Hi Gary,

Thanks for checking out my galleries!

The Leica D-LUX 3 is a great camera, no doubt. Picking the right camera really depends on what you’re looking for. I think the D-LUX 3 works well for professionals looking for a small camera or amateurs that would like a higher quality image and professional features. If you need a higher end digital camera, but don’t want something as big as a digital SLR, then the D-LUX 3 might be a good fit.

If you don’t feel absolutely compelled to have a Leica, check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2. It’s the same camera (it even has the Leica lens). The only differences between the Panasonic and the Leica are the style of the body, the software that comes with the cameras, and how JPEG images are rendered.

Reviewers have said the Leica JPEG images are sharper, the Panasonic are a little softer. Honestly, I doubt I’d be able to tell the difference. One huge difference is that you can purchase the Panasonic new for around $360, while the Leica runs closer to $600. (As of 12/25/2007.) You do get Photoshop Elements, a $100 value, with the Leica; other than that, you’re just paying for the Leica name.

-Jonathan