Panasonic Lumix FX-500... or Leica C-Lux 2?

Posted by: Kevin-W on 22 July 2008

Hello all

I need to buy someone a decent compact camera as a pressie. This model has had very good reviews and ticks all the right boxes - it looks good (for a style-conscious lady), right price, is compact, has a nice big back screen. It even has a Leica lens.

Has anyone used one? If so, all opinions appreciated.

How does it compare to the Leica C-Lux 2, which looks even more gorgeous and has the brand cachet?

Anything else similar around the same price?

Thanks in advance.

The Kevster

All help appreciated.
Posted on: 22 July 2008 by Chris Kelly
Kev

I have been a sucker for the little red dot, but I think you will pay a significant premium for the privilege and gain no tangible benefit in picture quality. Is she that brand aware? Save the price difference and then spend it on a nice bottle of bubbly to celebrate.

For alternatives check the dpreview website.
Posted on: 28 July 2008 by Kevin-W
Chris,

I clapped eyes on, then held, the Leica - it was love! Big Grin

It's a beautiful piece of kit, minute, gorgeous-looking, very quiet and the build quality is awesome (lots of metal). Having had a play around with it, I have to say that it takes the best pictures I've ever seen from a compact digicam.

I got it (with a 1GB card and a gorgeous leather case) for £415 - and Leica will be sending me a £60 cheque as part of a cashback offer.

All in all I'm delighted - 'er indoors will be too (if I ever get round to giving it to her, that is Winker
Posted on: 29 July 2008 by KenM
To the best of my knowledge, Leica digital cameras are all made by Panasonic. Maybe not to the same specification.
Ken
Posted on: 31 July 2008 by Thomas-B
I think they use the same electronics but the Leica branded cameras use a better lens, and generally are better capturing colours. Leica´s will hold their value better than any other digial camera.
Posted on: 31 July 2008 by Huwge
Same lens, different firmware. Buy the panny and the bubbly - no reason why any of the Leica digital P&s will hold their value any better than any other brand.

Fortunately the same can not be said of the M glass
Posted on: 31 July 2008 by northpole
quote:
no reason why any of the Leica digital P&s will hold their value any better than any other brand.


... other than the market. Check out flea-bay and try to buy a used D-Lux 3. There's no logic to it other than a successful brand/ marketing, but Leica do indeed hold value better than others.

Peter