Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Digital Cameras
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There are many web reviews of this camera. The best feature is the lens and sensor. While there is a new model, the X2, released in June 2012, the price has come down considerably on this model. The lens has passed sharpness tests and beat models in its class. The lens is not equivalent to the Leica M series lenses which cost 2 to 3 times the cost of this camers, but the lens beats its class. There are slight red color shifts in some highlights, which can be fixed in computer software, but much less than the competition. There are also halos from very bright direct light sources (I.e., spotlights shining directly at the lens). However many larger SLR lenses have the same problems. The CMOS sensor does a very good job in low light. The larger size (APS C) means the pixels are spread out more causing less noise in low light. The RAW images look grainy as the ISO goes up, not pixelated with color dots as other models can do with smaller sensors. The camera is made in Germany, unlike the D-Lux series which is made in Japan. The frame is solid metal and the size extremely compact. The camera has a fixed lens equivalent to a 35mm lens on an SLR, no zoom. The two features which need work are the focusing speed and write speed. The focusing is very slow compared to others in its class, even with the vast improvements made in the 2.0 firmware update. The write speed is also slow, but this can be mproved somewhat with fast SD cards. You will not take action shots using auto settings. However, the manual focus works moderately well and removes all time lag from pressing the shutter. Setting a higher f/stop for a good deapth of field and using manual focus works well for street photography. Also, for photographers that like manual settings, the shutter speed and f/stop settings are dials on top of the camera and easy to change in an instant. The second flaw in this camera is the fact that the setting dials on top move too easily and can accidentally be changed while shooting. Both the focusing speed and dial looseness were fixed in the new model (Leica X2). So, for landscape photography, still portraits and non sports photography, the photographs are superior to others in its class. The used price is good if your style fits this bill. The Leica X2 fits a wider range of photography styles with the enhancement of focus speed, larger pixels (16mp vs 10mp) and higher ISO, but is about 50% more than this camera's used price.Read full review
Amazing full sensor resolution in a 11 ounce compact camera The full sensor yields great results at ISO 1600 and 3200. The Elmarit lens in the X1 is normally $ 4000 in the M9 family. Focus is sharp and accurate. In good light focus is OK. In low light it is slow, bt accurate. Colors, skin tones, the Leica "3D effect" are great. You can tell a Leica picture when you see it. The Fuji X100 is 16 ounces and twice the volume as the Leica X1. The X1 is easily jacket pocketable.
THE LEICA LENS PRODUCES IMAGES THAT I ADMIRE OVER THE YEARS AS A LECIA USER. THE BODY AND LENS ARE QUITE COMPACT . THE LENS HOUSING AND THE BATTERY COVER SEEMS TO BE PLASTIC, I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED METAL FOR DURABILITY. LEICA SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED A VEIW FINDER AT A BETTER PACKAGE PRICE, BECAUSE YOU REALLY WILL NEED ONE.