Leica D-Lux 4 or Nikon D 5100: I use just a walk around 18-250mm Sigma lens with the D5100 and am thinking of selling it and getting the lighter all in one Leica--lens is continuous...

paulevy Loc: Lawrenceville, NJ USA

I use just a walk around 18-250mm Sigma lens with the D5100 and am thinking of selling it and getting the lighter all in one Leica--lens is continuous f2.8 and goes from 25-600mm (the actual equivalent film range). What do you think?

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Leica sounds like a better walk around.

RobertW Loc: Breezy Point, New York

There was an entry here some time ago in praise of the Leica D-Lux 4.....Sounded great

Kestrel1029 Loc: Philadelphia, PA

paulevy wrote:

I use just a walk around 18-250mm Sigma lens with the D5100 and am thinking of selling it and getting the lighter all in one Leica--lens is continuous f2.8 and goes from 25-600mm (the actual equivalent film range). What do you think?

I think you mean the Leica V-Lux 4. This camera is made by Panasonic. I've heard that it is very good although I think there is a Panasonic equivelent that is cheaper. Good luck with your decision.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Kestrel1029 wrote:

I think you mean the Leica V-Lux 4. This camera is made by Panasonic. I've heard that it is very good although I think there is a Panasonic equivelent that is cheaper. Good luck with your decision.

They make both the D-Lux and the V-Lux models, they are different, by about 4MP and $400.00.

Kestrel1029 Loc: Philadelphia, PA

MT Shooter wrote:

They make both the D-Lux and the V-Lux models, they are different, by about 4MP and $400.00.

According to the OP's original post, the Leica has a zoom capability of 25-600mm at a constant f/2.8. Those are the specs of the V-Lux 4.

Gryffon Loc: Coddenham, Suffolk, England

Yes there is a Panasonic equivalent that is cheaper, I think Panasonic do the electrics and Leica the Lens. I have one, the Panasonic Lumix LX5. Now a bit old, 2 years cost around £350, but there must be a newer model now. Its takes great photos even close up 2-3cm for butterflies etc and whats really good is will fit in your pocket and you can take it everywhere with you.

Red Admiral

paulevy Loc: Lawrenceville, NJ USA

Actually I made an error--the Leica I am interested in is the V-Lux 4, not the D, and it costs $900. It is too bulky to put in a pocket.

I am having second thoughts about selling the D5100 for this one.

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Just to set the record straight...Leica and Panasonic are in partnership and have been for several years now. Although both cameras have the Leica lens, the color algorithms in the Leica camera are entirely different from the Panasonic. Both cameras yield outstanding results!

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

My wife has a D Lux 4- It is a superb camera, and is light, and produces extremely good photos; and you can print up to 16X 10 easily. very good quality.

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

Kestrel1029 wrote:

I think you mean the Leica V-Lux 4. This camera is made by Panasonic. I've heard that it is very good although I think there is a Panasonic equivelent that is cheaper. Good luck with your decision.

The Panasonic is Lumix fz200. It is about $200 cheaper than Leica & still has the Leica f/2.8 zoom lens.

Michael O' Loc: Midwest right now

paulevy wrote:

I use just a walk around 18-250mm Sigma lens with the D5100 and am thinking of selling it and getting the lighter all in one Leica--lens is continuous f2.8 and goes from 25-600mm (the actual equivalent film range). What do you think?

I've used Leica (and 4 lenses) since 1952, and they build great product. But for something similar but outstanding, look at the Canon Powershot SX50 HS with an OPTICAL zoom of the 35 mm equivalent of 24 to 1200 mm at 12.1 megapixels. Up to 4800 with electronic tele push, but you of course get major degradation of resolution etc with that. I believe the Leica is also 12 megapixels. See an article on the Canon in the April 2013 issue of Digital Photo, page 54. I've had rigs and lenses galore, but just picked one up from Adorama for a quick travel trip to Ireland and Spain. Should do nicely, easy to pack, and doesn't cost a fortune or keep you out of certain cathedrals, etc. 'cause you look like a pro. Have a look. You might decide it's perfect for your uses. Enjoy -- and post from it later.