How does the Leica D1 compare?
They are presumably going cheaper these days.
The Leica D1 is a big step down from the D2 in terms of raw image quality. Whilst the mega pixel counts are not much different (4 vs 5mp), the colour noise with the D1 is quite significant at all speeds. Also it lacks the fast high quality lens that comes with the D2 - it's good but not comparable. There's also no raw mode ... the raw speed of the D2 seems to bother people a lot or not at all. (I fall mostly in the latter camp).
I've enjoyed using my D1 for a couple of years now but it does have some frustrating traits such as the significant noise and colour artifacts in the captured images. When images are print, these are less visible than you expect but it does limit your ability to print significant sized images. You'll either like the grainy effects and accurate colour - or you'll hate it. The D1, like the D2, does a great job getting colour right in the jpg, particularly if you like a slightly more saturated image.
Ergonomics are pretty good, although the D1 is more of a box than the D2. You can get the Panasonic lens accessories for it if you want telephoto or wide angle adaptors but the camera loses all of it's street camera charm if you use these - they're huge & heavy.
I've had my D2 for over a month now and I've found it to be far, far superior to the D1 in image quality. The 28-90 manual zoom with manual focusing and typical camera control layout is much, much better than the D1. If you are shooting jpg, both the D1 and D2 are very fast with minimal lag, although with the D1 you had to be careful that AF locked before shooting. MF and zoom are electronic on the D1 and the focus dial lacks any feel plus you have to focus on the rear LCD.
If you can't afford or justify the D2 and are interested in cameras at the D1 price point I'd actually consider one of the other recent crop of 5mp cameras from Minolta/Olympus/Canon/Nikon etc as I think you'd get a better value/image quality vs. D1. The Panasonic LC5 is the same camera as the D1 but arguably with better ergonomics .... and a lot cheaper too.
If you want some biased opinion on the virtues of the D1/D2 etc, check out the Leica customer digital forum over at Leica.com. Most consumer sites slam the D1, the Leica site is the polar opposite in terms of love/experience of these cameras from Leica people.
Bottom line is that as much as I liked my D1, I wouldn't buy one if it were to be my only camera at it's price point again. There are better cameras at the same price available these days.
As regards the D2, it's expensive but I'm totally happy with mine, extremely happy in fact. It serves it's purpose as a travel/street camera with the image quality and ergonomics that work for me. It's not the smallest camera but when I want a 'real' camera on my travels my D2 is the choice (I have a Sony T-1 for carry everywhere). Price-wise, yes it's expensive. A DSLR outfit for the same money would be more flexible if this is going to be your only camera. I guess the point is that if you want a great digital rangefinder then the D2 is the pick of the crop. If you want a general camera with maximum flexibility then maybe it isn't the best choice. :cool:
