Leica V-LUX 1

Opinion: I am a teacher of visual literacy and use the V-Lux-1 to make examples for my
teaching galleries on the internet. (I also use the D-Lux-3 for wideangle images.).
This camera is an ideal tool for travel photography with superb zoom-range, flip out
viewfinder, image stabilization and much lighter in weight than any DSLR. As for
image quality, much depends upon how you will use the pictures made by this
camera. If you are making large prints, the image quality may leave much to be
desired, since noise becomes visible at full file sizes. However I use my own images
to teach photographic expression on the internet, and when I post the image at a
maximum screen size of 1,000 pixels wide or tall, noise is not a problem at all.
For internet use, I do not have to shoot RAW, either -- which saves a lot of
time in post processing work. I find the much-criticized "watercolor" effect
created by its image processor to be an asset -- it gives a painterly quality to
many of my images that I find quite pleasing. The Leica software delivers a
color palette that perfectly suits my own style of photographic expression. It is
a perfect camera for those who no longer can tolerate carrying a DSLR and its
lenses for longer periods of time while traveling. The 35mm-420mm focal
length is spectacular. I keep the tiny D-Lux-3 on my belt at all times, so I
make 28mm wideangle images as needed without much additional weight. If
your own images will be mostly viewed on the internet or as email attachments,
I urge you to check out the photographs I have made with the V-Lux-1 that are
posted in my galleries. I would be happy to respond to any questions you
might have about this remarkable tool for travel photography.

(Apparently this software for this review siite no longer permits us to list either our
website URL or our email addresses. If you would like to see examples of V-Lux-1
images I've posted on my website, run a search for Phil Douglis on the Leica Talk
Discussion Forum here on dpreview and you will find my homepage website listed
under my profile. Thanks.)

Opinion: Great megazoom camera. It performs wonderfully and the image quality is razor sharp.
Fast lens and full manual controls provide great RAW captures. Ergonomically well
designed and nice built quality even though the body is plastic. Menu interface is
intuitive and easy to use.

My other camera, a Canon 20D (a great camera too with wonderful features) seldomly
gets used these days as the V-Lux is my camera of choice for most situations,
especially when traveling. A total joy to use!

Opinion: Sharp and more sharp. Yes there may better "other stuff" (features) on other cameras,
including the so-called "Pro Models" that Nikon, Cannon etc. profess to have that
makes them grrreat. However, there is still one feature that supersedes all the rest -
LENS QUALITY. Having owned Nikon, Pentax and Cannon cameras (all very good) and
doing the same standardized test to check lens sharpness, Leica is a walk away winner.
Yes, great metering, sensors, live views, blah blah blah are all good things and
necessary but if the design, architecture and quality control of the lens is not there,
why bother...

Opinion: I have used the V-Lux 1 for one year now - and I enjoy it very much. The reasons why so are not purely related to its sharpness or image noise level (which are quite good, but, to be honest, DSLRs are simply better), or to its great all-in-one-compactness and versatility, but to several advantages that are very important for me:
- it is silent, especially if compared to DSLRs
- it allows for a very concentrated way of taking photos
- an excellent dynamic range regarding the sensor size
- discreet design
- unobtrusive reduction of image noise
- and last but not least: great Leica-like color rendition.
(As for dynamic range, pleasing color rendition, and cautious noise reduction algorithm, the V-Lux 1 is ahead of its Panasonic sister. These very important properties justify the price difference between these two cameras.)
I think this camera concept is indeed quite close to totally digital rangefinder photography. The next step for Leica could be to fuse the best features of the M8 and the V-Lux 1...