I don’t post much about my photography, maybe it’s because I don’t shoot enough to warrant it, but I want to change that. I’ve been thinking about my next camera and it comes down to a Nikon D90 or a Leica D-Lux 4. The Leica is winning because it’s compact and I’ll use it more, but I don’t like the lack of a short depth of field.
Anyway, I currently use a basic Panasonic FX33 which isn’t even good for family photos. I sometimes manage to get some decent shots from it like the one above. I came across this interesting apartment building in Manhattan and just snapped away. The curves of the building and the gray sky made for some excellent silhouettes. You can view more photos of the building here. I also snapped this nice pic this past weekend.
Nice pic – reminds me of the cover to Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
If you’re considering the Leica, then save yourself a couple of hundred dollars and get a Panasonic LX3 instead. They’re essentially the same camera, built by the same people – same lens, everything – with the Leica you’re just paying extra to have a red badge stuck on the front!
Daniel, I actually did that with my last camera and regret it. I went with the Panny version instead of the Leica. I’ve done some research and there are differences. For one the design of the camera is much nicer on the Leica, which to me is worth the extra cost.
Fair enough! I’ve been reading up about both cameras a LOT recently and, although the Leica is clearly The Most Beautiful Thing In The World, I’m going for the money-saving option and picking up the LX3 tomorrow (after having tracked one down – they’re a bit thin on the ground over here). Fingers crossed it’s not a disappointment!
Daniel, let me know what you think! I’d love to see some test shots from it.
Really great photo. For some reason I really like that one pic of the “Shirts”.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yearofthesheep/3286184415/in/set-72157613985040690/
Very nice picture Antonio!
Daniel is right, but hell yeah, get the Leica 😉
Im currently using the D90, and I’m loving it so far. Using the HD footage a lot more than I thought I would. The RAW quality images are great.
I’m currently travelling Europe, using the camera. The blog’s here: http://www.cargocollective.com/robbiepowell
Never used a Leica, only small amount of experience with Canon’s, I’m a Nikon guy any day of the week.
I love the photos I’m seeing from you so far, imo it would be a shame for someone with such a good eye to go without an SLR. I was hesitant to buy mine last year but now I could never see myself living without one.
Thanks everyone.
Richard, I love SLR’s and I want one really bad, I’m just worried that I won’t use it as much because they’re so bulky compared to a compact camera. I ended up selling my D200 which I loved because I almost never took it with me because it was too much to carry.
I too debated between buying an SLR and the Leica D-Lux 3 (the predecessor to the D-Lux 4). I ended up going with the Leica and I have not regretted it. It is a beautifully designed camera, takes great shots and is a joy to use. Its compact size means that I can easily take it everywhere.
The only downside is that I now lust after a Leica M8, but they cost far too much!
I’m using the D90 at the moment, first proper SLR. I’m currently traveling Europe at the moment and posting shots onto: http://www.cargocollective.com/robbiepowell
I’ve never used a Leica, but the Nikon is great. Not a single complaint.
I recently got a D90, and I love it a lot. It takes really nice pictures and the video function has come in handy for me too. The image quality is arguable, but rarely have I ever ran into any real problems with it. The lens variety is quite nice as well. I had a D80 prior, and the lens on it satisfied me, so I just bought the D80 stock lens with the D90 body. Its about $50-100 more for 18-135mm opposed to 18-105mm with Nikon’s VR tech (which I’ve heard iffy things about).
Anyway, keep us updated on your decision! I’m not very good at photography, but good photographs do make me happy inside.
Have you considered the Canon G10? I’ve had both the Leica and Panny LX3 and in use I could not tell any difference whatsoever. The G10 in my opinion is a far superior camera and I never thought I would say that about a Canon compact.
That said I have a Leica M8 and it is wonderful 😉
John, I haven’t considered the G10 but now looking at it, it does seem like a good option. I like the design of the camera and the viewfinder is a plus in my opinion. Seems like it shoots RAW as well and the price is great. I’m going to check it out. Do you have any sample photos from it?
Reminded me of my favorite photographer:
http://tinyurl.com/cyfwhy
Godd job Antonio. (and with a crappy camera to boot!)
Robbie, great photos. Well done.
For some reason I’ve got two comments here, I don’t think it published the first time, so I tried it again.
Antonio, you can check out my design site here: http://www.thisisrobbie.com
Let me know what you think, thanks for the praise on the blog.
Robbie