Just a little FYI and tip for those thinking about getting this camera. A viewer felt the colors could be "too much" and I can respect that opinion. I just want to say that under most circumstances and especially at the lowest ISO values, the color accuracy of this camera is very close to reality but it may be the vibrancy of the images that could be "too much" especially with red colors. This was a problem with a lot of early digicams and this one is no different in that regard. But the color itself is surprisingly accurate and you can tune down the vibrancy in post processing but for this video I chose to present most of the images as is.
I've owned a Digilux 2 for a year, its one of my favourite cameras ever. The lens is superb and its a joy to use with all the controls within easy reach. Its not worth going above ISO 100, and f4 is the lenses sweet spot.The images are as described in the video, with the black & white jpegs straight out of camera being my favourites. Despite owning several modern mirrorless and/or full frame cameras I still use the Digilux 2 on a weekly basis. Buy one while you can, you won't be dissappointed. 📸❤
I owned both the Leica and Panasonic versions of this camera, and I'd buy either of them again. Some of my most memorable images ever were taken with these tiny marvels. And as an ex-pro, I was using a full two-body Nikon system (with all the tilt-shift lenses made then), but the LC1 and the Digilux 2 were simply fun to shoot with and produced really excellent results.
Hi Kit thanks for sharing your insight and experiences with these two cameras. I feel like I recognize your name! It could be from an article or the forums I don't know but I appreciate your valued input. I used to be on all the forums like Fred Miranda, GetDpi, etc but mostly as a reader and/or to buy and sell. You hit the nail on the head, these cameras are just fun to use! The fact that they still provide excellent results within their limits is a bonus for anyone looking at these cameras in 2024. Thanks again for sharing your experiences I appreciate it!
Ha, i've had owned the LC1 for many years! But then, i've let it go, and sold it. The 5 MP was enough back then, RAW writing times horrible - but the Leica lens was being over-engineered simply, back into the day. I'd love to see a updated LC1 with a 24 MP full frame Sensor, and 3.69 mill dot EVF.
Great video, man! I love my LC1. I'm glad, the sensor is not broken and i hope it never does!🙏🏻 The lens is superb. I'm always surprised, that the files are only 5MP!
Thanks! I love the pics in your video too, it's distinctively LC-1! Keep up the great work on your channel! think the broken sensors were from a bad batch so hopefully ours last a while. Appreciate your comments thank you and glad to be in good company in the club of LC-1! 😍🙏👍
@@andreafowke2127 I'm happy to hear your camera is still in mint condition! Mine is all grimy and battered 😂 but otherwise still functioning solid and the optics pristine since I had a filter on it from day one. They are workhorses. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment I appreciate it!
Absolutely true yes! This video was meant to be a general overview of these Camera Legends but in the future I'd be happy to do an episode on b&w shots with these cameras. Thanks for your comments I appreciate it!
Great video 👍🏽 thanks for putting in the effort to upload vids of these legends🙏🏽I love buying old gear deeply discounted but definitely have difficulty selling. I just finally picked up my first full frame mirrorless body for two reasons, first, the fantastic 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor and 2nd to capture images with the many unique lenses which I have been accumulating over the years. It is definitely the most user friendly body when it comes to adapting vintage glass from almost any manufacturer from almost any era. 😊
Hi Stephen thanks for the kind words! We are definitely walking down the same paths 😍 I also buy old gear, deeply discounted but have trouble selling too 😂 Sometimes it's sentimental attachment, sometimes it's something I know I'll never get again if I sell. It's hard. Sounds like you got an A7RII? Or RX1II? If so, that Sony 42mp sensor is awesome! ❤️ Thanks for your comments I appreciate it very much! 🙏🙏👍
Hi Paul, thanks and congrats on the DF! You might or might not believe this but bought a DF a few years back. It was the best price at the time and I couldn't pass it up. Now that's another special sensor right there, the DF 😍 I may or may not do a review on it but I do love the images from the camera. Thanks for your kind words and enjoy the Nikon it's great! 😍🙏👍
Never used one. I like the X-pro1/XE1 camera. Something very special to me about the first X-trans sensor. I know its been said to death but i think its warranted.
thanks for this video.. i still have Lumix L1.. it was my first dslr and it was great.. unfortunatelly it cannot be tuned on now.. perhaps need a new battery
@@Iztokvidmar Thanks for watching! The L1 was a great camera. Yes it might be the battery. First thing I would do is try charging up the battery and if that doesn't work try a new battery. Get it cheap on Amazon. If that doesn't work try cleaning the contacts with isopropyl alcohol. If nothing works then sadly it might be done but I'm hoping it works for you. Thanks for leaving a comment I appreciate it!
Excellent review for this exceptional camera if one is willing to learn how to use it. There's a chance that the Leica version has the Leica color profiles which the Panasonic might not have. It's also been said somewhere online that later serial numbers are the upgraded sensors, check first. Preferred examples of both the Leica Digilux 1 and Digilux 2 are way up as of October 2024 and most likely with continue to rise with more serious photographers becoming aware of these. Sorry that I sold mine a few years ago, but may just consider acquiring a nice one again.
@@throughmyeyes9940 Thanks for your kind words and for your thoughts on these beautiful cameras! You might be right about the color profiles, I do not know the whole story. What I am trying to say however is, whether or not they have the same or different color profiles, they both produce the same beautiful photos. If you can re acquire one at a decent price, go for it! Some one recently left a comment to tell me it was not for them, perhaps because they are already used to what modern cameras can do. This is perhaps not the camera for someone used to 50mp sensors but I think someone like yourself who has already used one can appreciate it more. And you're right about the prices wow! I don't want to help inflate these prices, I just want to help people remember these digital Camera Legends. I appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences! Thank you!
Great video! The 5MP RAW files contains an amazing amount of detail. Took my Digilux 2 out for a photowalk yesterday and then ran the files through Topaz Labs Photo AI and with default autopilot settings I got upscaled 12MP DNG files that I could swear came off a native 12MP sensor in terms of details, with lots of latitude for handling contrast high dynamic shots (evaluative metering of the camera is very good at protecting highlights, and with the cleaned up noise floor pushing shadows works very well). This camera is such a joy to use!
Thanks Roger for your kind words and sharing your experiences! Interesting to know how the upscaled images look and I wholeheartedly believe it because the resolution on this camera is amazing. If this is 5mp then other 5mp cameras must be cheating us on megapixels! Appreciate your comments and enthusiasm thank you! 😍🙏👍
Does the sensor failure on a certain serial number? I wonder if it's documented on dp review threads. I was just looking at some of my nikon 1 mark 1 and I feel like the files and colors are very similar.
I believe that it was in a certain batch yes, that's why I said in the video that I'm not sure if the problem was just something from back in the day. I can't remember off the top of my head but I believe there are threads either on Dpreview or Leica forum where you can find the numbers.
@@ezradja Thanks for sharing your experiences! Yeah these older cameras are not going to be for everyone. Especially if you're used to the images that cameras today put out, it can be a big disappointment. My experience is more nostalgia driven. I've had it for years so I'm used to what the camera produces. But really, that is why I always say you gotta be able to appreciate it "as is" for these older digicams. I'm glad you were able to sell it for a profit!
Bought by coincidence the Lumix L1 some days ago. Absolutly mint conditions for about 150$ incl the leica 14-50 2.8-3.5... Im soooooo curious get on a walk with it. LC-1 and L1. Nearly unknown cameras...
@@osowie9368 That L1 is an excellent camera too, had one in the past. Lots of cool filters, especially the b&w filter. Kinda ahead of it's time in some ways. You got a great deal especially with that lens. Have fun with it! 👍👍
@@unbroken1010 I have used the Digilux 1 and its Panasonic sibling the LC5. Both are nice cameras too! Sharp, nice color. But what I noticed is that the files appear "thinner" or more "fragile" probably due to the slightly lower resolution, as expected. The best thing about the Leica version is the funky looks!
Ich habe die Kamera seit 8 Jahren, und einige meiner besten Bilder sind mit der LC1 gemacht. Die Bilder sehen plastischer und räumlicher aus, als mit anderen Kameras
@@tubek4606 Thanks for your comments and sharing your experiences with the camera! It used a translator to read your words and it is nice to read. Thank you
The X-Pro 1 may have copied it's looks from this camera! 😂 You never know, Fuji took inspiration from many other cameras, especially Contax in my opinion. Appreciate your comments thanks!
I understand your point but as mentioned in the video, there have been many dead bodies due to dead sensors and they're not that expensive anymore at $300-500. It has been out for two decades and I've yet to hear of anyone even trying to transplant the lens but I have heard of people doing that with an even more expensive camera, the Leica CM film camera.
@@cameralegend1033normally yes but I just saw a digi lux 2 for $250 while some other nutter is trying for $600 on the Lc-1 . Got a e510 for $90 and still have the old nikon d80 which I feel like is the same thing almost. Much appreciated
@@unbroken1010 You are wise! The E510 and D80 are fine cameras and there's really no need to get the Panny/Leica. I got it in 2005 because it was hot back then. I probably wouldn't spend $600 on one today, but $250 I'd consider it! 😍 Anyway this channel is a tribute to the Camera Legends I have used but it doesn't mean they're better than newer cameras 👍
Hell yeah! I don’t know why Leica opted for the telescopic lens from the DLux 7 on the new DLux 8 model. They should have used a version of the Digicam 2 Summicron lens. Not a fan of telescopic lenses as you can tell…✌️🇦🇺
Hello! And yes, I'm not a fan of telescopic zooms either 😂 I've been waiting in vain for them to put this lens onto a newer body but they probably never will. I suspect it probably costs too much to make. Well I guess I have to live with this one! Appreciate your comments thanks 🙏🙏 and happy shooting! 😍📸👍
@@unbroken1010 That's a great question and one I've been wanting to find out for some time! Key differences though is that the DMC-LC1 and Digilux 2 have faster f/2-2.4 lenses but much smaller sensors while the X Vario has a larger APS-C sensor and slower f/3.5-6.4 lens. Both lenses are stated to be very fine. I'd love to get my hands on the X Vario if the price is right! 😍📸👍
Sorry to hear that! Mine hasn't failed in four years but I wasn't actually making a recommendation. I'll save that for a future review if I do it. I only mentioned it because I think it's the closest modern relative to the DMC-LC1/Digilux 2. But I don't doubt that some have failed or have developed errors. I think the most common LX100 error is the dust in lens issues. Thanks for your input, it's always welcomed to hear other photographers experiences.
@@cameralegend1033yes, I might try the Vacuum trick to see if I can knock back on track. It did take beautiful photos but the error seems to be a thing. My Lx3 and lx5 are still going though.
Just a little FYI and tip for those thinking about getting this camera.
A viewer felt the colors could be "too much" and I can respect that opinion. I just want to say that under most circumstances and especially at the lowest ISO values, the color accuracy of this camera is very close to reality but it may be the vibrancy of the images that could be "too much" especially with red colors. This was a problem with a lot of early digicams and this one is no different in that regard. But the color itself is surprisingly accurate and you can tune down the vibrancy in post processing but for this video I chose to present most of the images as is.
I've owned a Digilux 2 for a year, its one of my favourite cameras ever. The lens is superb and its a joy to use with all the controls within easy reach. Its not worth going above ISO 100, and f4 is the lenses sweet spot.The images are as described in the video, with the black & white jpegs straight out of camera being my favourites. Despite owning several modern mirrorless and/or full frame cameras I still use the Digilux 2 on a weekly basis. Buy one while you can, you won't be dissappointed. 📸❤
I owned both the Leica and Panasonic versions of this camera, and I'd buy either of them again. Some of my most memorable images ever were taken with these tiny marvels. And as an ex-pro, I was using a full two-body Nikon system (with all the tilt-shift lenses made then), but the LC1 and the Digilux 2 were simply fun to shoot with and produced really excellent results.
Hi Kit thanks for sharing your insight and experiences with these two cameras. I feel like I recognize your name! It could be from an article or the forums I don't know but I appreciate your valued input. I used to be on all the forums like Fred Miranda, GetDpi, etc but mostly as a reader and/or to buy and sell.
You hit the nail on the head, these cameras are just fun to use! The fact that they still provide excellent results within their limits is a bonus for anyone looking at these cameras in 2024.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences I appreciate it!
Ha, i've had owned the LC1 for many years! But then, i've let it go, and sold it. The 5 MP was enough back then, RAW writing times horrible - but the Leica lens was being over-engineered simply, back into the day. I'd love to see a updated LC1 with a 24 MP full frame Sensor, and 3.69 mill dot EVF.
Great video, man! I love my LC1. I'm glad, the sensor is not broken and i hope it never does!🙏🏻 The lens is superb. I'm always surprised, that the files are only 5MP!
Thanks! I love the pics in your video too, it's distinctively LC-1! Keep up the great work on your channel! think the broken sensors were from a bad batch so hopefully ours last a while. Appreciate your comments thank you and glad to be in good company in the club of LC-1! 😍🙏👍
Another great video and another interesting camera. Keep up the stellar work mate. 👏👏👏
Thanks so much Andy I appreciate you watching and your kind words! 😍🙏👍
Thanks for the review. I love mine and it is still in mint condition after all these years of work.
@@andreafowke2127 I'm happy to hear your camera is still in mint condition! Mine is all grimy and battered 😂 but otherwise still functioning solid and the optics pristine since I had a filter on it from day one. They are workhorses. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment I appreciate it!
They are also very good for monochrome shooting, i think its because of the lack of anti-alising/low pass filter in them.
Absolutely true yes! This video was meant to be a general overview of these Camera Legends but in the future I'd be happy to do an episode on b&w shots with these cameras. Thanks for your comments I appreciate it!
Great video 👍🏽 thanks for putting in the effort to upload vids of these legends🙏🏽I love buying old gear deeply discounted but definitely have difficulty selling. I just finally picked up my first full frame mirrorless body for two reasons, first, the fantastic 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor and 2nd to capture images with the many unique lenses which I have been accumulating over the years. It is definitely the most user friendly body when it comes to adapting vintage glass from almost any manufacturer from almost any era. 😊
Hi Stephen thanks for the kind words! We are definitely walking down the same paths 😍 I also buy old gear, deeply discounted but have trouble selling too 😂 Sometimes it's sentimental attachment, sometimes it's something I know I'll never get again if I sell. It's hard. Sounds like you got an A7RII? Or RX1II? If so, that Sony 42mp sensor is awesome! ❤️ Thanks for your comments I appreciate it very much! 🙏🙏👍
Retro look with a great vintage but sharp resolution. Win
Well said, thank you!
Another legend of a video. Today I ordered another legendary camera. The Nikon DF. Got it for a great price in superb condition
Hi Paul, thanks and congrats on the DF! You might or might not believe this but bought a DF a few years back. It was the best price at the time and I couldn't pass it up. Now that's another special sensor right there, the DF 😍 I may or may not do a review on it but I do love the images from the camera. Thanks for your kind words and enjoy the Nikon it's great! 😍🙏👍
Be aware that the playback eventually Fails which sucks because it's takes nice photos. Just to expensive
@@unbroken1010 I must've gotten lucky because I've had mine since 2005 and it hasn't failed yet.
LC1 is one of the best digicams! Will never part with mine.
Never used one. I like the X-pro1/XE1 camera. Something very special to me about the first X-trans sensor. I know its been said to death but i think its warranted.
It's always warranted and welcomed, that first X-Trans was a special sensor no doubt! 😍📸👍
thanks for this video.. i still have Lumix L1.. it was my first dslr and it was great.. unfortunatelly it cannot be tuned on now.. perhaps need a new battery
@@Iztokvidmar Thanks for watching! The L1 was a great camera. Yes it might be the battery. First thing I would do is try charging up the battery and if that doesn't work try a new battery. Get it cheap on Amazon. If that doesn't work try cleaning the contacts with isopropyl alcohol. If nothing works then sadly it might be done but I'm hoping it works for you. Thanks for leaving a comment I appreciate it!
Excellent review for this exceptional camera if one is willing to learn how to use it.
There's a chance that the Leica version has the Leica color profiles which the Panasonic might not have.
It's also been said somewhere online that later serial numbers are the upgraded sensors, check first. Preferred examples of both the Leica Digilux 1 and Digilux 2 are way up as of October 2024 and most likely with continue to rise with more serious photographers becoming aware of these. Sorry that I sold mine a few years ago, but may just consider acquiring a nice one again.
@@throughmyeyes9940 Thanks for your kind words and for your thoughts on these beautiful cameras! You might be right about the color profiles, I do not know the whole story. What I am trying to say however is, whether or not they have the same or different color profiles, they both produce the same beautiful photos. If you can re acquire one at a decent price, go for it! Some one recently left a comment to tell me it was not for them, perhaps because they are already used to what modern cameras can do. This is perhaps not the camera for someone used to 50mp sensors but I think someone like yourself who has already used one can appreciate it more. And you're right about the prices wow! I don't want to help inflate these prices, I just want to help people remember these digital Camera Legends. I appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences! Thank you!
Great video! The 5MP RAW files contains an amazing amount of detail. Took my Digilux 2 out for a photowalk yesterday and then ran the files through Topaz Labs Photo AI and with default autopilot settings I got upscaled 12MP DNG files that I could swear came off a native 12MP sensor in terms of details, with lots of latitude for handling contrast high dynamic shots (evaluative metering of the camera is very good at protecting highlights, and with the cleaned up noise floor pushing shadows works very well). This camera is such a joy to use!
Thanks Roger for your kind words and sharing your experiences! Interesting to know how the upscaled images look and I wholeheartedly believe it because the resolution on this camera is amazing. If this is 5mp then other 5mp cameras must be cheating us on megapixels! Appreciate your comments and enthusiasm thank you! 😍🙏👍
Is topaz have a free trial? Is it possible to use on tablets?
@@unbroken1010 I honestly have not used Topaz so I can't say much about it.
@unbroken1010 yes! It has a free trial. Wait til black friday, last year they offered the whole suite at an insane price.
I have a D2 sitting in my closet. Time to take it out!
Does the sensor failure on a certain serial number? I wonder if it's documented on dp review threads. I was just looking at some of my nikon 1 mark 1 and I feel like the files and colors are very similar.
I believe that it was in a certain batch yes, that's why I said in the video that I'm not sure if the problem was just something from back in the day. I can't remember off the top of my head but I believe there are threads either on Dpreview or Leica forum where you can find the numbers.
Much appreciated @@cameralegend1033
I had it. While the experience is fun, the images were not of what I expected. Bought it refurbished (second hand), sold it for a bit of profit.
@@ezradja Thanks for sharing your experiences! Yeah these older cameras are not going to be for everyone. Especially if you're used to the images that cameras today put out, it can be a big disappointment. My experience is more nostalgia driven. I've had it for years so I'm used to what the camera produces. But really, that is why I always say you gotta be able to appreciate it "as is" for these older digicams. I'm glad you were able to sell it for a profit!
DMC-L1 is the only digital camera I would buy again today
Is the lens removable
Bought by coincidence the Lumix L1 some days ago. Absolutly mint conditions for about 150$ incl the leica 14-50 2.8-3.5... Im soooooo curious get on a walk with it. LC-1 and L1. Nearly unknown cameras...
@@osowie9368 That L1 is an excellent camera too, had one in the past. Lots of cool filters, especially the b&w filter. Kinda ahead of it's time in some ways. You got a great deal especially with that lens. Have fun with it! 👍👍
@@cameralegend1033 Thank you... 😉
Have you messed with the digilux 1 any opinion?
@@unbroken1010 I have used the Digilux 1 and its Panasonic sibling the LC5. Both are nice cameras too! Sharp, nice color. But what I noticed is that the files appear "thinner" or more "fragile" probably due to the slightly lower resolution, as expected. The best thing about the Leica version is the funky looks!
Ich habe die Kamera seit 8 Jahren, und einige meiner besten Bilder sind mit der LC1 gemacht. Die Bilder sehen plastischer und räumlicher aus, als mit anderen Kameras
@@tubek4606 Thanks for your comments and sharing your experiences with the camera! It used a translator to read your words and it is nice to read. Thank you
Love the rendering, but I can’t stop thinking it looks like an xpro1.
The X-Pro 1 may have copied it's looks from this camera! 😂 You never know, Fuji took inspiration from many other cameras, especially Contax in my opinion. Appreciate your comments thanks!
These cameras are so expensive that I don't think anybody would transport the lens unless the body is dead
I understand your point but as mentioned in the video, there have been many dead bodies due to dead sensors and they're not that expensive anymore at $300-500.
It has been out for two decades and I've yet to hear of anyone even trying to transplant the lens but I have heard of people doing that with an even more expensive camera, the Leica CM film camera.
What's crazy is the digilux is. Half. The price used then the lumix
I'm not sure what you're saying but usually the Digilux goes for a little more because of the Leica branding.
@@cameralegend1033normally yes but I just saw a digi lux 2 for $250 while some other nutter is trying for $600 on the Lc-1 . Got a e510 for $90 and still have the old nikon d80 which I feel like is the same thing almost. Much appreciated
@@unbroken1010 You are wise! The E510 and D80 are fine cameras and there's really no need to get the Panny/Leica. I got it in 2005 because it was hot back then. I probably wouldn't spend $600 on one today, but $250 I'd consider it! 😍 Anyway this channel is a tribute to the Camera Legends I have used but it doesn't mean they're better than newer cameras 👍
Hell yeah! I don’t know why Leica opted for the telescopic lens from the DLux 7 on the new DLux 8 model. They should have used a version of the Digicam 2 Summicron lens. Not a fan of telescopic lenses as you can tell…✌️🇦🇺
Hello! And yes, I'm not a fan of telescopic zooms either 😂 I've been waiting in vain for them to put this lens onto a newer body but they probably never will. I suspect it probably costs too much to make. Well I guess I have to live with this one! Appreciate your comments thanks 🙏🙏 and happy shooting! 😍📸👍
@@cameralegend1033I'm curious how the lens compares to the x vario lense 🤔
@@unbroken1010 That's a great question and one I've been wanting to find out for some time! Key differences though is that the DMC-LC1 and Digilux 2 have faster f/2-2.4 lenses but much smaller sensors while the X Vario has a larger APS-C sensor and slower f/3.5-6.4 lens. Both lenses are stated to be very fine. I'd love to get my hands on the X Vario if the price is right! 😍📸👍
the spiritual successor to these are 100% the lumix lx100 / dlux 7. the lx100II and dlux 8 are probably closer as well.
@@heyitsclay8853 Sounds right on! Thanks for your input.
I actually don't recommend the lx100, mine has failed with a error and I had it less than 2 years.
Sorry to hear that! Mine hasn't failed in four years but I wasn't actually making a recommendation. I'll save that for a future review if I do it. I only mentioned it because I think it's the closest modern relative to the DMC-LC1/Digilux 2. But I don't doubt that some have failed or have developed errors. I think the most common LX100 error is the dust in lens issues. Thanks for your input, it's always welcomed to hear other photographers experiences.
@@cameralegend1033yes, I might try the Vacuum trick to see if I can knock back on track. It did take beautiful photos but the error seems to be a thing. My Lx3 and lx5 are still going though.
@@unbroken1010 I heard about the vacuum trick! I have not needed it yet but let me know if it works if you try it.
@cameralegend1033👍👍