We perceive the overwhelming majority of cameras as sensitive devices that need to be handled with due care because unfavorable conditions such as humidity or dust are usually not tolerated by the electronics and the fine mechanics of cameras. But there are exceptions – the so-called outdoor devices – designed to withstand relatively rough conditions.

There are not many tough digital cameras on the market, but Olympus has quite a tradition in this segment. The newest model, the “mju” – μ TOUGH-6010 – is characterized by the following basic parameters: waterproof up to 3m depth, shockproof to a fall from a height of 1.5m, and freeze-proof with the ability to operate in temperatures of down to -10°C.

Aside from resilience, the main features of its photographic equipment should be noted. Olympus μ TOUGH-6010 is a 12 Mpx camera equipped with a 3.6 wide-angle optics 28–102 mm F3.5–5.1. Images and video sequences are stored on a xD-Picture Card memory cards (or MicroSD cards using the standard supplied adapter).
The device is conceived as a pocket camera. With a width of less than one hundred millimeters, it will certainly not be in your way; just as with a weight of 170 g it will definitely not make a hole in your pocket.

Olympus μ TOUGH-6010 –in short Resolution 12 Mpx, sensor stabilization Optics 28–102 mm Video VGA (640 × 480 px) Resistance 3 m submersion/1,5 m drop

Even though this is a tough camera, don’t expect a design resembling medieval armor – at first glance it seems like an ordinary digital compact. Nearly none of the control elements differ particularly from other compact cameras; the one exception is the so-called hidden function Tap Control, which enables the user to operate basic functions (flash, macro, browsing) by tapping on the edges of the camera. What is it good for? One example would be when scuba diving in neoprene gloves, which would make it impossible to press the fine buttons on the body of the mju.

The lens of the camera is encased – when turned on, it does not slide out – thus the depth of the device stays the same. Looking at the main circular select switch on the back suggests that it is a full-automatic camera fitted with the common motif programs, in this case completed with several regimes of underwater photography – see menu examples below.
This camera can be purchased in one of three combinations of black sides and a color front panel.

Super features Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof Wide-angle lens Pocket size Tap control

A special feature of this Olympus is the regime Beauty, intended mainly for portraits. Beauty smoothes skin, adds a spark in the eyes, and widens them for a more dramatic look. These effects can also be activated afterward when browsing photographs in the camera..

An experienced user will detect resistance to water and dust with a glance at the casings of the camera. The bottom – proper metal, worth noting – cover of the battery space and memory card, as well as the smaller side cover of the communication port are fitted with sealing, which prevents the access of undesirable matters.

As a camera for adventurous journeys, Olympus μ TOUGH-6010 is equipped with a small LED lamp, which can be found next to the flash lamp. You can turn on the LED light anytime using the DISP button on the back side, and it is activated automatically in the Super Macro LED regime. Thanks to the fact that the angle of light is directed to the left to the lens this “battery” may also serve as additional lighting for macro photography.

Camera Menu – Olympus μ TOUGH-6010

Overall evaluation

Photographs taken with Olympus μ TOUGH-6010 excel with a correct color scheme with a slight shift towards pleasant hues, the sensor system has a solid dynamic range; the photographs are rarely burned. The twelve megapixel resolution verges towards co-operation with the optics – to keep maximum quality it is better to reduce the resolution in the menu to 5 Mpx. This also effectively suppresses noise with higher sensitivity.
The durable construction naturally makes Olympus μ TOUGH-6010 a camera for truly everyday use in nearly any conditions.

Common price (at the time of this review’s publication): £299.99, $488, 300

Basic technical data for Olympus μ TOUGH-6010

Sensor

CCD 1/2,33″
12 Mpx (3 968 × 2 976 px)
Sensitivity ISO 64 to 1 600
Stabilized sensor

Optics

28–102 mm F3,5–5,1

Memory medium

xD-Picture Card, MicroSD

Datova formats

Image: JPEG
Video: AVI

Video

640 × 480 px, 30 fps (max. 10 s of recording)
640 × 480 px, 15 fps (up to full capacity of card)
320 × 240 px, 30 fps (up to full capacity of card)
Mono sound

LCD

Screen size 2,7“ (69 mm)
230 000 px

Power supply

Li-Ion battery

Dimensions and weight

95 × 63 × 24 mm (w × h × d)
170 g (incl. battery and memory card)

There are hundreds of types of compact digital cameras on the market and many are like peas in a pod. None the less, it is possible to find interesting items in manufaturers’ selections, even though they may look very inconspicuous at first glance. This is exactly the case with the Fujifilm FinePix F70 EXR.

This camera, which can be purchased optionally either in a full-silver or silver-black high-gloss coated finish, indeed looks like any common digital camera, but several important differences must be noted. Disregarding the 10x zoom with a wide-angle opening, which is a feature we are beginning to slowly get accustomed to even with such small compacts, the determining factor for the FinePix F70 is primarily the abbreviation EXR in its name.

That’s because the FinePix F70 is equipped with a Super CCD EXR sensor from the same brand, which unlike common chips not only has cells in the shape of an octagon, but above all is able to work in one of three operating regimes. In HR mode (High Resolution) it photographs with an emphasis on capturing the smallest details in the image, in the DR regime (Wide Dynamic Range) it balances out high light differences in scenes with high contrast and finally in SN mode(High Sensitivity and Low Noise) it creates images even in poor lighting without any disturbing noise. It’s worth noting that even though the DR and SN regimes operate with half the sensor system resolution, i.e. 5 Mpx, the results are excellent.

FinePix F70 allows the user to activate EXR regimes either manually or leave the choice up to automatic, which according to the character and lighting of the photographed scene selects the correct HR, DR or SN mode. It is also possible to use this camera in common program automatic mode and a fully manual exposition regime is also available, although it is limited—with only two available f-stops.

A special feature of Fujifilm is the F button on the back side that provides access to a simplified menu, which, among other things, offers to set a type of “film” that is a simulation of a specific film material, naturally from Fujifilm. You can thus choose standard Provia, rich images à la Fujifilm Velvia or a soft rendering, imitating the Astia film. Other than that, it’s of course possible to select sepia or black and white photography.

Fujifilm FinePix F70 EXR is also one of the smallest digital cameras with a 10x lens. A pleasant discovery is the wide-angle (27 mm) opening of the optics, which enables the user to fit wider space in the shot and or use the perspective of the wide focus.

You will know at once that the optics of the FinePix F70 EXR is not quite ordinary when you turn on the camera. Whereas when turned off, the lens, protected by an automatic multi-plate cover, is entirely encased in the camera body, when turned on it slides out and nearly doubles the depth of the body. The lens barrel extends even further once you zoom to maximum focal length of 270 mm using the lever by the shutter release.

Overall evaluation

Fujifilm FinePix F70 EXR is an elegant compact camera, which provides an above average quality of image output. Thanks to EXR technology, the developers managed in particular to significantly reduce the noise with higher sensitivity, which is generally a big problem with compact digital cameras. But with FinePix F70 EXR you really don’t have to hesitate to photograph using ISO 800 or even ISO 1,600 and don’t have to worry about creating images degraded by noise. In this case it is necessary to realize that the creators of Fujifilm FinePix F70 EXR were not afraid to reduce the resolution to half (two cells of the sensor are used to create one pixel). After all, five megapixels is still a large quantity of image data for a common photo amateur. And what’s better – high resolution photographs with noise or a reasonable number of pixels at high quality?

Common price (at the time of this review’s publication): 6,900 Kč

Basic technical data for Fujifilm FinePix F70 EXR

Fujifilm FinePix F70 EXR
Sensor

Super CCD EXR 1/2″
10 Mpx (3 616 × 2 712 px)
Sensitivity ISO 100 až 1 600 (in Auto regime up to ISO 12 800)
Stabilized sensor

Optics

27–270 mm F3,3–5,6

Memory medium

SD/SDHC
Internal memory 47 MB

Data formats

Image: JPEG
Video: AVI

Video

640 × 480 px, 30 fps
320 × 240 px, 30 fps
Mono sound

LCD

Screen size 2.7” (69 mm)
230 000 px

Power supply

Li-Ion battery

Dimensions and weight

99 × 59 × 23 mm (w × h × d)
200 g (incl. battery and memory card)

Given that in our review, we declared the Olympus Pen E-P1 a legend the moment it was introduced, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 can be labeled ‘another one’. Actually, it is a direct competitor to the Olympus and as a matter of fact, only the second model of this new concept of professional compacts with exchangeable optics.

The Lumix DMC-GH1 followed the Olympus, however, and for the sake of accuracy it must be noted that Panasonic was the first manufacturer to use the Mirco 4/3 standard, which includes both the Olympus Pen as well as the Lumix GF1, with the introduction of the Lumix DMC-G1 and GH1 models. However, these cameras remind us too much of reflex cameras and represent a rather different development branch of the Micro 4/3 standard.

Whereas Olympus went retro with its Pen, the Panasonic kept Lumix GF1 has a typical austere design, though livened up with an unusually large choice of colors. Apart from the undifferentiated black or silver, you can choose red or white finish for the metal coated body.

Another point of comparison between the Lumix GF1 and the Olympus Pen, is that the dimensions are nearly the same, that is, if we ignore the fact that the body of the Lumix is three millimeters shorter. The weight of the Panasonic is a twenty or thirty grams lighter than the Pen, however, if you weigh both cameras with mounted Pancake lenses, you will find that the scales balance out (the Lumix lens is heavier). With respect to size and weight it is thus a camera that ranks on the border between compact devices and amateur reflex cameras.

Because it is a state of the art device for demanding users, the top and especially the back side of the Lumix GF1 carry a rather considerable number of control elements. In this respect, the camera is comparable to reflex cameras, which of course applies also to control comfort, as many important functions have their own control elements for direct access.
Praise should be given to the LCD display. The resolution of 460 thousand pixels is highly above standard and the LCD demonstrates this right away. In particular, the sharpness and fine detail rendering are excellent. With this display you will easily detect even a slightly blurred image.

Panasonic equipped its professional compact Lumix GF1 with what many critics reproach Olympus Pen for – a built-in flash and an option to mount an electronic viewfinder. At first sight this may seem an obvious advantage, however both have their pros and cons. First, the pop-up flash is very weak. The output expressed with the informative figure GN6 is sufficient for a reach of literally only a few meters, and only with a low aperture set. The flash cannot be meaningfully used for clearing shadows in daylight because it does not enable high-speed synchronization – the shortest available time is 1/180 s.
Regarding the external viewfinder mounted to the flash hot shoe on the Lumix GF1, this has the definite advantage of working with any lens; it is able to ‘screen’ many exposition details including the histogram, among others, and it is possible to tilt the viewfinder up to 90 degrees. Disadvantages include a rather low resolution of approximately 200 thousand pixels, small enlargement (image size), and last but not least a price of $900.

As mentioned earlier, Panasonic was in fact the first company that introduced devices of the Micro 4/3 standard to the market. With this also comes a larger selection of lenses compared to Olympus. Panasonic has in its portfolio not only standard zoom but also tele zoom, macro lens, wide zoom, and 10x zoom. Both brands are in terms of the Micro 4/3 standard mutually compatible, thus it is possible to use optics from both brands. Moreover, there exist various adapters for the Micro 4/3 cameras that allow the use of other lenses, perhaps even the legendary optics Leica M. In the context of Lumix GF1 optics, another difference from Olympus Pen E-P1 should be noted. Whereas Pen is equipped with a stabilized sensor in the body – that is, a universal solution thanks to which vibration is smoothed down with any mounted lens, Lumix uses stabilization in optics. Thus if a lens does not have Mega O.I.S. stabilizer (e.g. Lumix G 20 mm F1,7), you must rely on a firm grip or shorter shutter speeds..

Screenshots of the menu of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

Overall evaluation

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is an excellent device for demanding photographers, which, just as its sole competitor, Olympus Pen, offers the quality of a reflex camera in the body of a slightly larger compact camera. The option of changing lenses is of course priceless, handling is comfortable, and the device has a high-speed response during automatic focusing and capturing.

Common price (at the time of this review’s publication):
Kit including Lumix G Vario 14–45 mm F3.5–5.6 lens: $900
Kit including Lumix G 20 mm F1.7 lens: $900
Electronic viewfinder DMW-LVF1: $197

Basic technical data

Sensor

Live MOS 17.3 × 13 mm
12 Mpx (4,000 × 3,000 px)
Sensitivity ISO 100 to 3,200

Optics

Depending on the lens

Memory medium

SD, SDHC

Data formats

Image: JPEG, RAW
Video: MOV, AVCHD

Video

1.280 × 720 px, 25/30 fps
848 × 480 px, 30 fps
640 × 480 px, 30 fps
320 × 240 px, 30 fps
Mono sound

LCD

Screen size 3” (76 mm)
460,000 px

Power supply

Li-Ion battery

Dimensions and weight (body only)

119 × 71 × 35 mm (w × h × d)
345 g (incl. battery and memory card)

There are many photographers, who get along with a lens with a fixed focal length, but many people prefer zoom lenses – lenses with a variable focal length. And quite a few users love the so-called wide-range zooms, which can “zoom” ten times and more.

The so-called ultra-zoom category of digital cameras has a 10× and higher range of zoom and is divided into two sub-categories. One includes “large” ultra-zooms, which look like a small reflex camera and are equipped with an electronic viewfinder and optics with a range of up to an impressive 24×. The second sub-category lines up the more or less pocket ultra-zooms without a viewfinder (that have only the backside LCD display) with the standard 10× optics range. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 belongs to the cameras of the latter category.

Sony designers have given this camera a purely functional design without unnecessary excesses. The dominant feature of the right side of the device in black “photographic color” is a rather large grip – a handle for better grasp. With a camera with a zoom range of 38 – 380 mm, a firm grip is a prerequisite for sharp images even though the camera does come equipped with an effective optical stabilizer. Sony H20 does not disappoint in this respect – even when ‘zooming’ out to 380 mm, when you pull in very distant objects with the zoom, the images taken are very sharp, without shake or blur.

On the other hand, you might miss the option of a wide angle image. Thirty-eight millimeters of zoom for the H20 can be considered normal rather than a wide angle view.

Sony H20 is not a large camera – it will not fit in your shirt pocket but can be managed with a small bag. It can even fit in the pocket of a pair of pants.

The lens is not equipped with an automatic multi-plate cover but you will find a classic mounting cover with a strap in the kit. The built-in flash, which is rather powerful for its class, is designed as tilting. If you have it enabled in the menu, the flash will automatically open when the light is low.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 is conceived primarily as an automatic digital camera with the option of user influence on the basic parameters, such as correction of exposure, sensitivity, white balance, focus method, etc. However, you will also find an M in the top round mode control – manual mode for experienced photographers. This mode has one drawback, though, whereas exposure times can be manually set in the whole range (30 s up to 1/2 000 s), the shutter can only be operated in two settings – fully opened or fully closed.

The device is equipped with several interesting functions. Face detection has become common these days, but with Sony H20 it is complemented with smile detection (which can be set in three intensities – see menu examples). How does it work? You activate the so-called Smile shutter using a button on the top side below the main power switch and point the camera at the person being photographed. The device itself will find the face and as soon as the person in the shot smiles, it will automatically – without you having to press the trigger – take a photograph. Tested in practice – it really works.

Overall evaluation

In spite of the fact that Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 looks at first glance like one of many common digital compacts, it is a camera which provides excellent image quality. Sony used several technologies for image processing, which originate from advanced reflex cameras, and this can be seen in the photographs. The images have good depth; the color scheme is rather moderate – H20 definitely does not suffer from over-saturation of photographs.
Operating the camera is not difficult and is based on common existing standards. The camera is quite fast for its class, which will be apparent to users mainly with the agile automatic focusing. Sony H20 can be recommended both to absolute beginners as well as to more experienced photographers.

Common price (at the time of this review’s publication): $349

Basic technical data

Sensor

CCD 1/2.3″
10 Mpx (3,648 × 2,736 px)
Sensitivity ISO 80 to 3,200

Optics

38–380 mm F3.5–4.4
Optical stabilization

Memory medium

Memory Stick Duo, PRO Duo, PRO-HG Duo

Data formats

Image: JPEG
Video: MP4

Video

1,280 × 720 px, 30 fps
640 × 480 px, 30 fps
Mono sound

LCD

Screen size 3” (76 mm)
230,400 px

Power supply

Li-Ion battery

Dimensions and weight

107 × 69 × 47 mm (w × h × d)
280 g (incl. battery and memory card)

Only demanding photographers are willing to carry around heavy equipment. The common user prefers smaller and lighter devices, which can be carried around in a small bag. And if a camera is literally pocket-sized, has an attractive design and interesting functions, its success on the market is guaranteed. This is all true of the Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS.

The IXUS line of digital cameras by Canon has always been popular with people who notice and appreciate interesting design. This holds true for the newest model, the IXUS 200 IS, as well. The oblong flat body with round edges is, to a large degree, metal-coated. You can choose from a selection of four colors: gold, silver, light blue and violet. Anthracite black sides elegantly contrast with the high glossy silver rim around the lens.

The camera has dimensions comparable to a common mobile phone. In the switched off mode, the lens is entirely hidden in the body of the camera and is automatically protected by a multi-plate cover, so, in fact, nothing prevents carrying an IXUS 200 IS in one’s pocket.

This pocket jewel does not lack, however, for photographic equipment. The device is equipped with a 12Mpx sensor, which may be too much for most users, but this resolution does make it possible to work with greater cutouts from images and do other similar tasks.

The optics of this camera are well worth noting. Canon used a 5x zoom with a range of 24–120 mm. You can therefore work with a wide-angle image of 24 mm, helpful for example when taking photographs indoors but also for wide landscapes. The “long” end of the zoom 120 mm is ideal for creating portraits of your close ones and friends.

The lens is also equipped with a stabilizer, which greatly reduces the risk of capturing blurry images, even in poor light conditions.

Examining the top and back side of IXUS 200 IS reveals an unusually small number of controls. On the top side you will find only the shutter button with a zoom lever, a small main power switch and a mode selector on the left. The back side includes a large display, two sizeable buttons and a four-way select switch. Canon thoroughly uses all positions to assign direct access to selected functions, thereby eliminating the need for at least four buttons.

But the other, more significant reason for the austere equipment is the use of a touch screen. While taking photographs you can select the program or scene mode, flash setting and exposure correction by tapping on the touch screen. The option to set a focus point is excellent—you simply point with your finger to the place you wish to focus and the rest will be taken care of by the camera. Even if you move the device slightly, the focus point will stay where you desire it. In viewing mode you can browse through the images by moving your finger across the screen, increase the image’s size by touch, play video sequences, etc. In addition, the IXUS 200 IS is equipped with a touch sensor, which not only automatically turns images on the display while you view them, but also enables you to move individual images while viewing them by moving the whole camera.

Overall evaluation

The Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS provides photographs with natural color rendition and renders excellent detail resolution and sharpness of image. You do not have to worry about unpleasant digital noise with this device—up to ISO 400 sensitivity the results are excellent, while at ISO 800 the noise distracts a little, we recommend using the highest sensitivity of ISO 1,600 only sporadically. The camera operates very well, the touch screen is a pleasant above-average feature, and there is a menu in a number of languages. The battery will provide for between 250 to 300 images. The price of more than eight thousand Crowns is rather high in the digital cameras category, but the elegant design (with the option of selecting color), pocket-size and excellent image quality account for the bump in price.

Common price (at the time of the review being published): $352

Basic technical data Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS

Sensor

CCD 1/2,3″
12 Mpx (4 000 × 3 000 px)
Sensitivity ISO 80 to 1,600

Optics

24–120 mm F2.8–5.9
Optical stabilization

Memory medium

SD, SDHC, MMC

Data formats

Image: JPEG
Video: MOV

Video

1 280 × 720 px, 30 fps
640 × 480 px, 30 fps
320 × 240 px, 30 fps
Mono sound

LCD

Screen size 3” (76 mm)
230 000 px
Touch screen

Power supply

Li-Ion battery

Dimensions and weight

100 × 54 × 23 mm (w × h × d)
150 g (incl. battery and memory card)

It is easy to get the impression that what is here today may be gone tomorrow when confronted with the rapid evolution of digital photography equipment. But exceptions do exist, such as the Olympus Pen E-P1 which bares the symbol of an established immortal. What makes this camera so exceptional that it has earned a place in the hall of fame of digital cameras?

To answer this, we must first take a quick trip through the history of the Pen brand. Today’s digital model is a descendent of a long line of cameras with the same name, a name that first appeared exactly fifty years ago with the release of the first cine-film Pen in 1959. Over 17 million of these small agile reflex cameras of the so-called “half format” variety were sold worldwide. However, the digital Pen is not – as Olympus claims in its promotion material – a reflex camera, yet it is not a compact camera either. So you may wonder, what concept does this camera then represent?

The Olympus Pen E-P1 is a camera of the so-called Micro Four Third (or Micro 4/3) standard. It is specified by a sensor approximately one fourth the size of a cine-film field (17.3 × 13 mm), that is, a chip that is very similar to sensors found in Olympus and Panasonic reflex cameras. The difference is in a different bayonet lens mount. Unlike traditional reflex cameras, the Pen E-P1 has a different size, lens design, and is located closer to the sensor. Due to this precise fact, devices with the Micro 4/3 standard cannot be designed as reflex cameras – the mirror and other components simply do not fit in the small space between the bayonet and the sensor. However, this is not a mistake, but rather the intention of the creators of this new standard.

The goal was to reduce the size of traditional reflex cameras, while maintaining their excellent image capturing capabilities. This has been accomplished primarily with the use of a large sensor. Note that digital compacts have a sensor approximately 7 x 5 mm, often even smaller. By removing the mirror, the mechanical parts of the camera have been minimized resulting in a significant reduction in vibration during exposure.

The basic technical characteristic are as follows: The Olympus Pen E-P1 is a camera with a “reflex camera sensor,” exchangeable lenses, but unlike reflex cameras it is designed as a compact device without a viewfinder (even though the mountable viewfinder – as you will learn below – can be user in a limited extent). Even though, on photographs, Pen actually appears as a common compact, which was designed by the manufacturer in retro style, notice carefully its dimensions and, in particular, its weight. With regard to size and weight, Pen lies in-between reflex cameras and compacts.

Photo Olympus

The Pen body itself is manufactured in two versions, which differ in their surface finish. Other than the nearly classic design, which combines polished and ground metal coating on the surface with black complements, it is also possible to purchase a white-coated version with cream-colored parts. The image shows the white version of a Pen with an optional open leather case.

As mentioned earlier, the Olympus Pen E-P1 is “a compact camera with exchangeable lenses.” Because it is a system released only recently, at the moment there are only two lenses available from this brand. One is the basic zoom Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14–42 mm F3.5–5.6, the other is a monofocal so-called “pancake” Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm F2.8. To get an idea of the angle of the image with relation to cine-film you have to multiply the focus of the Micro 4/3 system lens by two due to the smaller sensor. For example, 17mm M.Zuiko Digital corresponds roughly to the capturing angle of classic 35 mm cine-film.

Because the open Micro 4/3 standard is used not only by Olympus but also by Panasonic, you can also use lenses by this manufacturer for your Pen.

As mentioned earlier, the Olympus Pen does not have an optical or electronic viewfinder. However, if you photograph using the flat lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm F2.8, you can use the external viewfinder, which is part of the Pancake Kit. As you might notice, the manufacturer did not equip Pen with a built-in flash. If you need flash, you can opt for the Olympus FL-14, which was developed just for the Pen. The other external system flashes compatible with Olympus reflex cameras will work with the Pen as well.

Most of the control elements are located in the right back side of the camera. Notice here two non-traditionally designed but fully functional rollers/control wheels. This label is not accurate however, because the top one has the shape of a vertically oriented roller in the top right corner, the second roller then simulates the circle around the four-way select switch. For example, in the manual exposure mode you use one to set the aperture, the other to set the time, in other modes perhaps also aperture and exposure correction. In addition, it all depends on your user settings because the camera enables the photographer to redefine many functions according to his or her own needs.
Users of Olympus digital reflex cameras will be immediately familiar with the menu, as it is de-facto identical. This relates to the outstanding availability of functions, which is not lacking in such features as an electronic level, multiple exposure, or the option to join two images directly in the camera. Following the example of the new Olympus reflex cameras, the Pen is also equipped with the so-called ArtScenes – six motive programs, which quite significantly modify an image’s appearance. A few of these are the Camera Obscura, Pop-art and Grainy film.

Overall evaluation

The Olympus Pen E-P1 is an excellent camera for anyone who prefers the size and weight of digital reflex cameras but does not want to give up their high image quality. It represents an ideal companion for travel and for so-called street /report photography. It is less suitable for capturing quick action scenes such as in sports. The image quality is outstanding while the control and interface are intuitive and it has a menu in a number of languages.

Common price (at the time of this review being published)
Body only: $749, £599, €749
Kit including a 14–42 mm lens: $799, £699, €749
Kit including a 17 mm lens and optical viewfinder: $899, £749, €849
Kit including both lenses and viewfinder: $ TBC, £849, €949

Basic technical data

Sensor

Live MOS 17.3 × 13 mm
12 Mpx (4,032 × 3,024 px)
Sensitivity ISO 100 Sensitivity 6,400
Stabilized sensor

Optics

According to lens

Memory medium

SD, SDHC

Data formats

Image: JPEG
Video: AVI

Video

1,280 × 720 px, 30 fps
640 × 480 px, 30 fps
Stereo sound PCM/16bit, 44.1 kHz

LCD

Screen size 3” (76 mm)
230,000 px

Power supply

Li-Ion battery

Dimensions and weight (body only)

121 × 71 × 35 mm (w × h × d)
380 g (incl. battery and memory card)

It is no coincidence that the historically first camera review on Week of Life introduces Leica D-Lux 4. Author of this project, Adolf Zika, himself captured his One Year of My Life using this camera. The majority of compact digital cameras represent simple automatic devices for a common user, one who requires a nice design, simple handling, and of course, good images. But even among pocket devices one can find models that could be labeled professional. The Leica D-Lux 4 belongs at the top of such models.

The austere shape of the metal coated black body of the Leica D-Lux 4 with the essential red round logo suggests at first glance that this is not just an ordinary camera. Experienced photographers also notice the hot shoe for external flash on top, which is another unmistakable sign of a state-of-the-art camera.

The Leica D-Lux 4 is truly a professional compact camera in all aspects. The optics—from the same brand of course—has a not-that-wide range of 24–60 mm, the shooting angles are set from a wide aperture to normal, however the lens speed of F2,0–2,8 is fantastic. Moreover, the lens is equipped with optical stabilization, so you can photograph even in very unfavorable light conditions.

The D-Lux 4 is a camera equipped with all exposure regimes P/A/S/M plus common motive programs or full automatics. So even an absolute beginner will be able to handle the device. Besides the standard JPEG it is possible to store image data also in RAW, which enables more accurate and extensive computer modifications, which is a feature for more experienced photographers.

Regarding dimensions and weight, the Leica D-Lux 4 does not deviate from the digital compacts class in any way. The construction leans slightly more towards design rather than ergonomics—the smooth body lacks distinct support for a firmer grip. However, Leica sells a small grip for the right side of the camera as an optional accessory.

The built-in flash is constructed as retractable and is operated by a small button on the top side of the device. You can also purchase an external flash Leica CF 22 with a higher output. The manufacturer used the surface along the perimeter of the lens ring interestingly—two sliding controllers are placed at this point. With the scroll bar on the left side you can quickly change the focus mode, using the top control you can easily change the image aspect ratio to one of the three options: 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9.

You can find more controls on the right of the back side of the Leica D-Lux 4. Apart from the standard buttons and a four-way select switch, an inconspicuous Q.MENU joystick is also located here, which can be used to enter and operate the so-called quick menu, which contains the most commonly used image parameters.

As a state-of-the-art camera, D-Lux 4 enables the display of a histogram. This device is supported in two regimes—realistic for image composition or preview for viewing already taken photographs. This regime also allows the display of an indication of overexposed parts of images.

Photo Leica

Photographers, who have not gotten used to the method of composing images using the LCD display—despite having an excellent resolution of 460 000 image points and thus providing an outstanding image—can opt for an optional accessory, which is offered by Leica, an external optical viewfinder, which is placed in the hot shoe. But you must take into account that the viewfinder is monofocal—displaying the image from only one perspective, the widest 24mm aperture of the camera.

Other accessories which can be purchased, include, for instance, a luxury leather bag in retro style.

Overall evaluation

The Leica D-Lux 4 is a top-of-the-line digital compact, which provides high quality images. You will get the maximum out of this camera if you use the RAW format and convert images using the standard supplied software Capture One (which is a quality ? in itself). However, thanks to well functioning automatic modes, this camera will definitely not be lost in the hands of a beginner either.

A small inconvenience is the price of the camera. For seven hundred USD you can purchase an amateur digital reflex camera, so it can be assumed that the Leica D-Lux 4 will be purchased primarily by true connoisseurs and fans of this legendary brand. It must also be noted that Leica manufactures this model in co-operation with Panasonic. If you purchase the almost identical model Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, you will save nearly a third of the price.
Common price (at the time of the review being published): $699

Basic technical data

Sensor

CCD 1/1,63″
10 Mpx (3 648 × 2 736 px)
Sensitivity ISO 80 to 3 200

Optics

24–60 mm F2–2.8
Optical stabilization

Memory medium

SD, SDHC, MMC, Built-in memory 50 MB

Data formats

Image: JPEG
Video: MOV

Video

1,280 × 720 px, 24 fps
848 × 480 px, 30 fps
640 × 480 px, 30 fps
320 × 240 px, 30 fps, 10 fps
Mono sound

LCD

Screen size 3” (76 mm)
460,000 px

Power supply

Li-Ion battery

Dimensions and weight

109 × 62 × 51 mm (w × h × d)
260 g (incl. battery and memory card)