L-Camera TV #1 - Does Leica still make MP and M7? from Andreas Jürgensen on Vimeo.
Showing posts with label Leica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leica. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Video visit to Leica Solms factory
Finishing and checking M7 and MP bodies (basic assembly done in Portugal)
White M8
275 units worldwide, price: $9,000
See Leica site
All sold out already !!!!
Also check out the safari M8.2 - 500 units
See Leica site
All sold out already !!!!
L-Camera TV - Leica M8 White Spotting from Andreas Jürgensen on Vimeo.
Also check out the safari M8.2 - 500 units
Monday, 1 December 2008
LUMIX G-1 Lenses
G1 and any other Micro Four Thirds camera can also take any regular size Four Thirds lens through the use of the DMW-MA1APP adapter (see photo enclosed).However, most of the functionalities of other 4/3 lenses will not work on G1.
Panasonic is not such a big producer of photo lenses, maybe they are even made by others. Therefore I don't know what is the rationale for creating a new range of lenses which is not compatible, given shorter back focus distance, with other cameras using the same bayonet.
However, some nice combinations are possible...
G1 with Leica 25mm lens 4/3 mount + micro 4/3 adapter
Leica R 100mm f2.8 macro Elmarit on G1 with R to 4/3 adapter and micro 4/3 adapter
Panasonic plan to release at least three more lenses in 2009; a 14-140mm f/4-f.5.6 OIS, a 7-14mm f/4 and a 20mm f/1.7 (see prototype on display at Photokina).The lenses like all 4/3 lenses have a x2 crop factor - so the 20 is a 40mm slightly lower than a normal lens.
Who said pancake?!
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Leica D-Lux 4
Image quality
Many reviewers indicate that Leica's processing algorithm is different than Lumix's to provide cleaner and smoother images with a "Leica look". Some say that there are differences in term of the color output. Maybe if difference there are these apply only to Jpeg default presets. You can find a comparison of the Jpeg output of the two cameras here and make your own conclusions. However, I spoke with a Leica representative at Leica Stand at Photokina and he told me that image processing is the same.
In the Lumix LX-3, JPEG images look fine, but appear overprocessed even at lower ISO and especially in shadows. This provides for JPEG images to appear soft. The lens may contribute to this as it is not particularly contrasty although things improve by f8.
Both cameras’ RAW files look the same. To process Lumix picture taken in raw mode you have to use the Silkypix software provided with the camera. (UPDATE: Now raw format is recognized by Lightroom or Camera Raw.)
Leica provides Phase One Capture One 4 raw software instead of Silkypix. Neither cameras produce universal DNG format files.
There seem to be a difference between raw images processed through Silkypix (Panasonic) and Capture One (Leica). The latter providing better results.
Dlux-4 and Lx-3 Differences
Pending confirmation whether there are differences in image treatment, the two cameras appear identical except for the following features:
- Body is the same, except the Lumix has a smaller built-in grip while the Leica body is rounded and allow you to use an accessory grip (which looks like a smaller Leica M grip) which provides better handling. The grip is not needed nor compatible with the Lumix.
- Color: both come in black finish but the Lumix can also be bought in silver finish.
- Leica price is 50% higher than the Lumix.
- The Leica comes with a 3 years guarantee.
- Leica accessories, external viewfinder and camera bag, are a bit more luxurious and expensive.
- Dedicated flash unit LEICA CF 22 is also available for the LEICA D-LUX 4.
Many reviewers indicate that Leica's processing algorithm is different than Lumix's to provide cleaner and smoother images with a "Leica look". Some say that there are differences in term of the color output. Maybe if difference there are these apply only to Jpeg default presets. You can find a comparison of the Jpeg output of the two cameras here and make your own conclusions. However, I spoke with a Leica representative at Leica Stand at Photokina and he told me that image processing is the same.
In the Lumix LX-3, JPEG images look fine, but appear overprocessed even at lower ISO and especially in shadows. This provides for JPEG images to appear soft. The lens may contribute to this as it is not particularly contrasty although things improve by f8.Both cameras’ RAW files look the same. To process Lumix picture taken in raw mode you have to use the Silkypix software provided with the camera. (UPDATE: Now raw format is recognized by Lightroom or Camera Raw.)
Leica provides Phase One Capture One 4 raw software instead of Silkypix. Neither cameras produce universal DNG format files.
There seem to be a difference between raw images processed through Silkypix (Panasonic) and Capture One (Leica). The latter providing better results.
Dlux-4 and Lx-3 Differences
Pending confirmation whether there are differences in image treatment, the two cameras appear identical except for the following features:- Body is the same, except the Lumix has a smaller built-in grip while the Leica body is rounded and allow you to use an accessory grip (which looks like a smaller Leica M grip) which provides better handling. The grip is not needed nor compatible with the Lumix.
- Color: both come in black finish but the Lumix can also be bought in silver finish.
- Leica price is 50% higher than the Lumix.
- The Leica comes with a 3 years guarantee.
- Leica accessories, external viewfinder and camera bag, are a bit more luxurious and expensive.
- Dedicated flash unit LEICA CF 22 is also available for the LEICA D-LUX 4.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Panasonic Lumix DMC LX3 - some remarks
The Lumix LX3 is a very compact, reactive camera with good LCD and 24 mm wide angle lens.
However, the camera tends to overexpose, metering in general requires attention, grain is there in shadows at lower ISOs, at 800 its all over the place (I wouldn't go beyond that), jpeg images are soft by default, battery life not so great in my view.
It's W-I-D-E!!!!
With a wide optical complement you can reach up to 18mm equivalent (f2 !!!!!) which coupled with panoramic 16/9 aspect ratio provides even more leeway. Add to that the excellent grid display which can be selected (with live histogram) on the LCD.
Exposure
It overexposes like crazy, on average exposure compensation -2/3 EV is required. If portions of sky appear in shot you need to go above -1 EV to avoid blowing highlights.
It is my experience that in many situations (except very low contrast ones) you may wish to underexpose you image. You can achieve this by one or, in more complex situations, a combination of the following methods:
- exposure compensation button
- metering for highlights (sometimes required even with EV compensation)
- keeping histogram to the left and avoid touching the right of the scale (unless for inevitable specular highlights and reflections)
- using i-exposure mode
- use polariser or graduated Neutral Density filter to darken sky
Dynamic range
Please note also that "dynamic range extender" method, called "intelligent exposure adjustment" or i-exposure in the manual, seems to work by actually brightening shadows. The contrary i.e. recovering details in overexposed or blown areas would be pretty complicate. Other manufacturers, like Pentax have a high dynamic range mode that underexposes and digitally processes the image in the same way by working on the shadows to bring back detail. In the LX3 case, you can only count on the image engine processor to carry out the last part of the process. Therefore if you are using this function, you need pay some attention on how you expose your image. Overall i-exposure in my opinion works quite well if it has enough margin to work upon, although don't expect miracles.
Son of M
Another remark, while the metering issue may constitute a problem in some cases, it is possible that the aim of Panasonic (with a strong influence from Leica people probably) was to optimise the camera for low light and contrast situations. Hence, the f2 lens, the tendency to overexpose, and the rather soft image default settings.
If the camera is set to low beeps, no AF assist ight, no LCD screen and a external optical viewfinder is used, you can achieve a sort of stealth mode, which coupled with the camera's short shutter lag, can get you something close to Leica M discrete street photography experience.
Autonomy
Panasonic and independent reviews state that batteries have excellent performances by CIPA standards. My experience is that if you work on just one battery you will run out of energy in two-three hours of continous shooting. And I am hardly using the flash. This is due to energy hungry features like the zooming motor, big screen, extensive controls that need to be reached more frequently by the menus, powerful image engine, etc.
Extra autonomy may be achieved if you don't use flash, shut down LCD, use external view finder instead to compose, avoid frequent zooming (leave at 24mm as if fixed lens - let's call it the Summicron option, which btw has no parallel in the M range) and keep camera to Program, avoid fidling with advanced functions like film mode optimisation, exposure compensation, raw+jpeg recording, etc.
However, to be on the safe side my advice is to bring along not just one but 2 or even 3 extra batteries. The problem is also that the battery charger provided, which is compact with folding sockets, is also quite slow: it can take up to an hour and a half for a full charge. Multiply by the number of batteries and you can get stuck for quite a while.
24mm f2 ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens
the Lens is clearly one a the best selling point of the camera. Both in terms of wideness (24mm) and brighteness (f2). It is aimed at wide angle photography and I wouldn't certainly complain about that.
The lens sport the typical Leica rendition: sharp while being less contrasty than say... Nikon.
Lens is good but I have impression that noise reduction tends in most cases to destroy the details resolved by lens (can't substantiate but this point would need to be verified).
Lens flares when pointed directly to a light source and with additional lens it's even worse. On the other hand it does not vignette even with the extra lens on. It appears quite consistent center to corner. Distortion is typical of wide angles.
Please note also that "dynamic range extender" method, called "intelligent exposure adjustment" or i-exposure in the manual, seems to work by actually brightening shadows. The contrary i.e. recovering details in overexposed or blown areas would be pretty complicate. Other manufacturers, like Pentax have a high dynamic range mode that underexposes and digitally processes the image in the same way by working on the shadows to bring back detail. In the LX3 case, you can only count on the image engine processor to carry out the last part of the process. Therefore if you are using this function, you need pay some attention on how you expose your image. Overall i-exposure in my opinion works quite well if it has enough margin to work upon, although don't expect miracles.
Son of M
Another remark, while the metering issue may constitute a problem in some cases, it is possible that the aim of Panasonic (with a strong influence from Leica people probably) was to optimise the camera for low light and contrast situations. Hence, the f2 lens, the tendency to overexpose, and the rather soft image default settings.
If the camera is set to low beeps, no AF assist ight, no LCD screen and a external optical viewfinder is used, you can achieve a sort of stealth mode, which coupled with the camera's short shutter lag, can get you something close to Leica M discrete street photography experience.
Autonomy
Panasonic and independent reviews state that batteries have excellent performances by CIPA standards. My experience is that if you work on just one battery you will run out of energy in two-three hours of continous shooting. And I am hardly using the flash. This is due to energy hungry features like the zooming motor, big screen, extensive controls that need to be reached more frequently by the menus, powerful image engine, etc.
Extra autonomy may be achieved if you don't use flash, shut down LCD, use external view finder instead to compose, avoid frequent zooming (leave at 24mm as if fixed lens - let's call it the Summicron option, which btw has no parallel in the M range) and keep camera to Program, avoid fidling with advanced functions like film mode optimisation, exposure compensation, raw+jpeg recording, etc.
However, to be on the safe side my advice is to bring along not just one but 2 or even 3 extra batteries. The problem is also that the battery charger provided, which is compact with folding sockets, is also quite slow: it can take up to an hour and a half for a full charge. Multiply by the number of batteries and you can get stuck for quite a while.
24mm f2 ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens
the Lens is clearly one a the best selling point of the camera. Both in terms of wideness (24mm) and brighteness (f2). It is aimed at wide angle photography and I wouldn't certainly complain about that.
The lens sport the typical Leica rendition: sharp while being less contrasty than say... Nikon.
Lens is good but I have impression that noise reduction tends in most cases to destroy the details resolved by lens (can't substantiate but this point would need to be verified).
Lens flares when pointed directly to a light source and with additional lens it's even worse. On the other hand it does not vignette even with the extra lens on. It appears quite consistent center to corner. Distortion is typical of wide angles.
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