Product Description

The new, elegant LEICA D-LUX initiates a new line in Leica's portfolio of digital cameras. As a constant companion it one can capture the encounters and events in life and document them as in a visual diary. It has clearly arranged functions and is delightfully easy to use. With numerous possibilities for individualization, it is not merely a camera, but a valuable accessory - with you everywhere and at all times to preserve those precious moments you never want to forget.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #111725 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Leica
• Model: 18236
• Display size: 1.5

Features

• 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical plus 3x digital zoom (9x total)
• Compact size, aluminum body, classic look
• Includes 64 MB Secure Digital card; also compatible with MMC cards
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery; connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0

Amazon.com Product Description
The elegant Leica D-LUX initiates a new line in Leica's portfolio of digital cameras. As a constant companion it can capture the encounters and events in life and document them as in a visual diary. It has clearly arranged functions and is delightfully easy to use.

Optics and Resolution
Despite its miniscule size the D-Lux incorporates a 3.2 million effective-pixel CCD for clear printouts at up to 11x14 inches. It also uses a Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT f/2,8–4,9/5,8–17,4 mm ASPH lens with 7 elements in 6 groups and 3 aspherical surfaces (corresponds to 35 – 105 mm for 35 mm photography). Focal length is adjusted by zoom rocker switch conveniently located behind the shutter release. A 3x optical zoom can be combined with a 3x digital zoom for a total 9x zoom level. The white balance is fully automatic or can be manually adjusted to ISO 50/18°, 100/21°, 200/24° or 400/27°.

Storage and Transfer
The camera uses either SD or MMC cards and connects to a PC or Mac via a USB 2.0 connection. It also has an A/V output with 2.5 mm mini jack for image and sound transmission to TV/audio system/computer.

Movie Mode
Movies can be recorded at resolutions of up to 640x480 pixels in QuickTime format.

More Features
The styling of the new Leica D-LUX is deliberately reminiscent of the timeless shape of classic Leica reportage cameras. The metal body, made of aluminum, supports this look. Its fabrication is just as meticulous. Even details such as the mode dial as well as the two covers for the battery compartment, memory card and connectors are made of solid metal. The symbols on the mode dial – durably protected against wear – are engraved in the aluminum and filled-in with black paint. So, if at any time you don't have a good subject in sight, you still have a timeless object in your hands.

Other features include:

• White balance presets for daylight, cloud, halogen lighting or manual setting
• Four subject-related automatic programs for close-up, portraits, landscapes and twilight shots
• 1.5 inch LCD

Power and Size
A rechargeable 3.6-volt Li-ion battery powers the camera and is included in the package. The camera measures 4 4/5 by 2 by 1 2/5 inches and weighs seven ounces (without the battery).

From the Manufacturer
The Leica D-LUX is a new digital compact camera from Leica Camera AG, Solms with a high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8-4.9/5.8-17.4 mm ASPH. triple zoom lens. The small and elegant LEICA D-LUX has a clear array of controls and is easy to use.

The design of the Leica D-LUX is reminiscent of the use of classic forms for Leica's rangefinder cameras. It is a modular composition of basic geometric figures such as semi-circles and rectangles. The result is a timelessly elegant shape that fits comfortably in the photographer's hand.

On top of this, owners are given an optional guarantee in the form of the free Leica Passport. In the first year of ownership, the Leica D-LUX is ensured against all damage, even if caused through the fault of the user, e.g. by knocks or water. The normal warranty conditions then apply in the second and third year.

The Leica D-LUX has an aluminum body. Great attention has been paid to the smallest of details: for example, the main controls, the lids of the battery compartment and the compartment for the various connections are made of metal and not imitation-metal plastic.

In the growing digital camera market, the Leica D-LUX takes account of the increasing desire of quality-aware consumers to stand out from the crowd by using individual products with their own personality. The Leica D-LUX will be produced in comparatively small quantities of a few thousand a month. Its unique nature is also reflected in its valuable accessories - the high-quality leather case is offered in five different colors and models.

The Leica D-LUX sports a 1/2.5-inch CCD image sensor with 3.2 million effective pixels and a triple zoom lens Leica DC Vario-Elmarit (f/:2.8-4.9/5.8-17.4 mm ASPH.) which was designed at Leica's Optics Center in Solms. The Leica DC Vario-Elmarit corresponds to a 35-105mm lens for 35mm photography and consists of seven elements in six groups, including three aspherical elements. The optics were individually matched to the 3 megapixel image sensor. Their interaction with the electronics and software of the Leica D-LUX results in true-to-life color rendering, excellent definition and superlative brilliance.

The minimal delay of the shutter release, fast data storage and signal processing of the Leica D-LUX are genuine advantages in practice, making the camera ready for virtually non-stop operation. Series can be taken at a rate of four frames per second. A series can consist of up to five pictures in high JPEG quality or eight pictures at the maximum compression setting. In addition, video films can be recorded with sound - the only time limit being the size of the memory card (360 seconds for the 64 MB card, for example). The Leica D-LUX offers a 114,000-pixel 1.5-inch monitor for viewing the picture during and after the exposure. Using the second battery, the camera is ready for more than two hours of action in active mode.

The Leica D-LUX comes with two rechargeable lithium ion batteries and a generous 64 MB SD card. The memory card stores 45 to 553 images, depending on the resolution and compression setting. The delivery also includes a high-quality leather case for transporting the camera, a matching carrying strap and a second case for keeping the extra battery and another SD card, an external power/charger unit and extensive ADCSee 5 PowerPack (PC) software.

Technical specifications include:

• Image sizes: 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480
• Optical zoom: 3x
• Digital zoom: 3x
• Movie clips: 640 x 480, 320 x 240
• Connectivity: USB 2.0

Customer Reviews

The iPod of P&S Pocket Digital Cameras.
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.

A Generous Piece with Timeless Quality & Craftsmanship
This has got to be the finest 3 megapixel camera ever manufactured. I was comparing this to a 5MP Panasonic Lumix for the longest time because of the equipped Leica lens. I wasn't sure if Leica had produced such similar digital camera until I did some search and came across the beautiful D-LUX model. What I like best about the Leica D-LUX is the timelessness of its design - one look and you know it's a quality piece and the trademark of Leica. Apart from the solid anodized aluminum metal construction, the photos do me justice! I took photos at pitch dark in auto mode with only the flash and the exposures were like from a studio with full lighting, its got amazing color balance. I could not believe the capability of this machine and it's incredible! Although noise level above ISO 100 is noticeable (photo journalist-magazine quality?). This camera almost doubled the cost compared to the Lumix FX8 (again, a 3MP vs 5MP) but worth it for the quality of photos and the construction of how it was built, like back in the good ol' days with pride. Also included is a generously packaged handsome Presentation Box with matching Leather Cases for the camera and two Batteries (yes, 2) along with a larger than usual 64MB SD card. Leica also compliments a free brand new HP photosmart145 printer with this purchase. At this cost, one can only wonder why...and it's worth every dollar spent!

Tips for reducing "Noise/Grainy" photos:
For daylight shots: Use "P" mode on the dial; on the Menu button, set to ISO 50 and adjust the "W. Balance" to (Cloudy Day) and you should get photos with vibrant colors and it should result to minimum or no noise effects.
Now, for night shots: On the dial, use the *Star* mode, repeat the same and adjust W. Balance to (Tungsten) and reduce its ISO setting, preferrably 100-200 and keep the flash ON! Take a few test shots until you get the desired results and lighting for low lit areas, but you MUST hold still like a rock if you're not using tripods, otherwise WAIT and not move a millimeter per the instruction from the screen (this is the price you pay for not using a tripod, but worth the fun).
There are endless possibilities with this piece of gem, so READ THE MANUAL thoroughly and play along!

Pros:
It's a Leica!
Packaging,
Imaging,
Design & Rugged Construction,
64 MB SD Card,
2 Batteries,
Leather Appointments
FREE HP photosmart 145 printer!

Cons:
Noticeable noise above ISO 100
No Anti-Shake or Image Stabilizer support
Thickness
Wish it was at least 4MP
Battery life is virtually useless (it could have gotten 5 stars if wasn't for this problem)

Unbeleivable quality, unbelievable pictures
I have had this camera for over 3 years, still love it. Although only 3 MP, it produces crisp sharp pictures at average jpeg compression, final quality far superior to a number of recent 6+ MP.
This confirms the critical importance of lens quality and low noise.
The camera is fast, use is easy. The lcd looks small by today's standards but usable. The design, the handling are close to perfect. My camera has experienced all sorts of incidents during my trips around the world (felt several times, got hot, humid, etc.), minor scratch that's all.
Only problem after over 3 years: battery life is giving up, I need to buy new batteries. I can find replacements for $15 or 12, no big deal.
Don't ignore as used just because it's only 3 MP, it will give you more satisfaction than most recent more expensive 6+ MP cameras