OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I need to purchase a P&S (my old Nikon Coolpix has died it's last death)...Looked at the Nikon 1_ S1 , to slow a lens. I need something for low light situations. Was looking at the Leica D-Lux 6. Then in doing a search here, came across the Panasonic Lumix, looked up the Panny DCM-LX7, both have Identical f1.4-f8 lenses and the rest, pretty much identical cameras, and has a much higher rating. Just wondering if anyone has the Panasonic and their thoughts?

Thanks much

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Leica and Panasonic have been partners for years with Panasonic producing the less expensive model line. As you said the Panasinic is almost identical. I have a Leica and had bought a Panasonic which my wife has now. The only significant difference I know of is that the Leica is loaded with a different set of color logarithms. Hope this helps.

hj Loc: Florida

I have been a Canon guy for years, but several years ago I got a Pansonic Lumix TZ5 and loved it. Since then I have had several more models and never disappointed.... great Leica lenses. Couple years ago I got the Panasonic Lumix LX5 and found it to be fantastic, so a couple months ago I upgraded to their LX7 and couldn't be more pleased. Wonderful low-light camera and I almost always use it instead of my DSLR. When I want telephoto I grab my Pansonic Lumix ZS8 with it's 16X zoom. Panasonic has really come on strong with their cameras and are my first choice for point-n-shoot. The LX7 has all the manual controls you could want (in addition to automatic).

The LX5 is a wonderful camera too, with F2.0 low light lens. Mine is still like new with box and all items that came with it new. I will be selling it for $200 if interested.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Much higher rating at half the price? The Panasonic looks like a bargain from that info. But I would have to read the whole evaluation to understand why. Leica does NOT make the lenses for the Lumix, they are made by Panasonic under license from Leica.

sbesaw Loc: Boston

DP review states: "Leica has announced the D-Lux 6 - a fast-lensed compact designed for enthusiast photographers. It's Leica's reworking of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, and shares that model's key features; a super-fast F1.4-2.3 24-90mm equivalent lens in front of a 10.1MP 1/1.7" CMOS sensor. It has an aperture ring around the lens, records FullHD movies at 60fps, and accepts a high resolution plug-in electronic viewfinder, the EVF3." So it seems it shares the same Lens. I have compared both and shot with both and own an LX7. couldn't tell the difference. both do a special job with back lighting. Think Leica still comes bundled with LR. Also can check http://www.digicamdb.com/compare/leica_d-lux-6-vs-panasonic_lumix-dmc-lx7/ which basically states same results.

hj Loc: Florida

Having done some superficial research on the internet, it appears the Panasonic Leica lenses are mfg by Panasonic in Japan under Leica design, standards and QC and licensing. Obviously Leica wouldn't allow their name to be put on sub-standard lenses.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I have a Panasonic TZ-30 or ZS-20 and Leica made an equal,V-Lux 40, the reason the Panasonic rating was higher is that the price was lower and price was included in the rating system. At time of review ZS20 was $380 vs Leica $730. http://snapsort.com/compare/Leica-V-Lux-40-vs-Panasonic-ZS20

This Panasonic/Leica look-alike act-alike history continues as described above. Any firmware algorithm differences can be compensated in post(? I think).

Humor: To upgrade the camera I purchased Leica Cufflinks via China and mounted one on my ZS20.. takes much better photos now and I am more respected as a photographer. While a rose may be a rose by any other name, "brand" is every thing in the world of cameras.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Thank you everyone, some interesting points regarding the Leica lens....but as HJ says, Leica I don't think would allow their name on something below par.

Came across two more while broadening the search...I should have left things alone at 3 compares.

Sony DSC RX100 Rated #1 overall $648
Canon Power Shot G15 Rated #2 overall $499

Low light with the Sony seems to blow everyone out of the picture, which is most important as is macro capabilities. A bit more $ but willing to pay for, for less noise at higher ISO's
Another thing interesting point with most is the hot shoe on all but Leica & Sony. This is useful to me for using an off camera flash and a Pocket Wizard. View finders a plus on some but the Lumix (something I didn't like about the Coolpix not having) Although a hot shoe view finder an available accessory. Sony doesn't have a hot shoe. :( Seems I go down the line of features of each and either something is missing or lacking in quality compared to the others...I think I had an easier time selecting my Nikon DSLR's...guess cause I've been Nikon since the late 70's...The Canon is looking pretty good. But then so is the Sony, even without Flash...

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I like the compactness (thickness) of both, a plus if I'm out on a date with wifey, didn't need Captain Kangaroo pockets as would be needed with some of the others I'm considering. Heading over to B&H today...try a few out, it's a short ride for me so I don't need to purchase today...

Effjayess Loc: NE,Pennsylvania

I have the Pano LX5 and I love it I am ashamed to say that I hardly use my Nikon DSLR anymore, it's too easy to just take my LX5 and it takes better pictures.

hj Loc: Florida

My exact same experience previously with the LX5 and now the LX7. My DSLR is lonely except for night-time soccer games under the lights for fast action with the Canon 70-200mm f2.8L.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

If I go with the Panny, it will for sure be the LX7,

But the Canon and Sony are really looking good...pulling my hair out, (whats left of it :)

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I have an older Panasonic (LX3) and have been very happy with it and it's f2.0 "Leica" lens. Build quality appears to be very good, it is quite heavy for no larger than it is.

bedgmon Loc: Burleson, Texas

Your post was perfect timing, I am very interested in what you choose and your reasoning. I am needing a new P&S and I am in a quandary myself.
I am leaning toward Panosonic, but can't wait to see all the responses.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

OnDsnap, I am HIGHLY satisfied with my ZS20, the price has dropped to $200 or below because it is last years model. I do not see much improvement in the ZS30, except WiFi. Buying this camera gives you a small belt pack camera of good quality. Any softness is tweaked in post. Are there better quality cameras of similar size, yep, sure are.

So why suggest this camera... well reading this months Pop Photography, they discuss the new large-sensor large-price tag compacts. Being patient and waiting 1-2 years, while using something like the ZS20, then the quality, debugging, and that wonderful inevitable thing called PRICE DROP.

P&S, or as I call them 24/7 Cameras so as to leave the old reputation behind, can be modified to accept filters and mod lens attachments like wide-angle and tele-add-ons. Please see my UHH article:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-75114-1.html