compare to Panasonic DMC-FZ50 i'm a leica owner from the 60s [M2 and M4 w/4 lenses]. i have a few digicams; they all have their flaws, but i'm out of the darkroom for good. i'm interested in a 'super zoom' rather than a DSLR, primarily for convenience and size. what's keeping me from buying this beauty is the price. we're talking $849 vs. an identical [?] camera in a Panasonic DMC-FZ50 for $477. that's a huge difference in price. other than the red dot, what makes this worth almost $400 more? specs indicate that they're identical. the reviews on the FZ50 are *****. i have no doubt that the ones posted here will be as good. so, other than the red dot, why should i buy leica? [btw, thanks, amazon, for carrying both.] compare to Panasonic DMC-FZ50 i'm a leica owner from the 60s [M2 and M4 w/4 lenses]. i have a few digicams; they all have their flaws, but i'm out of the darkroom for good. i'm... » Read More compare to Panasonic DMC-FZ50 i'm a leica owner from the 60s [M2 and M4 w/4 lenses]. i have a few digicams; they all have their flaws, but i'm out of the darkroom for good. i'm interested in a 'super zoom' rather than a DSLR, primarily for convenience and size. what's keeping me from buying this beauty is the price. we're talking $849 vs. an identical [?] camera in a Panasonic DMC-FZ50 for $477. that's a huge difference in price. other than the red dot, what makes this worth almost $400 more? specs indicate that they're identical. the reviews on the FZ50 are *****. i have no doubt that the ones posted here will be as good. so, other than the red dot, why should i buy leica? [btw, thanks, amazon, for carrying both.] « Show Less
2009521
I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a... » Read More I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. « Show Less
2009522
From what I've found the V-LUX is based on the FZ50 so they're essentially the exact same camera - right down to the weight even. I believe the main difference is in noise reduction - not the lens. You can compare the cameras side-by-side here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras;=leica_vlux1%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz50&show;=allThere's also some helpful image comparisons for the V-LUX at http://www.fotohits.de/kameratests/0107.htmland the FZ50 at http://www.fotohits.de/kameratests/0606.htmlPersonally, I think the Leica uses a better noise reduction algorithm and produces a better image but the difference is so minor I'm not certain that it's worth paying nearly twice as much for. From what I've found the V-LUX is based on the FZ50 so they're essentially the exact same camera - right down to the weight even. I believe the main difference is in noise reduction - not the lens. You can compare the cameras side-by-side here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras;=leica_vlux1%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz50&show;=allThere's also some helpful image comparisons for the V-LUX at http://www.fotohits.de/kameratests/0107.htmland the FZ50 at http://www.fotohits.de/kameratests/0606.htmlPersonally, I... » Read More From what I've found the V-LUX is based on the FZ50 so they're essentially the exact same camera - right down to the weight even. I believe the main difference is in noise reduction - not the lens. You can compare the cameras side-by-side here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras;=leica_vlux1%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz50&show;=allThere's also some helpful image comparisons for the V-LUX at http://www.fotohits.de/kameratests/0107.htmland the FZ50 at http://www.fotohits.de/kameratests/0606.htmlPersonally, I think the Leica uses a better noise reduction algorithm and produces a better image but the difference is so minor I'm not certain that it's worth paying nearly twice as much for. « Show Less
2009523
thanks for answering! a friend has an older lumix of the same series [FZ7?]. i really like it [performs well] except the body is plastic and feels cheap. how about the FZ50 in this regard? anyone know if the lumix and the leica are different or similar in this regard?
158700
I'm somewhat new to this too, but I'll try to be accurate. First, this is a "Micro 4/3", not a dslr. Call it a point and shoot that "thinks" it's a dslr. As a user, "you" decide which you want it to be. The 14-45 lense included is 28-90mm in 35mm terms. This is comparable to a typical P&S compact with a 3x zoom. Most dslr user's would consider this a "walkaround" lens. Very useful and versatile for the type of shots common with a simple compact or entry level dslr. This camera has a unique feature called Extended Zoom (EZ) that allows an increase in "zoom" if you find the need on occassion. The camera has a functional pop-up flash as well as a "hot shoe" for using a specialized flash unit if you prefer. You must open the flash when needed, it doesn't pop-up automatically. Amazon has a 30 day return policy I think, and I think the warranty is 1 year, but check Panasonic.com to be sure. In years, most cameras will last indefinitely. In "shutter clicks" that is probably an unknown at this time. "I" am assuming that 50,000 clicks is certain and expect 100,000 or I will be sorely disappointed. At my rate of 2000 per month that buys me 2 to 4 years, but for most people that is a lot. That is roughly the range of a good dslr. That's probably 10 years for someone "normal".
1531926
I received mine over the weekend from Amazon, but have done similar research as you did for over a week. I've noticed the same thing as you do on the price increase. IMO I chaulk it up to supply and demand. I shopped around and found the prices to be generally very close amongst online stores, and no more $435's available except at one reputable NY store selling it at $439 just the other day, and is back-ordered. The thing is that with Amazon there aren't even other vendors selling this camera at any price, so it's completely up to Amazon to charge what it thinks is appropriate. Even the used prices (which are mostly by Amazon in this case) have risen by a large margin. However, the camera is fantastic! So it's still a value proposition in my case. Since I sold my M43 gear, this $500 price tag is downright low. Look at it another way, there are no M43 or DSLRs (bodies only) that shoot at 5.5 FPS with autofocus or 12 without that come in at less than a grand. The lens range and aperture are in the same situation, there is nothing in the inter-changeable lens world that come close without costing multiples of this FZ150. Seriously, an Olympus 28-200'ish mm equivalent M43 lens runs at $450; a Nikon 18-200 VR for APS-C sensor is at approx $900; a Nikon 28-300 VR for full frame is about $1k (while non of these open to f 2.8). True, those cameras have larger sensors and the lenses are quality stuff and can do different things (we're not totally comparing apples to apples here), but if this camera is right for you for what you do as it does in my case for what I intend it to do, which is for travel (light) and take photos of my son at baseball games, the price is a steal. Frankly this camera out guns my DSLR by a large margin and does 1080P video with fast accurate auto focus at 60p :) I cannot do manual video focus of sports - at any price! On the other hand, other options may be to wait and see, or buy used. I checked out eBay, no luck there (but Amazon pricing staff already know that).
1746412
Late to respond, but my previous camera was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18, a point and shoot camera which I thought took outstanding pictures...until I bought the DMC-FZ150. Holy cow! What a jump in performance that even an unsavvy enthusiast like myself can actually use. I am, however, shocked by the price increase. I had to buy it online because it wasn't available locally but with the reviews and my past experience with Panasonic, I took a deep breath and did it, purchasing it through Amazon for $439 in early April 2012. I consider it top echelon of the "amateur" use cameras.
1786750
I'm between the same two models, and was also considering the Canon SX30IS. I recommend you read the in-depth reviews on www.imaging-resource.com. Unfortunately, despite all the great features of the Panasonic FZ100 and the Leica lens, it's image quality doesn't compare to the Nikon. Compare the noise and detail of the sample images in both of these reviews. It's too bad, I was about to get the FZ100 until I saw how poor the image detail was up close. But that website ended up giving the Nikon P500 a high recomendation, while they could not in good conscience give the FZ100 any sort of recomendation at all.
568654
Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or... » Read More Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). « Show Less
1580339
I would recommend to you Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 and even more Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 Leica DG Summilux - I use both for more than 5 years and they are excellent, sharp and fast. Nowadays, more fast lenses are coming but I don't have them so can't recommend.
347544
I keep thinking the price will drop on the D90, just like the Canon did. Canon 50D doesn't offer the video recording does it? My worse fear is always buying a portable item at this price point, losing or dropping it. There is a certain amount of loss I can afford.I am not waiting too much longer to buy, the video option is weighing less on my mind since I just bought the wife a Panasonic Lumix (Tz50?) for quick pics. It was a HD video capture option, much better than the D90's, higher resolution, and the ability to zoom while recording. Cheap at $237.
376808
Hi Lucas, Not sure what you are referring to. There is a Panasonic camera that is the root design for the Leica, but nonetheless I believe there are internal differences in the image processing (the hidden one) that call for this difference, in addition indeed to the fact that the Leica brand name carries a higher reputation than the other one. Just a badge difference isn't worth a single $ if there isn't something tangible to justify the spread however.
490818
I am also looking at these two cameras. My needs are a good low light performance as well as action sport shots. I had purchased the Panasonic FZ8 but have returned it because the inside low light pictures were very noisy and grainy. It took great outside pictures and was responsibly fast. I'm currently wanting to try the Sony but don't like the idea of having to buy a memory stick for it, I have a few sd cards that the Canon takes.
1192315
I own both. Bought one of first 18-200s made in Japan to go with my first dslr: D50 that I got for a trip to the Bahamas. Have wonderful images I still enjoy. Now have lightweight D5000 and super D7000. Bought 18-140 for light weight to hike w/D5000. Use 28-200 w/D7000 otherwise.Both focus quickly, iq is similar. Both have VR but 200 has active mode for shooting while moving, which I love. So 140 wins on weight, price, while 200 adds focal length and versatile VR.
1977272
blanchedebeaulieu, The FH20 is a much newer camera with more developed technology. The number of megapixels has little to do with the quality of the camera or the pictures from the camera. The size (and quality) of the sensor are far more important and I believe each of these cameras has the same sensor. With the FH20 you'd be getting a newer camera, with greater zoom, new instead of refurbished and for less money. While I think each of the cameras would prove satisfactory to you, I don't think there is really any doubt- go with the FH20. Also, I haven't read anywhere of anyone complaining about a Panasonic lens, whether it's licensed from Leica or not. I'd put more faith in the Amazon guarantee and Panasonic warranty than the label on the lens (For what it's worth, I often buy refurbished- computers, ipods, ipod speakers- and the only time I've had a problem was with a refurbished camera. Sure, it's a small sample size, but I wouldn't recommend refurbished in this category). Hope my experience helps you.
1853588
I never purchased the DLUX 5 to test it out to see how it compared to the DLUX 6. I wanted a compact camera with a telescopic lens that I could take anywhere in my pocket, and it was the best camera for the price. I did purchase other Leica cameras for signifigantly more money and found that price was driven up by the demand, as compared to when they first came out and they didn't have the picture quality of the DLUX 6. I just love it. I think you will to. (see photos I've taken)
2029245
Hi Pablo, I have a similar camera (and lens set). I have the GF5 with the X series (compact) 14mm-42mm and I recently got the x series 45mm-175mm. After a ton of reading all the reviews and comments and factoring price and everything (for me) I decided this was the best 2nd lens for me. That said, it is no good UNLESS one is 20+ feet away from what you basically want to shoot. When I take a group shot I have to switch back. I will say the 45x175 is a superb lens, but if you were going to mount one and leave the other home, you would really want the 14-140 (IMO). When I chose the 45-175 I figured why get a lens that was already a range of one I had but in practical use I now see the 14mm-140mm There were a few other factors, one was the price was significantly higher (I got my 45-175 for one hundred ninety two using "like new" on warehouse deals) the other was I really wanted a "X" series lens and the 14-140 is a "G" series only. Two other factors were the 14-140 was almost 8 years older and twice as heavy. I have a GF5 and LOVE how with the 45-175 mounted I can hold it like a soda can in one hand when not using it. I am sure the 14-140 is a great lens, and with the GH2 being a much bigger and heavier camera, I am not sure the increase weight would be an issue. Next time I get another lens my quandary may be similar to your, but it would be the 100-300 vs the very useable 14-140. I already get "Wow" comments with the 45-175 mounted on my tiny red GF5 camera. I can only imagine the comments the humongous 100-300 (zoomed out) would get. I do like how the 45-175 it totally internal and am a tad fearful of the 'zooming/slide' tube feature of the 100-300. I know they have to do it, but it's a tad scary. Overall I really think if you are going to REPLACE (meaning sell or no longer have access the 14-42mm lens) you should opt for the 14-140. That way you ONLY change if you want CRAZY zoom potential! Take care!
257215
I wholly agree with the FZ 150 camera assessments on this forum. I have been shooting with a Nikon D90 and an Olympus EPL-2. Two months ago I got this Panasonic and sold the EPL-2 because it is basically a smaller and lighter version of the APS-C SLRs. Whereas the FZ150 is not only packed with features and produces great but not professional images, it does have a built-in zoom and that's what I wanted outside of an SLR. After using it on my Beijing vacation for the past 8 days averaging about 200 images a day, the one wish list I have is for an extended battery grip. This camera is so useful it is with me all the time, so the grip will play a big part in ergonomic comfort where portraits and the handling will be easier. As is, I do find the camera grip to be too small for comfort. Obviously this is my personal opinion since outside of SLR's this thing is not physically small relatively speaking. If anyone knows of such a grip, please share. Finally though sometimes I really do miss the high quality images only an SLR could achieve with the right fast lens. When I hiked 2 hours up, and then 2 hours down, the Great Wall of China, I did not miss the extra weight a bit. :)
821882
Don: I have owned 3 Leicas and each purchase was the newer upgrade model to the previous one. If Leica is discontinuing this model, I believe they already have a newer upgrade in production. The good news is that the discontinued V-Lux 40 should decrease in price, and you may be able to purchase one at a great deal. Your other option is to wait until Leica releases the new model. Either way, you can't go wrong in purchasing a Leica. I have never had a problem with any of them. Good luck shopping.
1930562
Can't answer your question directly, but I do have a FZ30 from a few years back, and a P500. I like the twist zoom of the Panasonic instead of the motor zoom on the Nikon, but both work well. I've been getting exceptionally good zoom photos out of the P500 with excellent contrast and color (I've reviewed it recently here). The colors particularly red can sometimes come out with some strange hues on the FZ. If it helps, I was going to upgrade either the FZ30 to the FZ100 OR Nikon P80 to the P500 and decided to go with the Nikon. Further I bought the new model D5100 dSLR Nikon and compared the photos from that with the P500 and they are very close to each other in general performance (although I'm sure low-light will be better with the dSLR).