Review of the Leica D-Lux 2

The Leica D-Lux 2 has traditional looks and offers widescreen 16:9 format. Furthermore the famous red badge is sure to appeal to gentlemen of a certain age, or bank balance. Unlike most compacts, which offer a 4:3 image ratio, the Leica D-Lux 2 offers widescreen 16:9 format, primarily to add compatibility to the ever increasing range of Widescreen TVs. Because the camera was developed by Panasonic, and in fact is almost identical to the Lumix LX1, it is possible to take the card directly from the camera and view pictures via the SD on Panasonic TVs and DVD players. The camera still has an AV out socket for other brands. The 16:9 format uses the whole sensor for imaging, and other formats are also available, both 4:3 and 3:2, but these use less of the sensor area, so a smaller file size and pixel count results. In other ways, the camera is, for a compact a decent tool, with manual and shutter and aperture controls. Furthermore, they’re in 1/3 stop increments, unlike some cameras which just offer a choice of two apertures. There’s also the simpler Program, Auto and scene modes. And, as a Leica-branded/Panasonic-built camera, there has to be Optical Image Stabilisation, which is essential given the limited ISO of 80 to 400.