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The high-performance Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera incorporates a wide-angle DC Vario-Summicron lens with a focal length equivalent of 24 to 60mm, allowing for creative picture composition. The camera also possesses a powerful CCD image sensor that provides 10.1 megapixels of effective resolution to ensure superb image detail. Furthermore, the integrated optical image stabilizer gives the user additional protection against camera shake in all photography situations, even under difficult lighting conditions.
The camera can capture images in three picture formats (16:9, 3:2 and 4:3) and can capture video clips as well in both standard and wide format - even in HD. Plus, an optional cable is available to allow users to view imagers and video clips on an HDTV. The large 3.0" LCD display provides full coverage for an image to be displayed in 16:9 format. The image signal processor has been improved over the previous model, delivering even faster image processing by the camera, thereby allowing the D-LUX 4 to respond quickly and reliably at any moment.
The Leica D-LUX 4 is also a very versatile camera that allows users to manually adjust exposure settings. Plus, there is a full range of automatic and scene settings available to cover just about any shooting situation one may encounter. There are even a number of accessories available that will make your shooting experience more in tune with your specific needs. These accessories include an external flash unit that provides full TTL flash exposure control, an attachable viewfinder with a 24-mm LED display to aid framing even in extreme light situations, a hand grip to allow for more comfortable handling of the camera, as well as other accessory options such as cases and memory cards - making the Leica D-LUX 4 a full camera system, not just a point-and-shoot.
| Camera Type | Compact Wide-Angle Advanced Digital Camera with Image Stabilization |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/1.65" 11.3 Megapixel CCD |
| Effective Resolution | 10.1 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 24-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes | Standard, Dynamic, Natural, Soft, Decorative, Nostalgic, B&W standard, B&W dynamic, B&W soft, My film 1, My film 2, Multi Film |
| Image File Formats |
RAW JPEG (Fine, Standard) RAW+JPEG (Fine or Standard) |
| Recorded Resolution |
4:3 format 3648 x 2736 3072 x 2304 2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 3:2 format 16:9 format |
| Video Recording |
QuickTime Motion JPEG with sound 4:3 format VGA (640 x 480 @ 30fps) QVGA (320 x 240 @ 30fps or 10fps 16:9 format HD (1280 x 720 @ 24fps) VGA-Wide (848 x 480 @ 30fps) Clip length limited only by available memory |
| Audio Recording | Yes |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Summicron Aspherical Zoom Lens (8 elements in 6 groups, 4 aspherical elements/surfaces) |
| Optical Zoom | 2.5x |
| Lens Focal Length | 5.1-12.8mm (24-60mm equivalent) |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.4" (5cm) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.0-2.8 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | No |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | TTL Autofocus |
| Focus Modes | Face recognition AF, Tracking AF, 11-field AF, 1-field-high-speed AF, 1-field AF, Spot AF, Manual (using joystick) |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 19.2" (50cm) - infinity Macro: 2.4" (5cm) - infinity wide |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Automatic ISO Manual ISO (80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) |
| Shutter Type | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/2000 seconds |
| Aperture Range | f/2.0-2.8 - f/8.0 (1/3 EV steps) |
| Exposure Metering | TTL-AE (multi-field , center-weighted averaging, spot metering) |
| Exposure Modes | Automatic Program, Shutter speed priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Exposure Compensation (±2 EV in 1/3 steps) Automatic bracketing (3 exposures with ±1/3 to 1 EV steps). |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Sun, Overcast sky, Shade, Flash lighting, Halogen lighting, White Set 1, White Set 2 |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Soft skin, Self-portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night portrait, Night landscape, Food, Party, Candlelight, Baby1, Baby 2, Sunset, High-sensitivity, Starry sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, High-speed series, Flash series, Film grain, Pinhole camera |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Auto, Anti-red-eye, Long-time Synchro, Flash always, Flash off, 1st /2nd shutter curtain) |
| Effective Flash Range | 2.0' (0.6 m) - 13.5' (4.1 m) |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| External Flash Control | Simple Synchro or TTL Flash Control with Leica CF 22 Electronic Flash |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Lag | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Time Between Shots | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Burst Capability | 2.5fps up to 8 frames (Standard) |
| Self Timer | 2 seconds or 10 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | Yes |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | 50MB |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Card MultiMediaCard (MMC) |
| Recording Capacity | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | BP-DC4 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery |
| Power Adapter | ACA-DC4 Power Adapter |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | No |
| Video Output |
Yes (NTSC & PAL) HD out available with optional CV1 Component Cable |
| Web-Cam Capable | No |
| System & Software Requirements |
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista Apple Macintosh OS X (10.2.8 - 10.4.x) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | No |
| LCD Display | 3.0" TFT color LCD display (460,000 pixels) in 16:9 format |
| Language Options | English, Spanish, French, German, Italian |
| Playback Options | Single Image, Single Image with sound playback, Index (12 or 30 images), zoom, favorites, categories, slide show, calendar, picture rotation, alteration of resolution and cropping, double image, larger focus field, horizon correction, Video Playback, photo from video, Delete & Protect Functions, Print Order (DPOF) Settings, Image Adjust (Contrast, Color Saturation, Sharpness, Noise Suppression) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.28 x 2.34 x 1.7" (108.7 x 59.5 x 44mm) |
| Weight | 8.0 oz (228g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Exceptional.
I have been a pro shooter for 15 years now, and have always used Canon gear. Today, my kit includes the 1Ds Mark III and over a dozen L-series, or special purpose lenses....Read complete review
I have been a pro shooter for 15 years now, and have always used Canon gear. Today, my kit includes the 1Ds Mark III and over a dozen L-series, or special purpose lenses. I can honestly say that this little Leica gives my pro system a run for its money, at a fraction of the cost, and weight. It also allows me to keep a very low profile if needed, even though this camera is gorgeous.The lens produces astounding sharpness, the color and contrast of the JPEGs are amazing right out of the camera, and yes, the dynamic black and white mode does produce that magical "Leica feel" right out of the camera. I was skeptical at first, however, even after one sunset test shoot, I would also agree with other users on this point. At 460k, the LCD screen has ultra high resolution, while all camera operations are quite fast. It's simply an incredible camera.As for the cons that other users mention...in my opinion, no, the mode dial is NOT that easy to accidentally turn. Once you pick up the camera you'll see that your index finger, once poised over the shutter button, simply won't be close enough to the mode dial for an accidental spin. Also, the autofocus for spontaneous shooting, even in low-light is also plenty fast enough, and does not unnecessarily go hunting for subjects, in my opinion.CONS: (1) The optional 24mm viewfinder. The optics do not zoom to match whatever focal length the lens happens to be at, which forces you to shoot at 24mm each and every time, which sort of defeats the purpose of having a zoom lens capability. Additionally, it does not even offer shoot information in the display, unlike a DSLR which does this and makes traditional viewfinder shooting possible.(2) Don't waste your money on the Leica battery. Instead, buy the one for the Panasonic LX3, which is identical, only it doesn't say Leica and costs about half as much. The principle of Leica charging more without giving you any additional battery capacity simply irritates me.OPTIONAL: I did splurge for the brown leather Leica case. It's a little overpriced to be sure, but if you've read this far, then you're someone willing to pay[$] for a point and shoot anyway, so you might as well just complete the package. It's pure class all the way around. If your goal was also to bask in Leica social cachet, then this case completes the package. If you're a pro shooter, then it also provides instant reassurance to your clients that yes, "this guy is actually pulling out a point and shoot camera on this shoot, but oh wait, it looks like a serious machine. It's all good."In the end, I promise you will NOT be disappointed. This little gem is worth the money, and has definitely earned the following it has already attained.Happy shooting...~WC
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Most Liked Negative Review
Noise, noise, noise and more noise
There is just NO way this camera can even compete with any image taken by a dslr. The noise in the shadow areas is unacceptable for this price. Images aren't crisp even at ASA ...Read complete review
There is just NO way this camera can even compete with any image taken by a dslr. The noise in the shadow areas is unacceptable for this price. Images aren't crisp even at ASA 100. It does have a nice way of rendering color that simulates that Leica feel, but this camera is incapable of producing a sharp, saturated image with clean lines in the details. There is even noise in the midtones and highlight areas.
Maybe I'm spoiled. I shoot with Canon 40D and "L" lenses and a Leica M6. That being said, I wasn't expecting anything from this camera to compete with those systems. The DLUX4 doesn't even come close. It isn't any better than my current Sony p&s that was hundreds less. The mode dial is also easy to shift while walking around and taking street photos - very annoying. Equally annoying is the lens cap. I was looking forward to getting this camera for a long time and I was extremely disappointed by its performance.
If you want a nice looking p&s, that's beautiful to look at and well designed then this is the camera for you. But don't expect it to perform anywhere near the level of your dslr or that much better than any of the other p&s cameras costing hundreds less.
I love Leica and Leica products, but I can't stand behind this one.
Reviewed by 114 customers
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I use this camera for the ski hill and for when I can't carry a bulky SLR. The camera is good to hold and the picture quality is excellent, worthy of the Leica name. The battery lid looks and feels cheap, while the manual settings are hard to figure out. The software is also difficult to figure out.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
As a replace for my VR1 to Point & Shoot, nice, simple, easy to get long with.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
Beautiful design, with great Leica lens. Far superior image quality compared to compact/semi-compact cameras that I own or have owned. Functional, straightforward design looks great, however it's not as sure in my hands as others. Gripper surfaces in places would be a plus.
One use so far on a trip to Dublin and Irish countryside. I'm still learning the camera, however photos compared favorably to my GFs Cannon digital SLR.
Flexibility in settings may be a real plus in the future, however the pre-programmed options are extensive and will serve me well.
So far it's very good to great, and may move to five stars as I learn the camera.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
We got this for a second camera to use when we don't want to lug around my DSLR and lenses. It's compact, and has a wide range of manual capabilities. Shutter is slow, like most point and shoots, and images are grainy on the screen in low light, and other drawbacks typical of any non-DSLR. Limited zoom. No viewfinder (add-on available, but very pricey).
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I bought this Leica cause I'm on crutches. I have to say this camera has giving me everything I need. The quality, the color, the sharpness, and style, you just can't get enough. I have a D700 and Leica comes really close.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I bought this camera for personal use. I do not know a lot about digital cameras, but this one is very user friendly and delivered the best images. I love it and I will recommend it.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
This is the best camera I´v ever had.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I am a travel/street photographer and I bought this as a lightweight back-up for traveling with my (heavy) Nikon D700 + 24-70mm lens. This camera does it all...shoots RAW, f2.0, brilliant, sharp images....the Nikon may be staying home more often. I bought the grip which makes all the difference in the handling and I will need to get an extra battery... The menu is much easier to use and more intuitive than the Canon G11 and the photographs are superior on the Leica. I am delighted with it and it will go everywhere with me. The 24-60mm lens is perfect for the kind of work I do.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
Love this camera. The ability to manually control settings for things like focus, shutter speed and exposure is awesome. The lens is great in low light.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I carry the Leica D-LUX 4 with me all the time. Great for traveling and recording the images with high quality.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I was a little leery of a point & shoot after using a DSLR for years. But the D-Lux 4 has been an excellent companion to my D700. It's compact enough to fit in a messenger bag or cargo pant pocket. The video is great and the microphone picks up sound and voices very well!
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
This is a great point and shoot camera that allows you to do so much more! I upgraded after a trip to India brought disappointment with my old camera and I would never go back - Leica all the way! It has automatic settings for more situations than I could have thought of and I am still learning to use the manual options : )
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
When you don't want to lug around your full size DSLR the D-Lux 4 provides you with a camera that won't compromise the quality of your photos. Plenty of flexibility for creative types. Solid and well made.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
This camera can take pictures that are almost in the same class as the results of professional dSLRS, if you know how to use it.
The key advantage it offers is manual exposure setting. This is important because at apertures of about f/2.4 or higher, a small sensor camera is diffraction limited. That means that if you double the f-number, you cut the resolution in half (approximately). So by intentionally selecting wide apertures on this camera, (and having a choice up to f/2.0 really helps) you can get surprisingly sharp pictures, especially at the lower ISO settings. By staying below the diffraction limit, the pictures are nearly as good as those of a 10 megapixed SLR, at least if the subject is not moving rapidly enough to require better autofocus.
Diffraction also explains why the limited zoom range is not a problem: if the maximum telephoto range was 120 mm equivalent at f/5.6, the results would hardly be better than digitally zooming pictures taken at 60 mm equiv f/2.8.
An under-appreciated benefit of the Leica, especially in comparison to its near-twin, is a file format that uses Capture One (which is included for free). Cap One allows amazing flexibility in adjusting RAW files for color balance, under or over exposure, contrast at your choice of ranges from black to white, and sharpening. Several sources, and my own experience, show that it is equivalent to increasing the megapixel count by almost 50% in terms of resulting sharpness. This is an important benefit for a pocket camera.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I had a D Lux 3 for a while, then sold it because I thought I could get at least nearly the same quality of image from a camera that is more "pocketable". I was wrong. After using a couple different fairly expensive, 10 MP pocket cameras made by other major companies; I have not gotten even close to the color saturation, depth of tone, or clarity that I have gotten from the D3.
Now, having gotten my D4, I feel like I've been reunited with an old friend. Even better than its predecessor. I am VERY HAPPY with my D4.
For anyone hung up on the higher cost, I would just say "You get what you pay for".
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
Nice, compact size with large LCD and lightweight.
1.The lens. Yes, it's a Summicron-branded lens. May be made by Panasonic, but its Leica's design and therefore, a stellar lens. Fast F2 Aperture for great lower light shooting. FOCUS IS FAST! So much faster than the Sigma DP1, it's not even funny.
Focus is also good in lower light due to its focus assist lamp.
2.Writes to the SD card fast.Much faster than my M8 does.
3.Can shoot in one of three formats: 4/3, 3/2 or 16:9.
4.Battery life is superb. Never ran out even after shooting all day.
5.Out of camera JPEGS are decent and color is very, very good. Minimal tweaking needed.
6.Nice looks, great warranty.
7.Optical Image Stabilization. Hand-holdable at 1/8 second? Sure! Go for it!
8.Shoot HD movies in Quicktime .mov format. Cool feature.
9.Macro capability is pretty good.
ISO 80-400 is good. Above 400 it starts to get a little noisy and mushy, but I would use it at 800 if need be. Better than most small sensor cameras I have used.
Absolutely friendly menu
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I wanted a portable camera with the image quality of a dSLR without the need to visit the back doctor after a weekend of shooting.
While its zoom range is a bit limited at a little less that 3x zoom, it's a got a fast lens for general snapshots, meaning that I don't have to worry about taking photos in dim lighting. If you're looking for a compact camera with telephoto abilities, this camera isn't for you. However, one thing to consider is that the D-Lux 4 has the equivalent of a 24-mm lens at its widest, allowing you to take photos at a wider angle than most compact point-and-shots.
With that said, I'm finding that it's an excellent people camera - the photos I've taken of friends, family and pets are incredible with excellent detail, contrast and color fidelity. With it's quick menu function, I can easily move from different shootings modes - my favorites are Dynamic Color and Dynamic B/W.
As far as ergonomics, the camera feels good in the hand with a generous display using a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera's finish is a bit slippery, but not so much that I'm concerned about dropping it. It's buttons feel fantastic, and the quick menu is a brilliant touch.
With regards to its ability to take photos, when compared side-to-side with my Canon G9, the Leica D-Lux 4 appears to take sharper photos edge-to-edge with better color fidelity in jpg format. Overall, I like the image quality produced by the D-Lux 4 over the G9.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
Its desing is unbeatable, and the color she reproduce are amazing. I´m happy to get it. She is always in my pocket.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
I have not had this camera very long but am very impressed.As an experienced amateur , I can say that as far as technical quality of the photos go, it is, within its limitations ,one of the best cameras you can buy.
Because of its small size you can take it everywhere and you will get photos that you will never get with bigger SLR cameras. Also , that red Leica dot means a lot !
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 4 Digital Camera (Black):
before getting this camera I always wonder what is the big deal about Leica. Now I know. It is easily the funnest and best digital camera I have ever own. I have used Canon, Panasonic and Nikon. They are nothing compare to this one. The color really pops! I took a close up of a rose in [...](harsh lighting). It turned out so awesome that some of my friends wants for their wallpaper! And I want to say that the controls are very easy to use. Not hard to figure out at all. Don't be afraid to ditch your other camera and convert to a Leica fan. That's what I did. Never will I take any other camera beside the D-lux 4 with me. Actually I should clarify, I will take my Canon 7D with me but that is from a different class :) the battery lasts exactly as they expected it to be with some flash use it took about 380 exposures per charge.
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This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.