D-Lux2 vs pana LX1

[brudy]

Has anyone actually compared these two cameras? I know the hardware specs are basically the same, but apparently the Leica output is less noisy due to some of the factory software settings...anybody?

[CptOfGondor]

Probably a rebadge. LoL. Its like Honda cars getting fitted with leather seats and a gloss finish dashboard and then getting badged an Acura (plus a ~10k increase in price..lol).

[coldrain]

Probably a rebadge. LoL. Its like Honda cars getting fitted with leather seats and a gloss finish dashboard and then getting badged an Acura (plus a ~10k increase in price..lol).

No it is not just a rebadge, it performs a lot better image quality wise. Different firmware.

[brudy]

There's a thread over at dpreview that has shots comparing the d-lux2 vs the lx1. The LX1 was noiser, but more detailed. The d-lux2 was softer and the color looked a little better (but hard to say). It was definitely noticeable.

In the meantime, I've picked up an fx01. I'm very happy with it so far, although the noise is an issue at higher ISO. The dlux2 still calls though...

[John_Reed]

No it is not just a rebadge, it performs a lot better image quality wise. Different firmware.

I've heard you cite this factoid before. You may be right, you may be wrong, but could you reveal your source and provide a link, or shall it just pass as an un-substantiated factoid?

[coldrain]

Either on the panasonic forum or on the what camera to buy forum I have posted the figures and opinions from reviews in german photography magazines "ColorFoto' and 'Foto magazin'.

Rumour has it that a new firmware for the LX1 makes it behave like the Leica, but I have not found more information on that (and can not try that since I have no LX1).

[John_Reed]

Not easy to find out what they said; the first site wants Euros for any info (need a coin slot on my computer?), and all I could find on the second one was a site for underwater housings. If you know how one could see your references, it'd be helpful in my indefatiguable quest for truth.

It is a curious thing as to how much difference there may be between the Leica & Panasonic versions. Leica just announced that they've put their badge on the FZ50, I think they call it the VLux-1 or some such moniker. I think the underlying hardware is the same, but there are surely firmware differences, and it's difficult to line the two of them up side by side to see what those differences may be. I do know from seeing many images on the dpreview forum that LX1 users seem to really love their cameras. Many shoot only in RAW, but even those who shoot JPEGs like the image sharpness, and they especially like the 16:9 format for composition.

So again, thanks for your response.

[Riley]

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/ZDM/story?id=2448537

"When asked about the differences between the Leicas and the Panasonics, the Leica product manager said that physically they were identical, but that the firmware on the Leicas is more sophisticated. Also, the included software, which includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0, is more robust and the Leica warranty is longer."

Im interested to hear more of rogue Leica/Panasonic firmware

[CptOfGondor]

LoL its Leica getting pissed that Panasonic can't get the job done right.

[Riley]

if that was happening the relationship would cease
yet its apparent that they are making deeper committments
Personally I would expect Leica to make some modifications given some field experience with each panasonic they get

Riley