Leica D-LUX 4 ordered

After a one-week struggling in making the decision between Leica D-LUX 4 and Panasonic DMC-LX3, I ordered the Leica beauty at lunch time today.

Now I am crossing my fingers waiting for her coming next week. :-))

According to Leica, Leica D-LUX 4 is the first digital Leica compact camera with system character, and it was officially recognised as the "the son of M8", the flagship model of Leica Rangefinder systems.

Leica D-LUX 4 has a partnership sister, Panasonic DMC-LX3, which is considered as a complete identical of D-LUX 4 in functionality and image quality, but Leica's price doubles. Both models are made by Panasonic in Japan. So why did I order such an expensive D-LUX 4?

Well, actually there are a lot of such debates on the net, and I won't spark one more. I just explain my considerations below, basically and briefly.

Main considerations:

1. Leica style body design, simple and professional, without the useless handle and ugly logos on DMC-LX3.


2. This deal offers a free Leica leather case, which is worth about $150 USD.


3. The international warranty on the Leica D-LUX 4 is for three years, while only one year nationwide for LX3.


4. The RAW format of D-LUX 4 has better compatibility than the proprietary format of Panasonic.

Minor considerations:

1. The Red Dot of Leica. :-))


2. Professional RAW software Capture One for D-LUX 4. SilkyPix for its Japanese sister.


3. Leica level of build quality, though the D-LUX 4 is actually made by Panasonic.


4. Leica controls the firmware of D-LUX 4, which is expected to be upgraded for better quality for Leica style image.


5. Better resale value.