Anyone Going for Leica V-Lux 114 over FZ1000?

[Vandyu]

How many would opt for the higher cost Leica V-Lux 114 over the Panny FZ1000? There's a $400 difference usually, but some retailers for the FZ1000 went overboard and the price difference narrowed. B&H shows a $1350 price for the Leica. Looks like the FZ price is starting to stabilize at $897. Still too high, IMO, but it is a remarkable camera. If that price were still in the $1000-1100 range, though, I'd likely get the red dot for the heck of it--and for the few extra advantages that Leica gives you.

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www.bhphotovideo.com

 

[One_Oldman_4U]

How many would opt for the higher cost Leica V-Lux 114 over the Panny FZ1000? There's a $400 difference usually, but some retailers for the FZ1000 went overboard and the price difference narrowed. B&H shows a $1350 price for the Leica. Looks like the FZ price is starting to stabilize at $897. Still too high, IMO, but it is a remarkable camera. If that price were still in the $1000-1100 range, though, I'd likely get the red dot for the heck of it--and for the few extra advantages that Leica gives you.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082916-REG/leica_18194_leica_v_lux_typ_114.html

 

[Ed B]

How many would opt for the higher cost Leica V-Lux 114 over the Panny FZ1000? There's a $400 difference usually, but some retailers for the FZ1000 went overboard and the price difference narrowed. B&H shows a $1350 price for the Leica. Looks like the FZ price is starting to stabilize at $897. Still too high, IMO, but it is a remarkable camera. If that price were still in the $1000-1100 range, though, I'd likely get the red dot for the heck of it--and for the few extra advantages that Leica gives you.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082916-REG/leica_18194_leica_v_lux_typ_114.html

 

[One_Oldman_4U]

How many would opt for the higher cost Leica V-Lux 114 over the Panny FZ1000? There's a $400 difference usually, but some retailers for the FZ1000 went overboard and the price difference narrowed. B&H shows a $1350 price for the Leica. Looks like the FZ price is starting to stabilize at $897. Still too high, IMO, but it is a remarkable camera. If that price were still in the $1000-1100 range, though, I'd likely get the red dot for the heck of it--and for the few extra advantages that Leica gives you.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082916-REG/leica_18194_leica_v_lux_typ_114.html

 

[Chessbuff]

I opted for the Leica 114 over the Lumix. I don't regret the decision. As far as bang for your buck, remember that you are getting a 3-yr warranty on your Leica 114. That's 3 years of your heavy use, at least I my case, covered. And then, you get two downloads of Lightroom 5. Two! Furthermore, it is not that Panasonic is a joke of a camera-maker. Panasonic holds its own against any of the brands you can name. I know, I own Nikon DLSR systems, a Canon system, Panasonic, this Leica, and my Leica X in Silver is coming. So, it isn't that I am defending the brand that I own and use. Which brings me to this point: the Leica 114 is one heck of a camera. It can't take a bad photo. It is light, well-balanced, and no problem carrying it around all day--unlike my D810 and D800. I like the handling of it too. It's great in my hands probably because of the deep hand grip. And to those who just want to dump on a good thing, I can tell them that, yes, it is nice to have the Leica logo on your camera. All these considerations, I believe, justify the higher price tag. Have you compared the craftmanship of the Lumix with the 114? The Leica 114 is more finely crafted particularly along the rubber grip. It looks delicate but this is deceiving. These cameras, not only the 114, are made of polycarbonate plastic. It's plastic but its greatest asset is its high impact resistance. I like my Leica 114 and I do not care what the gadgeteers say. I am into photography and I judge my equipment by the results they give me.

 

[earful]

what about the stripped functionality mentioned in this thread: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54742036

anyone found any reason to dispute this? i'd be interested if anyone has.

 

[Chessbuff]

Sorry, anything relating to on-camera flash is no use to me. I really wonder why there is still flash on these cameras. The flash that comes with them is harsh. It is not the flash photography that I am interested in which would be in a studio setting. I'd rather increase the ISO than pop that flash. Wirelessly sending my 114 photos to my camera is easy, and that's all I need. So, these " stripped functionality " issues are important to some photographers, but not to me. I get all I need. I would not worry myself about stripped functionality because there is no camera that has everything. In this light, you could say that we are always in a stripped functionality situation.

 

[Corkcampbell]

I'm also interested in this. No wireless flash in the Leica version? That doesn't make sense and hasn't been mentioned in reviews, although some reviews have said that there's no wireless flash available in the FZ1000, as well. So, I'm confused about the wireless capabilities of both cameras - I'm considering one as a backup but wireless flash is a requirement.

Note: The fact, mentioned by one poster, that the smaller Leica manual means fewer camera features is laughable.

 

[jim stirling]

I'm also interested in this. No wireless flash in the Leica version? That doesn't make sense and hasn't been mentioned in reviews, although some reviews have said that there's no wireless flash available in the FZ1000, as well. So, I'm confused about the wireless capabilities of both cameras - I'm considering one as a backup but wireless flash is a requirement.

Note: The fact, mentioned by one poster, that the smaller Leica manual means fewer camera features is laughable.

--
"Knowledge is good." Emil Faber

I just got an FZ1000 for Christmas from my wife { a true surprise } and though my tests have only been brief so far, it seems to work perfectly with the wireless FL360L , I have 2 of them and all is as it should be . This page from the FZ1000 manual makes the available settings pretty clear , I think

 

[Corkcampbell]

Yes, I read that page when the manual was released (and there's no corresponding page in the Leica manual). At that time, I started a thread asking if anyone had tried the newer Oly flashes - I have the FL600r and FL300r flashes - on the new Pany. The assumption is that they would work okay, but no one ever confirmed. Some time has passed so maybe I'll start another thread on the same subject - which flashes will work wirelessly on the FZ1000. I'll google the subject before I start a thread; perhaps someone has already compiled a list of compatible flashes.

One of the reasons that I've kept my m4/3 system is its wireless flash capabilities (as well as the lack of recording time limit with the GH2/3/4 cameras). My RX10 has wireless capabilities but it would mean my having to buy at least 3 new flashes to utilize it.

 

[jim stirling]

Yes, I read that page when the manual was released (and there's no corresponding page in the Leica manual). At that time, I started a thread asking if anyone had tried the newer Oly flashes - I have the FL600r and FL300r flashes - on the new Pany. The assumption is that they would work okay, but no one ever confirmed. Some time has passed so maybe I'll start another thread on the same subject - which flashes will work wirelessly on the FZ1000. I'll google the subject before I start a thread; perhaps someone has already compiled a list of compatible flashes.

One of the reasons that I've kept my m4/3 system is its wireless flash capabilities (as well as the lack of recording time limit with the GH2/3/4 cameras). My RX10 has wireless capabilities but it would mean my having to buy at least 3 new flashes to utilize it.

 

[earful]

even though i never use a flash unit. i have to assume that leica deliberately crippled the vlux because it doesn't have a compatible leica branded flash at the moment. possibly a software upgrade down the road could work - but then i assume at that point leica would have made a commitment to a leica branded flash unit. the mysteries of upscale marketing...

 

[earful]

Sorry, anything relating to on-camera flash is no use to me. I really wonder why there is still flash on these cameras. The flash that comes with them is harsh. It is not the flash photography that I am interested in which would be in a studio setting. I'd rather increase the ISO than pop that flash. Wirelessly sending my 114 photos to my camera is easy, and that's all I need. So, these " stripped functionality " issues are important to some photographers, but not to me. I get all I need. I would not worry myself about stripped functionality because there is no camera that has everything. In this light, you could say that we are always in a stripped functionality situation.

good for you. but it's still a stripped down panasonic. i like my m9 and my leica lenses, but i do have problems with leica rebranding a camera and then selling it for more without full functionality. seems kind of cheesy for a high-end company.

 

[Cane]

Sorry, anything relating to on-camera flash is no use to me. I really wonder why there is still flash on these cameras. The flash that comes with them is harsh. It is not the flash photography that I am interested in which would be in a studio setting. I'd rather increase the ISO than pop that flash. Wirelessly sending my 114 photos to my camera is easy, and that's all I need. So, these " stripped functionality " issues are important to some photographers, but not to me. I get all I need. I would not worry myself about stripped functionality because there is no camera that has everything. In this light, you could say that we are always in a stripped functionality situation.

Its like ground hog day for onboard flash conversation. People that photograph people use it for fill flash. Yes, it can be useful.

 

[Corkcampbell]

no text

 

[leerob]

I opted for the Leica 114 over the Lumix. I don't regret the decision. As far as bang for your buck, remember that you are getting a 3-yr warranty on your Leica 114. That's 3 years of your heavy use, at least I my case, covered. And then, you get two downloads of Lightroom 5. Two! Furthermore, it is not that Panasonic is a joke of a camera-maker. Panasonic holds its own against any of the brands you can name. I know, I own Nikon DLSR systems, a Canon system, Panasonic, this Leica, and my Leica X in Silver is coming. So, it isn't that I am defending the brand that I own and use. Which brings me to this point: the Leica 114 is one heck of a camera. It can't take a bad photo. It is light, well-balanced, and no problem carrying it around all day--unlike my D810 and D800. I like the handling of it too. It's great in my hands probably because of the deep hand grip. And to those who just want to dump on a good thing, I can tell them that, yes, it is nice to have the Leica logo on your camera. All these considerations, I believe, justify the higher price tag. Have you compared the craftmanship of the Lumix with the 114? The Leica 114 is more finely crafted particularly along the rubber grip. It looks delicate but this is deceiving. These cameras, not only the 114, are made of polycarbonate plastic. It's plastic but its greatest asset is its high impact resistance. I like my Leica 114 and I do not care what the gadgeteers say. I am into photography and I judge my equipment by the results they give me.

Me too.

I have Leica C and it's much nicer than LF-1. I think I'll buy V-lux also. BTW wasn't V-lux price lower a few months ago? I think it was only $1100 or so.

 

[George Zarifis]

Actually, I'm going for the Leica over the Panasonic. I'm planning on getting it in the next week. In Greece where I live, the Panasonic retails for a minimum price of 850€ (965$) while the Leica retails for 1100€ (1250$). At 280$ it's a considerable difference but if you take into account the included Photoshop Lightroom (180$) and the much longer warrantee, you're really not paying a whole lot for that pesky little red dot.

 

[Vandyu]

Sounds like a good plan, George. Please post some of your pictures here for us to enjoy. I was surprised seeing this post from nearly two years ago. Happy shooting!

 

[Isola Verde]

Actually, I'm going for the Leica over the Panasonic. I'm planning on getting it in the next week. In Greece where I live, the Panasonic retails for a minimum price of 850€ (965$) while the Leica retails for 1100€ (1250$). At 280$ it's a considerable difference but if you take into account the included Photoshop Lightroom (180$) and the much longer warrantee, you're really not paying a whole lot for that pesky little red dot.

Something to consider / check in doing your mathematics....

I note that the FZ1000 and Typ 114 were launched some 2 years ago now - back when Lightroom 5 was current, with its 5.6 and 5.7 versions introducing support for those cameras' RAW files.

You may well find that the bundled diskette still offers that version, and very probably CAN'T be updated to the more recent LR6 and its own subsequent revisions?

Certainly that's what happened with the LR bundled with a camera I bought from that era, only a week or two before LR6 and the 2015 CC hit the market!

Even so, it works - although a good few newer cameras have come out since, which it won't support - and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles you may be hoping for...

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www.adobe.com

But if it is indeed the case that you don't get the current LR6, do be sure to do the one for 5.7.1, the final edition of the LR5 series - for which see....

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blogs.adobe.com

Peter

 

[Vetteran]

I bought the VLUX114. Got a factory refurb for $900. Full warranty, etc. I would not have purchased it at full price as the differential is significant.

I prefer the Panny-Leicas in general over the Panasonic cameras primarily for the Leica JPEGS, and I've never been able to match the Leica JPEGS with the Panasonics without some serious PP; especially for skin tones which all Leicas seem to excel. Also, I like the SOOC of the Leicas and don't want to be compelled to PP.

YMMV

--

Warm regards and very respectfully,
VETTRAN
My travel blog:www.midlifetravels.com