The Leica V-Lux 1 is a digital compact camera which combines high-performance optics and outstanding picture quality in a compact camera body. The camera offers 10 million pixels and a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with an extremely wide range of focal length from 35 to 420mm (equivalent), thus commanding surprisingly universal capability. From spacious landscape shots, filigree macro close-up shots through to photos of far distant objects in super telephoto mode, the lens, with its 12 times zoom, creates outstanding picture results in all photographic situations. The integrated picture stabilizer gives the user additional protection against camera shake, even under difficult lighting conditions. The Leica V-Lux 1 has a tilting 2.0" TFT display for optimum picture checking. Thus the photographer is assured of secure control even in difficult photographic situations, and gains additional possibilities for picture composition by means of unusual camera perspectives. Furthermore, a variety of manual settings, including a diverse subject program for many photographic situations, round out the creative composition possibilities of the Leica V-Lux 1.
| Camera Type | Advanced Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/1.8" 10.4 Megapixel CCD sensor |
| Effective Resolution | 10.1 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 24-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes | Cool, Warm, Black & White, Sepia |
| Image File Formats |
RAW JPEG (Fine, Standard) |
| Recorded Resolution |
4:3 Aspect Ratio 3648 x 2736 3264 x 2448 2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 3:2 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Video Recording |
QuickTime Motion JPEG with Audio 848 x 480 @ 30 fps 848 x 480 @ 10 fps 640 x 480 @ 30 fps 640 x 480 @ 10 fps 320 x 240 @ 30 fps 320 x 240 @ 10 fps Clip length limited only by available memory |
| Audio Recording |
QuickTime Audio Up to 5 seconds record time with image, up to 10 Seconds Dubbing |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Aspherical Lens |
| Optical Zoom | 12x |
| Lens Focal Length | 7.4mm - 88.8mm (35mm - 420mm equivalent) |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2" (5cm) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8-3.7 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes (MEGA O.I.S. - 2 modes) |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | 55mm with lens adapter |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Contrast Type Auto Focus (1 point, 1 point high speed, 3 points high speed, 9 points, Spot) with AF assist Lamp |
| Focus Modes | Auto, Manual Focus (menu select or ring), Continuous AF (On/Off) |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 11.9" (30cm) - infinity Macro/Manual: 2" (5cm) - infinity wide |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Automatic (ISO 100-800) Selectable ISO (ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600) High-sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200) |
| Shutter Type | Not Specified |
| Shutter Speed | 60-1/2000 second |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8-3.7 - f/11.0 |
| Exposure Metering | Multiple field measurement (middle integral, spot measurement) |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Exposure Compensation (+/- 2EV in 1/3 EV Steps), Backlight Compensation, Auto Bracketing AE +/-1/3EV-1EV Step, 3 Frames), AE Lock |
| White Balance Modes | Automatic, daylight, cloudy skies, shadow, halogen light, flash, 2 manual settings, white balance fine tuning (-1500 to +1500 K in 150 K steps) |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Sport, Night-time landscape, Night-time portrait, Fireworks, Parties, Snow, Self-portrait, Food, High-sensitivity mode, Baby 1, Baby 2, Soft skin, Candlelight, Starry skies, Landscape |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash |
Yes (Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-sync, Forced On/Off) Flash can operate with or without pre-flash. |
| Effective Flash Range | 1' (0.3m) - 23' (7.0m) @ ISO Auto |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| External Flash Control | Simple Synchro or TTL with select Flash Units |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | 0.7 seconds |
| Shutter Lag | 0.009 seconds |
| Time Between Shots | 0.8 seconds |
| Burst Capability |
1 or 2 fps up to 5 frames (Standard) or 3 frames (Fine) 0.7 fps continuous up to card capacity |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds or 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | Yes |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
Secure Digital (SD) Card Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card MultiMediaCard (MMC) |
| Recording Capacity | Not Specified |
| Battery Type | BP-DC5-E Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (7.2 v, 710 mAh) |
| Power Adapter | AC Adaptor (Optional) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 (Full Speed) |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | Wireless Remote (Optional) |
| Video Output | Yes (NTSC & PAL) |
| Web-Cam Capable | No |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 98/98SE, 2000, ME, XP Macintosh OS 9.x, OS X |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | 0.44" Color Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) (235,000 pixels) |
| LCD Display | Swiveling 2.0" TFT color display (207,000 pixels) |
| Language Options | English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional), German, Italian, French |
| Playback Options | Single image thumbnail display (9 or 25 up), Calendar display, Zoomed playback (16x max), image rotation (except for Raw), Slide Show, Favorite Pictures, Resizing, Trimming, Picture Adjustment (Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Noise Reduction), Image Protection, Aspect Conversion, DPOF Print Setting |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3.3 x 5.5 x 5.6" (85 x 141 x 142mm) |
| Weight | 23.6 oz (668g) without battery |
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Twice the price it should be
Being a field biologist specializing in the study of animal behavior, I wanted a camera with high resolution (10 mp), good optical zoom (at least 10x), minimal delay between shutter release and...Read complete review
Being a field biologist specializing in the study of animal behavior, I wanted a camera with high resolution (10 mp), good optical zoom (at least 10x), minimal delay between shutter release and recording on the CCD, fully manual focus option, video capacity, and reasonably light weight for carrying on my neck through the day. The Leica V-Lux 1 fits the bill as no heavy DSLR could possibly do. Similar advancedcameras by Canon, Fujifilm, and Nikon have less resolution or smaller zoom, or both, as well as other deficiencies. The Leica has proven to be a wonderful camera with which I have (in only a few months) taken an estimated 4000 photos -- but the price is a bit to high. Before explaining , I report one annoying and initially alarming problem with the camera. In the field, in the low humidity environment of Patagonia (Chile), drizzle began and while the camera was under my rain jacket and did not get wet, the CCD went screwy. At first it put a purple haze over everything (viewfinder or LCD, viewing or playback, and permanent on the photo when downloaded). This aberration then turned to black and white horizontal lines. Nothing in the manual troubleshooting section mentions this problem, although p. 5 deals with condensation fog, which I suppose this was an unusual version of. The camera was unusable for half a day, and then the patient spontaneously recovered from its strange malady.Returning to the rip-off, according to Wikipedia, all the Leica digital cameras (with two trivial exceptions) are actually made by Panasonic in Japan. The excellent lens systems appear to have been developed jointly by the two companies. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is nearly identical with the Leica V-Lux 1, with obvious differences in external finishes and labels, and hidden differences in the firmware, so that Leica processes white balance, noise reduction, etc. differently. If you don't want to pay for the Leica label, buy the Panasonic version at approximately half the price. (Yes, the pricing is really that different.)If you've already naively bought the Leica as I did -- or decide you want it despite the small difference from the Panasonic -- at least be aware that all the accessories are interchangeable (and again, the Panasonic versions run about half the price). Third party batteries and chargers are cheaper yet. Furthermore, Leica apparently does not post their manuals online for download, so go to Panasonic website and get a pdf of the Lumix DMC-FZ50.Finally, I could not find that either Leica or Panasonic markets a teleconverter lens for the V-Lux/Lumix although such are mentioned on pp. 97-99 of the manual. (Yes, even the pagination is the same for the Leica and Panasonic manuals.) However, Olympus makes a 1.7x teleconverter with 55 mm diameter screw mount that fits the V-Lux/Lumix. That combines for a zoom of over 20x, and works just fine with my Leica.
Expertise: Amateur, with many published wildlife photos
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Last of many digital cameras was the Olympus C-750
Items I Recommend: Extra battery (and perhaps even an extra charger)
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Most Liked Negative Review
disappointing
This camera has one of the best lenses I have ever seen. But to have put it on a mediocre camera body as they have is a real downer. The controls are not convenient,...Read complete review
This camera has one of the best lenses I have ever seen. But to have put it on a mediocre camera body as they have is a real downer. The controls are not convenient, not easy to access, or to understand. The manual is little help. The shutter and focus lag are so long as to be worthless for nature photography. With a good body such as those offered by Nikon, Canon and others this camera could eclipse the industry. There would be NO competivive offering. Leica has missed a real opportunity.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
I have shot action, portrait, indoor and outdoor settings and this is the easiest camera for adjusting to changing situations. The auto setting shoots as good pictures as choosing settings yourself. I have used nikon slr cameras for years and this camera shoots better quality pics. The only drawback that I have had is that the lens is not interchangeable but still with the zoom and macro functions on the camera you really don't need much more.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
A REAL camera, can be used professionally, turning out images clients buy. Lens is killer sharp. Sensor is noise-free at ISO 100. I rarely shoot other than in manual mode, dials and controls allow the camera to be dialed in quickly, as age sets in (MY age), eyes are in need of bright light to accurately focus so I have come to trust and rely on the V-Lux's auto focus, which is terrific. It shoots RAW, a totally critical necessity for my workflow, and lags between shots only between 1 and 2 seconds. The camera is tough enough to chuck around a bit and take a beating, it shoots RAW files with kicker/fill flash and using the large swiveling/spinning LCD on the back for maybe 200 images (1/2 day for me) on 1 battery, which is wonderful. It has a hot shoe which accepts Wizards, which makes the camera a good stand in for event photography. All in all- I wish it were an M8, but I am not convinced the pictures would be any better. I love it.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
Altogether an excellent camera; the image quality compares favorably with my professional SLR lenses, though I rarely enlarge above 16 x 20".
This would be a great camera except for some white balance issues and the poor built-in flash performance. I personally dislike the electronic eye-level viewfinder, but find the LCD adequate.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
Fast, smooth and safe transaction purchasing from B&H. No call-back nonsense trying to upgrade the sale. I have had the Leica V-Lux Camera for about 3 weeks and it is all and more than I expected. It is a quality camera with exceptional build fit and finish and picture-taking features. The internal software programming is great contributing to its ease of use. I also own a Panasonic Lumix with a Leica lens and while I am also very pleased with that camera, Leica takes it one step further. Bottomline is that while Leica may be more expensive than most cameras, there is no substitute for quality. Will definitely buy again from B&H.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
Colors and sharpness are incredible
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
I bought this as a travel camera so I wouldn't be carrying my 1ds mkIII on vacation. Don't expect pro quality images- it's a fraction of the price of a pro setup. BUT, for a point and shoot(ish) camera, it is great! Good glass and a VERY versatile focal length range make it very suitable for snapshots and travel pics for up to medium size enlargements. The images are noisy/grainy (even at 100 ISO), but it is a very nice, cool, artsy-looking digital grain! Bottom line, this is a nice camera that takes good pictures.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
An excellent camera for anyone wanting to pursue any type of photography. I have been taking some awesome pictures with this camera and love the functions it has. Easy to operate and easy to control.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
Long life battery, and high capacity card, excellent detail.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
svivel LCD is very helpful
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
This camera provides a lot of possibilities, but still suffers from all the problems digital cameras of the non SLR variety have. Namely low light issues. It is very light weight for the zoom range and the lens offers great performance. Speed was not an issue for me. In terms of great shots to not so great shots it performed as I would have expected but no where near as well as cameras with interchangeable lenses. In essence the choice I made was to use a camera on a vacation that would allow me not to carry so much gear. The benefit of 100% view finder coverage should not be underestimated for creative photogrpahy. The ease of set up and flexibility of this camera is pretty great all being revealed.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
The manual controls for both focus and zooming, as well as for exposure, work exactly like a manual camera in the film era. I would have loved a camera with the large zoom and manual controls, with optional automation using 35 mm film. I'm not sure if the "Leica" is any better than the largely identical Panasonic FZ-50, but with the extras thrown in by both Leica and B&H, it is only about 30% more expensive than the Panasonic, and that is worthwhile since Leica's are backed up by Leica Co., and hold resale value longer. I bought this to replace my Leica CL, and plan to use it similarly, though I might use it instead of an SLR as well.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
We use this camera for events we sponsor. The pictures are very clear and of high quality.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
I had an FZ20 and was looking for an FZ50. There were none available so I got the V-Lux 1. There were several features that I really like on this camera.
The diopter wheel for the view finder is no longer easy to bump when taking the camera in and out of my camera bag.
I like the fact that the distance adjustment is on the end of the lens and not on the button for the shutter release.
I like having the LCD tilt out for pictures that you want to take that make it difficult to see the back of the camera.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
The range of focus means no changing lenses. I use the auto mode mostly, but it is nice to over ride when necessary. The different programs adjust for poor lighting conditions well. I found this a no hassle way to go from instramatic picture to better photography.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
Took itb up bell cord i inCo andgotgreat shots of landscape and wildlife andclose up of wu ild flowers. comeclose to a full digital system . the lesne is laser sharp and has the fampus leica color ! . copuld use a little more flash power but for going light it is the best I've used bar none I hace sold images made with it !! . One minus needs hard to find Leica filters filters . + can switch from color B+W fast . eat lens unmatched in it class . Best light weight for hikers and climbers . thphots rival fuji velvia 100 in 35 mm
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
Camera is fantastic, heavier than expected and screen size could be larger but would buy again...
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
My husband and I bought the V Lux1 for our Honeymoon last fall and we have been amazed by the beautiful photographs it produces. Neither of us are trained in photography, so we wanted something that was a point and shoot, no brainer. You wouldn't know we were amateurs by the quality of our shots. The large LCD with the 180 degree swivel is a favorite feature for us too. When in crowds we can swivel and tilt the screen and reach up overhead and compose a great photograph. It also comes in handy when you want to have the worm's eye view without having to get on the dirty ground. I particularly appreciate how light weight the camera is because I have a neck injury. And true to the Leica name, the lens is what makes this camera great. The zoom and wide angle capabilities are fantastic. Oh and one more fun feature that I love is the ability to shoot video. The quality of the footage and audio is great! I can't say enough good things about this camera.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
Easy to use ,best pics and the most importent thing it's a Leica
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
I bought this camera for my father's birthday gift. As I was helping him to set up the basic part of this camera, I used it a bit and found a few things. I personally use Canon EOS, so it was a strange feeling about the zoom ring moves toward the oposit direction. I carry D-LUX 3 every day, so rest of the usage on this camera was almost the same. I wish the LCD was a bit larger. One comment I can make is that if you use the finder mode, you feel something strange, because it's digitally brought to your eye. Especially, when you're using 400mm range, it's hard to realize where you're looking at... It takes some time. Body is made out of cheap plastic, but it's well designed and it'll fit in your hands righ away. I'm sure you'll love it. I would say for overall, it's very well made camera. Since it's for the beginner to intermediate users (I imagine), I don't expect too much out of this price. However, you still get a super crisp image out of Leica lens which I liked a lot.
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Comments about Leica V-Lux 1 Digital Camera:
I am not a professional, but I have had several professionals ask about this Leica. Throughout my worldly travels, several people have asked about this machine. Its great.
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