Optics and Resolution
Because outstanding image quality can only be achieved through the optimal interplay of all components, the lens was tailored specifically to the 4-megapixel sensor in order to make full use of the optical and electronic capabilities. The Digilux 1 features a Leica DC Vario-Summicron 3x aspherical zoom lens with a range of focal lengths from 7-21mm, corresponding to a zoom range of 33-100mm on analog 35mm cameras. The speed of the lens is f2 to f2.5.

The Digilux 1 offers five alternatives for exposure control: fully automatic mode, programmed automatic mode, aperture priority, speed priority, and a setting for manual mode. It's also equipped with a ring for manual focusing so that you can get the best results from close-ups.

Camera Display
The 2.5-inch LCD screen on the back of the Digilux 1 is 50 to 90 percent larger than those on comparable cameras. Its size is ideal for meticulous picture evaluation and its 205,000 resolution makes manual focusing much easier. The attachable monitor hood makes good picture evaluation possible even in daylight. The Digilux 1 also features an optical viewfinder with diopter compensation.

Camera Speed
On many digital cameras, there are delays between the switching on of the camera and its readiness to shoot, as well as between the activation of the shutter release and the actual exposure. The Digilux 1 has been optimized for speed, enabling you to photograph spontaneously and be ready to shoot continuously. You can also make exposure sequences of up to eight pictures at a rate of approximately four exposures per second.

Movie Mode
Video sequences are recorded in the Apple QuickTime format in a size of 320 x 240 pixels. The length of the video recordings is limited only by the capacity of the memory card. With the 64 MB Secure Digital card that is supplied with the camera, the video recording time lasts for approximately six minutes.

Storage and Transfer
The 64 MB SD card can store 32 images with the highest resolution and lowest compression or up to 484 pictures with low resolution at the highest compression.

Power
The Digilux 1 features a powerful rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The included AC adapter/battery charger can charge the Digilux 1 in about two hours. With the monitor display switched on, the Digilux 1 can be operated for approximately two hours, or for approximately three hours with the monitor display turned off.

Size
The Digilux 1 measures 5 by 2.25 by 2.6 inches and weighs 16 ounces with battery.

Contents
This package comprises the Digilux 1 digital camera, a 64 MB Secure Digital card, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a hood for the LCD, AV and USB cables, a carrying strap, Adobe Photoshop Elements 1.0, and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.

1. Button speed. You will actually capture the moment you are looking for with this camera. Most digital cameras take bland pictures because, well, what they are taking a picture of is not interesting and the moment has passed. With this camera your eye will tell you when the picture is right, and blam! You'll have it captured.

2. Lens quality. The blacks are blacker, the whites are whiter, the colors are richer. Things are sharper. Nobody can deny Leica produces top-quality lenses.

3. Feel good controls. The camera body is Magnesium and feels fantastic. With it in your hands, it has a tendancy to outclass it's wearer, like a suit that's a bit too expensive for the occasion. An interesting thing happens, you will try to take better pictures. Don't underestimate this effect. Due to the excellent simplicity of the controls, when you do try to become an expert, you actualy can because the camera doesn't get in the way or make you squint endlessly at onscreen menus to change settings.

These are three very simple things that combine to make a very unique camera. I don't believe you'll find all of these things combined in any other digital camera.

Some have said there's a strange pattern or pixelation when zoomed WAY in on images on screen. Two responses:

1. You aren't going to spend any time zoomed in on pictures on your computer when looking at them in a normal manner. At display resolutions, these pictures are as clear or clearer than any from Canon, or Sony comparable models.

2. This *may* actually be intentional on Leica's part. If you print out a picture from this camera, it is always stunning, even at full size or larger. Some liken this to a stochastic (look it up) printing process. Whatever the case, find a print sample your self from this camera, there's no denying the overall effect more artistic and is a cut above simiar competitive brands.

I have had zero issues with this camera since ordering it from Amazon 8 months ago. My only complaint is that the Digilux 2 is even better...


YOU MAY HAVE BETTER OPTIONS FOR LESSER..   December 28, 2003
Shashank Tripathi (Gadabout)
34 out of 42 found this review helpful

..if you aren't obstinately attached to the brand. Aesthetics apart ('big', 'boxy' come to mind) this is NOT the camera you should go for if you want anything beyond an ISO of about a 100 -- and this is not coming from a point-and-click amateur. Yes, the manual controls are charming but if alternative brands offer me a better device (primarily, better pics, i.e.) with a lighter price tag, I begin to question.

WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT THE DIGILUX:

(1) Very, very fast response times in its class. This alone could be a dream criterion for some of you.
(2) A spacious monitor on the cam, bigger than matching Olympus, Canon or Nikon offerings.
(3) The much vaunted manual controls, no need for reflex cams.
(4) The Summicron lens, which leads to good pictures if the only alternative you have owned is a Sony entry-level point and shoot. If you have ever worked with a Nikon D100 or a Canon G3 (or above) then the quality difference is minimally incremental.

WHAT'S NOT:

(1) The price tag. For me, just the name doesn't cut it.
(2) Sub-par battery life.
(3) .mov format for the movies? Why?
(4) Think about where you'll be getting your tech support. It's not very easy.
(5) The reference guide is a pain to comprehend.
(6) A lean 2x optiocal zoom, which is also a bit deceiving - the imaging chip is so small, you can almost NEVER achieve background blur for portraits, or any other form of professional photography.
(7) Where's the noise reduction that is so COMMON with other competitors?
(8) A hood for the lens would've been nice.
(9) WB when using a flash is too bluish green.
(10) Ugly body (ok, this is subjective) -- almost seems tailor made for big German hands.
(11) Where's RAW?

SUMMARY:

I know a Leica when I see one. If you're looking for a digi version of the M6, this isn't it. I wonder why other reviewers would rate a product based on the halo of its overall brand. I'd wait for a revised version of this offering from Leica, their lens is worth the wait. Meanwhile, consider Nikon D100s (or even 5700) or Canon's EOS (or G5 etc) if you are in the market for a digital.


I Leic it!   May 7, 2003
James Uhrich (Strasburg, Colorado United States)
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

This camera has exceeded my expectations of what any digital camera should be. I was fearful during the purchasing process because I read "pro" reviews for this camera that were not favorable. They complained about severe noise at ISO 200 & 400. Luckily, I do not use these settings very often, I use a tripod and long exposures for low-light situations if I have to.

The real test occured when I held this camera for the first time--wonderful! My favorite physical qualities of this piece of art are the well-placed levers (yes I said levers, much like a Leica M), manual focus/settings and magnesium housing. The large display is very useful. I've gotten many + comments about the camera's superb design.

More important than physical prowess though, OPTICS. This is what sets the Digilux apart from its competitors. Fast and clear, enough said.

One last note, I bought the optional Filter Adapter at a local camera shop... Ohhh, what I'm willing to pay for Leica quality. With the adapter screwed on, the lense cap does not fit. This is a minor detail because filters offer protection and you can get an aftermarket cap that fits. Soon I will add accessories (wide-angle lense, more filters) to increase the camera's photo possibilities.

It's truly first class.