They have same raw format files (Panasonic format, not the dgn that Leica uses) and both are now made in China. They both has the same dust issue on previous versions, so the difference is the warranty on the cameras as Panasonic has 3 years now:
https://shop.panasonic.com/3-year-warranty
You believed that dishonest Panasonic PR headline and you were had (as was I during my last Panasonic purchase.)
Here is what the fine print shows: for limited models only, you GET ONLY ONE FREE WARRANTY SERVICE IN YEARS 2 AND 3 WITH PANASONIC.
If you read actual customer reviews you see that Panasonic's QC has gone down the toilet at their Chinese factories, meaning that
strict manufacturing tolerances are not adhered to and that even the most basic QC/QA protocols like sensor/lens alignement checks are not performed.
Note also that
the main Panasonic repair center in McAllen, TX has a truly horrendous record of denying warranty coverage, invoking bogus claims of "customer abuse, use in dusty environments, etc." across pretty much all product lines.
Both cams are almost certainly made at the same Panasonic Chinese factory. I cannot speak to Leica warranty, but if it does truly cover sensor/lens dust issues for a full 3 years then getting the Leica version is a no-brainer.
I didn't know that about the warranty. Guess I'm going to have to get out my extended warranty and read the fine print.
Have to agree that seems like more of a marketing gimmick than a warranty and I've lost some respect for Panasonic if this is a fact but I suppose even the one-time repair is better than nothing.
I know some idealist will disagree with me but I've never owned a camera that wasn't made in either Japan or Germany and have no intention of ever buying a camera made anywhere else.
Some people can say whatever they want but there is a difference and very few upper level cameras are made outside of Japan.
Now the bashing can start because I'm sure several people will disagree with me.
