I have used the V-Lux 1 for one year now - and I enjoy it very much. The reasons why so are not purely related to its sharpness or image noise level (which are quite good, but, to be honest, DSLRs are simply better), or to its great all-in-one-compactness and versatility, but to several advantages that are very important for me:
- it is silent, especially if compared to DSLRs
- it allows for a very concentrated way of taking photos
- an excellent dynamic range regarding the sensor size
- discreet design
- unobtrusive reduction of image noise
- and last but not least: great Leica-like color rendition.
(As for dynamic range, pleasing color rendition, and cautious noise reduction algorithm, the V-Lux 1 is ahead of its Panasonic sister. These very important properties justify the price difference between these two cameras.)
I think this camera concept is indeed quite close to totally digital rangefinder photography. The next step for Leica could be to fuse the best features of the M8 and the V-Lux 1...
Problems:
It is not really a problem, but adding a sliding switch allowing to enter the display mode without having to turn the program dial might have been a good idea.
- it is silent, especially if compared to DSLRs
- it allows for a very concentrated way of taking photos
- an excellent dynamic range regarding the sensor size
- discreet design
- unobtrusive reduction of image noise
- and last but not least: great Leica-like color rendition.
(As for dynamic range, pleasing color rendition, and cautious noise reduction algorithm, the V-Lux 1 is ahead of its Panasonic sister. These very important properties justify the price difference between these two cameras.)
I think this camera concept is indeed quite close to totally digital rangefinder photography. The next step for Leica could be to fuse the best features of the M8 and the V-Lux 1...
Problems:
It is not really a problem, but adding a sliding switch allowing to enter the display mode without having to turn the program dial might have been a good idea.