Product Description

The compact nature of the D-Lux 4 means it can be with you all the time. But despite its compact size, it offers top Leica quality and gives the photographer plenty of artistic freedom. The D-Lux 4 is ideal, whether for subjects composed with lots of forethought or for spontaneous reportage.

The high-aperture professional lens

The Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens 1:2.0-2.8/5.1-12.8 ASPH is a high-aperture lens for digital compact cameras that allows the real enthusiast to work with an open shutter. Its high speed makes the Leica D-LUX 4 ideal for available light exposures. Whether in poor light or for selective use of field depth, the lens of the Leica D-LUX 4 gives the photographer scope for highly individual picture composition. The aspherical zoom lens with a focusing range of 24-60 mm opens up new creative options in reportage photography.

The lens design consists of eight elements, of which four are aspherical. These are matched individually to the camera sensor, working in harmony with the electronics and software, to produce stunningly brilliant pictures in true-to-life colors.

Powerful sensor

At a standard resolution of 10.1 megapixels, the overlarge size of the 1/1.63" CCD image sensor increases image quality distinctly. The smallest details of the subject are reproduced exactly. The D-Lux 4 can take photos in all three formats (4:3/3:2/16:9) to suit the particular recording or playback situation. On the 3" LCD monitor with a resolution of 460,000 pixels, pictures can be viewed and assessed in excellent quality before and after they are taken. Leica Camera AG has developed its own unique colour matching, contrast and picture definition profile which produces digital characteristics complimentary to Leica M film photography.

More creative possibilities

The ergonomic layout of controls and intuitive operating system make it a pleasure to handle the D-Lux 4. Focus, shutter speed, stops and exposure override can all be set manually with the joystick giving the real enthusiast scope for highly individual picture composition. Of course you can also use the intelligent automatic mode: Depending on the subject and photographic situation, the camera automatically selects the best mode from Scene Select, either macro, landscape, portrait, night portrait, or night scene. The professional software Capture One 4 (RAW data converter) makes sure that the RAW data supplied by the CCD sensor is "processed" in optimum quality. Data recording can be in Fine, Standard, RAW or combinations. The D-Lux 4 is also prepared for photos in HDTV format with a HD port for TV connection.

Expandable, just like a small system camera

D-Lux 4 with optional viewfinder
The D-Lux 4 is a real Leica, not just in its design, its looks, and its performance, but also its being the first digital compact camera that can be used with an extensive range of accessories - just like a system camera. That means even more photographic possibilities with the camera that can claim to be "son of M8".

Customer Reviews

By Richard Fisher "Louisiana Audiophile" (Houma, La United States)

Most cameras are usually something I tire of after a few days of use. They are usually to complicated to use. If you want to get creative then you have to sort through cumbersome layers of menus in order to make creative changes. Not so here. After an hour of reading the manual I could photograph nearly anything with incredible results. The controls are intuitive and in just a few hours I was taking breathtaking creative photo's like I would see in photo journals. Even my wife was amazed at the clarity and color of the pictures I took in the French Quarter today. B&W photo's in the dynamic mode are amazing. I photographed (dynamic B&W) a heavily chromed Harley today parked on Saint Peter St and I'm going to have to frame this picture as it's just stunning. This is the camera for the rest of us who want to take great photo's and gave up because of complicated cameras. The LCD screen also has a higher resolution than the point and shoot cameras I've used (many). The flash will also handle most lighting conditions with ease although the lens is fast enough that rarely have I used the flash. Last night I photographed 5 intoxicated Santa's dancing together in the French Quarter with just the available light from two headlights heading their way (yes..naturally they were in the street). Funny and great photo stuff. Isn't this what a good camera should do..capture a moment with great results and add to your life without stress! Finally one that does just that.

By APM

This is a photographic powerhouse! I just came back from a trip to Colorado, took many pictures of Monument Valley, arches, and the beautiful Colorado scenery, and they are the most beautiful pictures I have ever taken! The colors are amazing, the images seem to come out of the pictures, as if they were 3D. All in all, a purchase you will not regret. I will always own a Leica from now on.

By Byron S. Cooper MD "Byron" (Washington, DC)

I bought this camera to supplement my Canon Eos 5d SLR. This camera is extremely well made. The controls are intuitive. I really did not need to read the manual. It handles much better than my Canon G9 which I sold on Ebay. The ability to add an external flash and viewfinder also add to the utility of this camera. This is fairly expensive for a camera without interchangeable lenses, etc. It is much smaller than the Canon G11, which is cheaper. There is now way to add any filters, since there is no threading for this on the lens. I confirmed this with Leica today. I normally put a filter on an expensive lens right away. This camera can shoot in RAW, so you can use it with Photoshop. I think it is worth the price. One other consideration for those looking for a fine camera that is small would be the Panasonic GF1 or the soon to be released Olympus EP2. These take interchangeable lenses, including some made by Leica. These cameras are larger though and cannot go into a coat pocket. The auto focus on this camera is also fast and for a point and shoot that is not a DSLR, there was very little shutter delay.

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