Leica DIGILUX 3 Digital Camera

The LEICA DIGILUX 3 is the first Digilux camera with an interchangeable lens and therefore forms the basis for the Leica D system, a completely independent digital SLR system. The clear design of the camera housing and the operating concept of the Digilux are in keeping with the best Leica tradition. The shutter speed, focal length, aperture and focus can be set by hand on the camera and the lens - a fast, precise and creative solution in comparison with conventional SLR cameras. High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship ensure that the LEICA DIGILUX 3 will work reliably for many years, even under the tough conditions of reportage photography. The Leica D system is a valuable companion made to last.

Impressive, But Expensive, Leica Entry in Four Thirds Digital SLR...

Recently I read a most impressive review of this digital SLR camera and its zoom lens in the pages of Popular Photography. But this isn't the sole reason why I would consider purchasing one. I've been fortunate to handle the camera and lens a few times lately, and have been quite impressed with how well this camera handles. It truly feels more like an overgrown 35mm Leica rangefinder camera than a digital SLR, well-balanced with both hands gripping onto the camera and lens. Indeed, it it truly designed as a digital SLR for the active photographer interested in photographing moving objects, judging from its relatively narrow ISO range from 100 to 1600 (This is a range suited ideally for the sports or other action-oriented photographer.). And yet how well this camera handles isn't my best reason for getting one. Optically its performance is absolutely stellar, at least at lower ISO speeds, yielding crisp images with superb contrast and resolution (The Leica D 14-50mm f2.8-3.5 ASPH lens yielded a performance, that according to Popular Photography, was outstanding, and much better than other digital SLR zoom lenses of similar focal lengths, due not only to its superb Leica-designed optical formula, but also to its digital imaging stabilizer.).