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Leica DIGILUX 3 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica D 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH Lens with Optical Image Stabilization | 
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| Brand: Leica
Category: Photography
List Price: $1,995.00
Buy New: $1,795.00
You Save: $200.00 (10%)
New (6) from $1,795.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 23710
Media: Electronics
Optical Zoom: 3.6
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 50
Minimum Focal Length: 14
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 5.7 x 3.4 x 3.1
MPN: 18284
Model: 18284
UPC: 799429182847
EAN: 0799429182847
Release Date: November 15, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | First Digilux camera with an interchangeable lens for the Leica D system | | • | 7.5-megapixel LiveMos sensor for magnificent standard of imaging | | • | Leica D Vario-Elmarit f2.8-3.5/14-50 aspherical lens | | • | Shutter speed, focal length, aperture, and focus can be set by hand on the camera and the lens | | • | High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship ensure reliability under tough conditions of reportage photography |
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Product Description
The Leica D system gives ambitious amateurs and professional photographers a whole new range of possibilities. The Leica Digilux3 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. The interplay of Leica's legendary performance and the latest technology is almost revolutionary: the newly designed lens Leica D Vario-Elmarit f2.8-3.5/14-50 Asph combined with state-of-the-art optical image stabilization and a 7.5-megapixel LiveMos sensor result in a magnificent standard of imaging. High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship ensure that the Leica Digilux3 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 An outstanding camera for serious photographers October 12, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I bought the Leica version of this camera after getting Leica's offer of a $[...] rebate, making it closer in price to the Panasonic version. I use Leica rangefinders and will perhaps benefit from the JPG tweaks that are special the the Leica version. Most of my remarks would probably apply to the Panasonic edition, though.
This camera and lens replaced a Canon 20D kit with a similar IS zoom lens. In other words, the Leica replaced an excellent SLR with roughly the same resolution (8.x megapixels, versus 7.5 megapixels on the Leica).
I have been pleased in every way with the Vario-Elmarit lens, which is as sharp as I would expect for a Leica-branded lens. The controls (both on the lens and the top-mounted shutter speed dial) are very nice and familiar for an RF user like me.
The body is larger and "blockier" than a Leica rangefinder, as are all SLRs. However, I am excited that this 4/3 mount camera not only comes with an excellent lens (I think better than the Canon 17-85mm it replaced) but also gives me access to quite a few fine 4/3 lenses, such as the Olympus macro and telephoto lenses.
A couple of camera body features that I like a great deal and, in my opinion, are better than the Canon:
1. Nicely designed built-in flash that first comes up in "bounce" position and then on a second button-press moves into "straight-ahead" position. It fits flush into the body when not in use.
2. VERY accessible and easy to use control for adjusting flash power for fill flash and similar applications.
3. Equally accessible and easy to use back-panel control for exposure compensation--important on any digital camera, since you will want to dial back in sunlit and other contrasty scenes to avoid blown-out highlights!
4. Top-mounted MECHANICAL switches for shutter speed, sequence/single shooting, and metering mode, plus two preset buttons, are always there, always visible--no waiting for or squinting at an LCD display.
5. Lately I have not done much macro shooting, but I do like it. I expect to use the live view feature with all its strangeness. (The camera does two mirror-blips per exposure in this mode.) It beats hunching down on the ground photographing insects with a right-angle viewfinder.
As much as I liked the Canon 20D and 30D I used to use, I think this camera is better designed for easy and fast shooting.
I was going to say this is a camera for photographers at all levels. However, I will still likely use my Leica rangefinders for professional work. That's not a slam on the Digilux 3. The Canon 20D and 30D occupied about the same position in my mind--if I were using a DSLR for professional work I might want a higher end camera for more ruggedness, better dirt sealing, and so on.
Impressive, But Expensive, Leica Entry in Four Thirds Digital SLR Photography December 24, 2006
15 out of 19 found this review helpful
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.).
With the Leica Digilux 3, Leica - and its partner Panasonic - have officially become the latest member of the digital four-thirds system pioneered by Sigma and embraced too by Olympus (EDITORIAL NOTE: I erred in assuming that Sigma had pioneered the digital four-thirds system, which the comment (see below) by another customer notes correctly. However, contrary to what he has written, it was developed jointly by both Kodak and Olympus. I have had several opportunities to use this camera and have been quite impressed with its performance.). This means that potential users of the Leica Digilux 3 can use too superb lenses made by both firms, most notably the Olympus 50mm f2 macro lens. Both Leica and Panasonic have promised additional Leica lenses for its four-thirds digital SLRs (The term "four-thirds" refers to the image ratio that's obtainable from the camera's digital imaging sensor; other image formats, including the standard three two from 35mm photography are also available.); I have no doubt that optically their performances will be second to none. And yet, the unanswered question is whether this new digital four thirds SLR camera and its Leica-designed zoom lens are well worth the expense in acquiring them. I think the answer is a most definite yes if you are seeking the highest possible optical quality from a four-thirds digital SLR.
The definition of a quality digital SLR - built & lens - A1 May 25, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
German Design/engineering & Japanese Manufacturing what more could you ask for? Totally different photographic experience,especially tactile experience (aperature ring on lens). The camera has a solid built & mechanics/switches not like these other plastic cameras. Lens is a solid perfomer (no distortions) and plenty of detail captured and no visible noise up to ISO 400. ISO 800 also usable. Flash very good for close shots and mid-range otherwise recommend Olympus FL-50 flash (over expensive Pana-flash FL500). I have never taken so many photos previously - initially noticed weight and size but not any more - feels good in the hands - hey I am really proud of this little marvel.If you know about photography then you know that most people will not need more than 7.5MP (ignore pixel race and consider print sizes needed). I highly recommend this camera. Quality, fast, feels good, easy to use and great quality pics. I prefer the Leica over Pana model extra Leica warranty is worth the difference (warranties always cost, peace of mind), better software & support service plus I think better looking too. Sorry have to run to take some more photos.....
Leica Digilux3 review August 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Recently purchased my first Leica. As I am a great Nikon fan, this is quite a change, but this time I wanted something different.
The Leica deliver excellence. It is easy to use, and deliver fantastic picture quality right out of the box. As I'm used to manual photography, I also like the "oldfashioned" but very effecient way of using the Leica just as an old SLR. A bit pricy, but the kit lens is probably the best normal zoom you can get anywhere.
Fabulous classical camera January 17, 2007
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
Leica has again proved that their long history in making fine cameras gives them an advantage. Perfect photos worthy the name Leica, very good handling (lika a good old analog camera), well thought-trough features. The anti-shake mechanism gives astonishing good results (my first camera with that feature, I am surprised it really works).
A little bit on the heavy side, but on the other hand its real metal not plastic.
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