposure override can all be set manually with the joystick giving the real enthusiast scope for highly individual picture composition. Of course you can also use the intelligent automatic mode: Depending on the subject and photographic situation, the camera automatically selects the best mode from Scene Select, either macro, landscape, portrait, night portrait, or night scene. The professional software Capture One 4 (RAW data converter) makes sure that the RAW data supplied by the CCD sensor is "processed" in optimum quality. Data recording can be in Fine, Standard, RAW or combinations. The D-Lux 4 is also prepared for photos in HDTV format with a HD port for TV connection.

Expandable, just like a small system camera

D-Lux 4 with optional viewfinder

The D-Lux 4 is a real Leica, not just in its design, its looks, and its performance, but also its being the first digital compact camera that can be used with an extensive range of accessories - just like a system camera. That means even more photographic possibilities with the camera that can claim to be "son of M8".

What's in the Box

Camera with lens cap (incl. loop) and wriststrap, battery charger, lithium-ion battery, battery case, A/V cable, USB cable, DVD with comprehensive software package.

Customer Reviews

Truly Exceptional.
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

Leica has cachet
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.

Super Duper Leica
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.