Leica D-Lux 3 (black)
Manufacturer: Leica Camera, Inc. Part number: 18303
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- A good choice for an enthusiast looking for a powerful camera that can fit into a jacket pocket; however, the Leica D-Lux 3 has a price only a Leica aficionado could love.
Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Leica D-Lux 3 (black)
price range: $899.99
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 12/04/2006
- Released on: 09/19/2006
The good: Great lens; nice design; lots of manual controls.
The bad: Generally soft photos; mediocre movies; no optical viewfinder; expensive.
The bottom line: A good choice for an enthusiast looking for a powerful camera that can fit into a jacket pocket; however, the Leica D-Lux 3 has a price only a Leica aficionado could love.
Every year, Leica and Panasonic collaborate on a few camera models that get branded under each company's name. If you can't tell them apart, just look at the price tags. Leica generally throws in about $100 worth of perks--usually better software and an SD memory card--then charges about $200 more for the bundle. In the case of the Leica D-Lux 3, the perks over its twin, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2, are Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 and a 64MB SD memory card (you can get the latest version, Photoshop Elements 5, plus a 64MB card for about $120). Like the DMC-LX2, the D-Lux 3 comes in both black and silver and is just packed with amateur-oriented features, including raw file support, a variety of focus modes, all of the essential metering and semimanual exposure options, a wide-angle lens, and an overstuffed information display.
The D-Lux 3, also like the DMC-LX2, uses a 10-megapixel with a native 16:9 aspect ratio instead of 4:3. To produce 4:3 or 3:2 D-Lux 3 photos, the camera simply uses the relevant fraction of the sensor. This enables the DMC-LX2 to produce higher-resolution 16:9 images than would be possible with a standard 10-megapixel sensor. (It would require a 13-megapixel 4:3 aspect sensor to generate 10-megapixel 16:9 images.) Conversely, the resolution of the D-Lux 3's 4:3 images is only 7 megapixels.
Unfortunately, these are extremely small pixels, which equal extremely high noise. From a measurement standpoint, the D-Lux 3 fares much better than the DMC-LX2 at all ISO speeds, with the gap widening as ISO sensitivity increases. However, that seems to be caused by Leica's more-aggressive filtering, which reduces sharpness. The good news is that they print better than they look on-screen, though you'd be well advised to avoid serious crops.
In all other respects, the D-Lux 3's photos are quite decent. The white balance is a bit cool, though exposure, dynamic range, and color saturation are about the same. There are few optical artifacts, I saw less fringing and lens distortion at the wide end of the 28mm-to-112mm-equivalent, 4x zoom lens. Movies don't quite measure up, though. They're full of compression artifacts, and you can't zoom while you're shooting.
Unsurprisingly, the D-Lux 3 performs similarly to the DMC-LX2, always taking a fraction of a second longer than I could spare when photographing animals and children. A 0.7-second lag in typical lighting is just a bit too slow, and 1.7 seconds in dim light is not as good as its twin. It takes 2.3 seconds between shots under the best conditions, and the flash recycling adds little overhead--a mere 0.4 second. Raw shooting takes a relatively slow 5.2 seconds between shots. And though the continuous-shooting speed is a decent 1.3 to 1.5fps, it can take only a few shots before stopping to process.
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Typical shot-to-shot time | |
Time to first shot | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
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Typical continuous-shooting speed |
At least the camera's interface won't slow you down so much. There are a few settings which I'd prefer on the outside rather than in the menus--white balance, ISO sensitivity, metering, and autofocus (AF) mode spring to mind--but most shooting options can be accessed from the well-laid-out array of buttons, dials, and switches. You will want to skim through the manual, however, or you'll encounter some mystifying options. For instance, there are five different AF modes: nine-area, three-area high speed, one-area high speed, one-area, and spot. They're pretty hard to figure out from the icons if you don't know they exist. Thanks to the bright, large, 2.8-inch wide-aspect LCD, though, they're pretty easy to read. But no matter how good an LCD is, I still miss having an optical viewfinder.
At 7.6 ounces, the metal-clad, sturdily built Leica D-Lux 3 is no pocket lightweight, nor is it as light on your pocketbook as the DMC-LX2. But if you're looking for a compact camera that fits more comfortably in your jacket pocket than the smallest digital SLR will, it's an attractive alternative.
User reviews
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The great disappointment
by sebastian_rut on February 14, 2007
Pros: See review
Cons: See review below
Summary: Leica D-Lux 3. The great disappointment.
After many years, thousand of photos, and many drops my bellowed point and shoot camera finally gave up on me. It was a small ...Summary: Leica D-Lux 3. The great disappointment.
After many years, thousand of photos, and many drops my bellowed point and shoot camera finally gave up on me. It was a small Canon. It was already 3 years old, had tiny screen but it was snappy, and despite no optical zoom and only 5 megapixels it took great photos. I was excited to get a new digital camera. I went online to start do my research and I stumbled upon Leica. I always wanted to have one. I knew that they are making legendary cameras, and they have been fairy new to the digital camera market. I decided to get D-Lux 3. I read all the great reviews, the feature I really liked was 16:9 size sensor, that captures true panoramic photos not like on other cameras that just crop standard frame resulting in lower quality image. Also this camera can record RAW which is great because I wouldn?t have to carry around my Rebel at all times during traveling. Due to limited supplies of D-Lux I had to wait for one to show up on Ebay. Finally I got one. When UPS box showed up on my desk I was ecstatic. I open the box I really loved what I see. The camera looked awesome in front. It?s very minimalist and has this classic but contemporary unmistakable Leica styling. The back looked great too with the gorgeous, humongous widescreen display. But then my disappointments started. First thing was the lens cap. It renders fast start time obsolete since you have take it of with your hand. There is no way to attach clear UV filter to protect the lens from scratches. If you want to carry it around in your pocket ready to shoot it means no lens cap, and the fine Leica glass will be damaged really fast. The second thing was way too many tiny buttons and unintuitive user interface. The little joystick feels flimsy and it?s redundant since you can use directional buttons below. Selecting an option with push of a joystick doesn?t always work, so you have to move your thumb and press ?set? button below. Changing settings on the fly on Canon cameras it?s much easier and doesn?t require opening the owner?s manual. Maybe in the future Leica should partner with Canon not Panasonic (The navigation is clearly based off confusing Panasonic?s one). When it comes to images themselves, the quality was decent, but I expected more from this company. The photos were too soft for me (what's the point of using Leicas famous lenses?!), and there was unexpectedly lot of noise in the shadows even on ISO 100. I would rather live with noise if the images were extra sharp. It took 20 seconds to record image as RAW file, but maybe I?m spoiled by my other camera. The thing that topped my disappointment was USB cable that has super tiny connector. Why couldn?t they use the standard one? There is enough space on camera body, and I would have to end up caring around two sets of cables. I give this camera four points because from company like Leica and a steep price as for a point and shoot camera I was expecting something better. Maybe they should wait a little bit longer and release camera that?s really worthy red dot logo.
Truly disappointed,
Seba8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The D-Lux 3 is the 00s M4
by denis the menace on October 9, 2007
Pros: Beauty, no beast, images, no snaps
Cons: It is not big fat and ugly
Summary: I have been a little naughty in my Pros and Cons. But let us settle down and consider a few issues. There is a long-held notion that 'serious' cameras are ...
Summary: I have been a little naughty in my Pros and Cons. But let us settle down and consider a few issues. There is a long-held notion that 'serious' cameras are BIG. There is also the notion - usually justified (cars, houses, suits, em, em, planes?) - that only expensive products deliver. So, what have we here? A 'compact' camera. And a cheap one too. Even ignoring the little Panasonic, it IS cheap as microchips. Compact. What is compact? Small? Or cheap? Is a Rolex watch "compact"? So, already the language of reviewers/ and us is against this small camera. Next up we have the price. Now, the Leica M8 camera body is about £2700 wherever you look. So yes, the D-Lux 3 is cheap. We have already arrived at a set of expectataions. Me too! Here is a little story ... are you sitting comfortably? Yes? Then I will begin ...
The Leica D-Lux 3 is perfect. Oh, sorry, back up. I have bought dozens of cameras. I compared the D-Lux 3 to DSLRS (and probably RDSLs, who knows) and it came out best IF you stick to ISO 100 and RAW files. That's it really. You have in your hands, in daylight (Cartier-Bresson style) an absolutely perfect camera. I am selling my BIG cameras. Oh, and you'll need - really NEED - a Gitzo carbon tripod. And a final word. What is photography good for? Turning YOU into an observing machine. If you set aside your ideas, and use this beauty in daylight, even darkening light, set to 16:9 aspect, use 100 ISO, use a Gitzo, keep calm, this is MORE than an M. Thank you far reading this far - please go out and buy one and experiment.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worth a look; worth the price
by pdfolk on December 6, 2006
Pros: Impeccable engineering and optics; 16:9 format a natural for architectural and landscape photography; sturdy build quality
Cons: If you're not willing to pay the premium for the red dot, try the Lumix
Summary: Leica and Panasonic continue to marry their respective strengths in optics and engineering (Leica) and electronics (Panasonic) to develop remarkable cameras. After using digicams made by Kodak, Canon and Nikon, ...
Summary: Leica and Panasonic continue to marry their respective strengths in optics and engineering (Leica) and electronics (Panasonic) to develop remarkable cameras. After using digicams made by Kodak, Canon and Nikon, I find Leica's digi-cams to provide the most comparable user experience to 35mm I could ask for. Colors are warm and natural, and the potential for image artifacts at higher ISO values (something that happens with all digital cameras) is not a reason to avoid this camera. Tack-sharp enlargements are also possible with these image files. LIkewise, if you want to shoot movies, buy a movie camera. The D-Lux 3 is one of several new Leica cameras targeted at different market segments. This one is best suited for vacation and casual photography or architectural and landscape photos. If you want a faster shutter speed for action photos, Leica can oblige with the new digital M8. The price premium for the Leica version pays for better software and bombproof engineering. You won't regret it.
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What is up with all the reviewers of this and panasonic cams?
by geoffsturm on December 6, 2006
Pros: looks kinda cool
Cons: "soft pictures"
Summary: How is it that every reviewer swears that this camera has a fantastic lens while still dissing the image quality? What are you basing the awesomeness of the lens on ...
Summary: How is it that every reviewer swears that this camera has a fantastic lens while still dissing the image quality? What are you basing the awesomeness of the lens on other that that it has Leica stamped on it?
4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Disappointing so far...
by ATC Dude on May 22, 2007
Pros: nice LCD, nice focal range, nice controllability, 16:9 is cool
Cons: soft photos, noise, routinely inaccurate white balance
Summary: I wanted to love this camera. I own a Leica C-LUX 1 and also a Leica Digilux 2 (I love the lens on the Digilux 2). So far I've ...
Summary: I wanted to love this camera. I own a Leica C-LUX 1 and also a Leica Digilux 2 (I love the lens on the Digilux 2). So far I've shot around 200 images with the D-LUX 3, and I've been pretty disappointed by the quality of all of them. Images are soft and riddled with artifacts and noise no matter what ISO is used. Even RAW images are weak. White balance in daylight is also routinely off by a considerable amount and usually way too cool. It's really a shame, as this could've been the perfect little point and shoot camera with all options and controllability it has. Image quality is quite poor however, and that's what matters most. Leica and Panasonic should have focused on image quality instead of winning the megapixel race. I won't be keeping this camera.
How do the editors at CNET justify their reviews? How can a camera have a "nice lens" while producing "generally soft photos?" I don't get it.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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fantastic images, but wth RAW + 100 ISO +tripod only
Pros: Its got the Leica quality in the the images, once its quirkiness
is accepted..Cons: You must use RAW with a tripod and 100 ISO to get the Leica quality....inflexible in that...
Summary: I wouldn't have paid the asking price - I got it as a gift from a jet-setting opera diva who's an enthusiast, but so impatient she virtually threw ...
Summary: I wouldn't have paid the asking price - I got it as a gift from a jet-setting opera diva who's an enthusiast, but so impatient she virtually threw it at me!
If you can't spare the $700+ street price.... wait.... the price will go down...
the Canons in the $500 range are nearly as sharp, and without the need for RAW+iso 100+ tripod... -
A Gorgeous Camera
by f0rtyLeGz on October 5, 2008
Pros: I like the size, the complexity, the solidness, the performance.
Cons: I've found nothing to complain about.
Summary: I use this camera usually in good light and with a tripod. I shoot RAW files, and then tweak the photos in PhotoShop. For my use this camera is perfect....
Summary: I use this camera usually in good light and with a tripod. I shoot RAW files, and then tweak the photos in PhotoShop. For my use this camera is perfect.
No one has mentioned the manual. It is clear, and makes the many selections and setting easy to understand.
The Leica d-lux 3 is a beautiful product. -
Good camera, only this... Could be better...
by massaroca on February 1, 2008
Pros: Solid aluminum body, 16:9 pictures, good RAW arquives
Cons: Image too soft and noisy in high ISO... EXPENSIVE
Summary: This is a camera designed only for people crazy about Leica and can't afford a M8 or a digital reflex... I am little disapointed about the picture quality: too ...
Summary: This is a camera designed only for people crazy about Leica and can't afford a M8 or a digital reflex... I am little disapointed about the picture quality: too noisy in ISO above 400 and too soft (you have to use Photoshop to correct every picture). You have to take only RAW and ISO 100 or 200, if you want good quality pictures. I understand that this kind of cameras have small CCD, and this is the reason for the poor quality in low light conditions, but this is an expensive camera, and sometimes the results are worst than a Sony Cibershot or another point and shoot... I brought this camera only because this is a Leica! But, at least the design is great, solid aluminum body and good lenses.
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Best point and shoot camera available
by mrnetdog on July 10, 2007
Pros: Fantastic colour and tonal range. Gorgeous images.
Cons: Slight noise issues at 400 ISO and above.
Summary: Honestly, this little camera that slips comfortably into my shirt pocket puts my Canon 10D DSLR to shame. What separates this beautiful little jewel of a camera from the competition ...
Summary: Honestly, this little camera that slips comfortably into my shirt pocket puts my Canon 10D DSLR to shame. What separates this beautiful little jewel of a camera from the competition from Canon is in the glass. Simply the best lens you can get on a little point and shoot.
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Outstanding Status Symbol with stuff not fluff
by dickphotog22 on May 14, 2007
Pros: Outstanding images, sweet feel, solid
Cons: Mac 'Aperture' Program doesn't recognize the Leica RAW format?
Summary: I presently use Nikon D-200 with the highest end Mac (Pro G-5 User). The 'Aperture' work flow Program is the Mac Pro's user of choice. I have the latest ...
Summary: I presently use Nikon D-200 with the highest end Mac (Pro G-5 User). The 'Aperture' work flow Program is the Mac Pro's user of choice. I have the latest V 1.5.3 and keep getting 'Unrecognized format' when importing Leica 'RAW' images. Until I work this out, will have to use JPEG files (Not good for me). I was told that 'Aperture' V 1.5.3 supported the Leica 'RAW' format. So far I haven't verified that to be true? Any others out there found this to be true?
Updated
After extensive investigation with Apple Support, I was able to access the 'Aperture Supported Cameras' page. See: http://www.apple.com/aperture/raw/cameras.html. Just cut and paste this page before buying your camera. The results for my new $700 Leica D-Lux 3 were negative. Please check out this page BEFORE buying any camera. My purchase of this beautiful camera was a $700 mistake at this time in that I dudn't check out this page BEFORE purchasing the camera. Now I have to wait & hope Aperture will support it in the future. I'll have to carry my Nikon D-200 on this week end trip.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Leica Camera, Inc.
- Part number: 18303
- Description: Every picture taken with the LEICA D-LUX 3 has a story to tell. The unique manual setting options give you the freedom to create images that express your own style. Use the high-quality Leica lens to take stunning shots from the wide-angle to the telephoto range. With O.I.S. optical stabilization technology and ultra fast processing, the LEICA D-LUX 3 sets new standards in its class. Choose between 3 picture formats, achieve first-class image quality with the camera's 10-million megapixel sensor and assess your shots on the wide-screen display. Small and elegant, the LEICA D-LUX 3 is always ready to make your personal view of the world reality.
General
- Product Type Digital camera
- Color Black
- Weight 6.5 oz
- Width 4.2 in
- Depth 1 in
- Height 2.3 in
- Body Material Aluminum
Main Features
- Resolution 10 megapixels
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
- Sensor resolution 10 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 10,100,000 pixels
- Total Pixels 10,400,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/1.65 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO 200, ISO auto, ISO 400, ISO 80, ISO 100
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Baby2, Candle, Landscape, Starry sky, Night portrait, Self-portrait, Sports mode, Snow, Soft skin, Fireworks, High sensitivity, Party/indoor, Food, Portrait mode, Baby1, Night scene
- Special effects Warm, Black & White, Sepia, Cool
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 60 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
- Exposure Modes Aperture-priority, Automatic, Program, Shutter-priority, Manual
- Exposure Compensation ?2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3 EV step
- White Balance Custom, Automatic, Presets
- White Balance Presets Shade, Halogen, Cloudy, Flash, Daylight
- Digital video format QuickTime
- Still Image Format JPEG, RAW
- Color support Color
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture QuickTime - 1280 x 720, QuickTime - 640 x 480, QuickTime - 320 x 240, QuickTime - 848 x 480
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 64 MB Flash - SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage 3568 x 2376, JPEG, 2880 x 2160, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 3072 x 1728, 1920 x 1080, 3840 x 2160, 3168 x 2376, 2048 x 1536, RAW 4224 x 2376, 3248 x 2160, 2048 x 1360, 2304 x 1728, 2560 x 1712
- Flash memory 64 MB - SD Memory Card
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 6.3 mm - 25.2 mm - F/2.8-4.9
- Focal Length 6.3 mm - 25.2 mm
- Lens Construction 8 group(s) / 9 element(s)
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 10 sec, 2 sec
- Additional Features RGB primary color filter, Digital noise reduction, Built-in speaker, Saturation control, Direct print, Contrast control, Color control, DPOF support, Audio recording, Auto power save, PictBridge support, 16:9 widescreen mode
Camera Flash
- Effective Flash Range 2 ft - 13.4 ft
- Type Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Flash OFF mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Auto mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective flash range 2 ft - 13.4 ft
- Features AF illuminator, Flash +/- compensation
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2.8 in - Color
- Mounting Built-in
- Resolution 207,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Lens Systems
- Type Zoom lens
- Focal length 6.3 mm - 25.2 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 28 - 112 mm
- Focus adjustment Automatic, Manual
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
- Min Focus Range 19.7 in
- Macro Focus Range 5cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-4.9
- Optical Zoom 4 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens construction 8 : 9
- Features Aspherical lens
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable
- Included Accessories Carrying strap, Lens cap
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Software
- Type Adobe Photoshop Elements, Drivers & Utilities
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- Labs information All values are expressed in seconds. Please visit our labs information page for information on how digital cameras are tested.
- CNET Labs Flash shot to shot time 2.7
- CNET Labs Raw shot to shot time 5.2
- CNET Labs Shot to shot time typical 2.3
- CNET Labs Shutter lag bright 0.7
- CNET Labs Shutter lag dim 1.7