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PHOTOGRAPHERS are often a cynical bunch and reviewing comments on their blogs reveals a very low regard for camera manufacturers who veer anywhere near gimmick. Though Leica is an iconic brand that’s always represented the highest quality optical equipment, its more recent ranges have sparked some loathing in its industry.
To say Leica cameras aren’t cheap is an understatement: they’re very, very expensive. But their compact cameras are an exception. While they’re still about twice as expensive as competing devices, they look affordable, given their brand heritage. The V-Lux 2 is an affordable Leica, all things considered, and it’s also a remarkably good camera.
Marketed as a travel companion, the V-Lux 2 features a 14 megapixel sensor and 4,5 – 108mm f/2,8 – 5,2 lens, which makes it highly versatile, with an effective optical zoom of 24x. It also supports an ISO range of 80-1 600 that makes it very good in broad daylight but somewhat less capable in low light when compared with higher-end SLR cameras.
The V-Lux 2 will also shoot 1 080i high definition at 11 frames/second, something you’d expect any modern camera to handle, especially at the price.
Many photographers will look at its price and its technical rundown and point out there are other options – from Sony, Nikon, Canon and others – that blow it out of the water. The more knowledgable among them will add the V-Lux 2 is merely a Panasonic FZ100 with a different badge on it. And you can buy the FZ100 for far less. And they’d all be right.
But there’s just something about the images produced through Leica lenses that defies any technical argument. The V-Lux 2 produces beautiful photography other cameras can’t match in practice even if they do meet its specifications on paper. I say that with the exception of the FZ100, which I haven’t personally tested but will nonetheless list as an alternative consideration.
When it comes to glass there are metrics to argue about but colour reproduction and other physical qualities are something that, unlike all of the digital technology that’s invaded photography is a matter of personal opinion. Leica glass adds character and life to images as opposed to the clinical reproduction offered by so many of its competitors.
As with any art, it’s hard to put a price on beautiful photography. Yes, the Leica takes better pictures than its competitors with the same specifications at half its price. Is that worth paying extra for? I’ll let you be the judge.
Review
VERDICT: An affordable Leica that won’t let you down.
COMPLEXITY: Nestled between complex pro and easy-peasy consumer cameras.
PRICE: R7 500.
ALSO CONSIDER: Panasonic FZ100.
VALUE RATING: 7/10
To say Leica cameras aren’t cheap is an understatement: they’re very, very expensive. But their compact cameras are an exception. While they’re still about twice as expensive as competing devices, they look affordable, given their brand heritage. The V-Lux 2 is an affordable Leica, all things considered, and it’s also a remarkably good camera.
Marketed as a travel companion, the V-Lux 2 features a 14 megapixel sensor and 4,5 – 108mm f/2,8 – 5,2 lens, which makes it highly versatile, with an effective optical zoom of 24x. It also supports an ISO range of 80-1 600 that makes it very good in broad daylight but somewhat less capable in low light when compared with higher-end SLR cameras.
The V-Lux 2 will also shoot 1 080i high definition at 11 frames/second, something you’d expect any modern camera to handle, especially at the price.
Many photographers will look at its price and its technical rundown and point out there are other options – from Sony, Nikon, Canon and others – that blow it out of the water. The more knowledgable among them will add the V-Lux 2 is merely a Panasonic FZ100 with a different badge on it. And you can buy the FZ100 for far less. And they’d all be right.
But there’s just something about the images produced through Leica lenses that defies any technical argument. The V-Lux 2 produces beautiful photography other cameras can’t match in practice even if they do meet its specifications on paper. I say that with the exception of the FZ100, which I haven’t personally tested but will nonetheless list as an alternative consideration.
When it comes to glass there are metrics to argue about but colour reproduction and other physical qualities are something that, unlike all of the digital technology that’s invaded photography is a matter of personal opinion. Leica glass adds character and life to images as opposed to the clinical reproduction offered by so many of its competitors.
As with any art, it’s hard to put a price on beautiful photography. Yes, the Leica takes better pictures than its competitors with the same specifications at half its price. Is that worth paying extra for? I’ll let you be the judge.
Review
VERDICT: An affordable Leica that won’t let you down.
COMPLEXITY: Nestled between complex pro and easy-peasy consumer cameras.
PRICE: R7 500.
ALSO CONSIDER: Panasonic FZ100.
VALUE RATING: 7/10
