Leica D-LUX 2

Opinion: Has any one heard about Leica providing an update to the firmware for the D-Lux2 to handle HDSC feature?

Anyway, Casio Exilim has done it. Read in DPreview: Casio has released updated firmware for its Exilim EX-Z70 and EX-Z700 digital camera to support SDHC.

Danke schoen Leica.

Opinion: As much as I enjoy using this camera, there are some flaws that I find quite annoying. While the images at low ISO ratings are outstanding, I find anything above 200 (or even 100) to be far too noisy for a camera of this price. The autofocus is usually too slow, particularly in anything but decent light. There is a very bad shutter lag, so don't expect too much spontaneity. And, while everyone seems to be lauding the build quality, I have to question it. I find the camera a bit too susceptible to dents and scratches, and there's no excuse for the flimsy plastic lens cap that has to be tethered by a cheap string. And while the large LCD screen is beautiful, it also scratches easily, causing me to lay a protective transparent cover over it, thus losing the benefit of its beauty.

On the other hand, I bought it for the glass. The features are excellent, the menu is very user-friendly, battery life is pretty good, and I love the fact that this camera can be almost fully manual.

Overall, while I like the fact that it's a Leica, I can't honestly recommend it over other fine cameras, especially at this price point and below.

Opinion: You will be hard pressed to find a more versitile camera than the D-Lux2 or LX1. I needed a copy of Elements for my laptop and the extra warranty was well worth paying the extra for the RED DOT!

Opinion: Bought a D-Lux 2 at B&H in NYC due to the compact size of a 28mm wide lens camera (I am an architect). Coming back to Brazil I discovered that my extra original battery does not work. Sent email to Germany to solve the problem, no answer until now. Am going to Berlin next week, sent this info to Leica but no answer . Pictures are not convincing to a famous lens/camera maker. Must admit Sony T30, H1 and R1 give better same photos. Former Nikon F2 user, 8400 has too much shutter lag. To avoid L-2 camera to slip from hand, i put a Velcro (only one side) in the smooth front;it gives better handle. Poor LCD vision in direct sunlight, even with more internal illumination in the screen. Try Sony T30 and you will understand the difference. Am frustrated with this camera, hope Leica improves it, as it is good in size and weight, has wide lens for my needs.
Am going to Bilbao, Valencia, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, will take also Sony T30 and H1(w/ wide adapter) to guarantee the photos. Tried to reduce weight and bulky bag, but am returning to Nikon F, F2 and Leica M3 and lenses times, although completely digital.

Opinion: I own a Digilux 2 so when the D-Lux 2 came out I naturally bought it. I
say "naturally" because the Digilux 2 is the best camera I have ever
owned (I have Nikon F-100, D-100, Leica M7).

Two big problems: 1. I cannot work outdoors without a viewfinder and
because I wear glasses I have to remove them to see the screen if there
is not too much light. 2. It is slippery, hard to hold. It does make a
great movie camera though.

Opinion: Just use noise reduction software like NeatImage for images that need it.

The ScreenShade might make your display more useful in bright sunlight:

http://www.screen-shade.com/parscreenfor.html

Opinion: I just took this camera to Berlin to put through its paces. I have used other digital cameras so I have some experience.
I found this to be well built (so far nothing has dropped off or broken unlike my Ixus 500 after little use), easy to use and gives excellent quality pictures. Takes a little getting use to without a viewfinder as on autopilot you find yourself holding to your forehead! Then having felt a complete dipstick, you hold it carefully as there is nothing to jam it against to keep it steady.Fairly quick writing to SD card-using a Lexar 2GB 133x speed. The body feels well built and has positive controls.Overall -very pleased with quality, ease of use, build quality and colour reproduction.I havent used the manual mode yet look forward to the control that the mode will offer.Also didnt tie the lens cap to the camera-a stupid idea-I just pop it in my pocket and havent found a problem.Overall-an excellent choice!

Opinion: I am owner of this camera for 8 weeks, my conclusion is
Pro :
-excellent LCD
-superb 16:9 Mode
-many manual controls
-beautyful warm colours
-excellent construction, solid
-Mega OIS is needful
Unique Leica-Service (tested)

Problems:
- noise at at ISO above 100
- Autofocus has Problems in lowlight and low contrast conditions
-Start up time is too long

Opinion: I have been using this camera for 2 weeks. Incredible features, Image quality is Excellent.