If we were asked, what is the real different between the D-LUX 4 and Panasonic LX 3? We would have to say it is the “red dot”. So, why are the two have a very diverse pricing, yet they share the same lens and almost identical exterior? Again, we have to say it is that trusty little “red dot”. The question here is the same if someone asks about the pricing policy between Ssang Yong and Mercedez Benz or a pair of Uniqlo’s selvage jeans and neighborhood’s selvage jeans. Although this example would be too harsh for LX-3, as they actually produce a good quality compact, but you get the idea.

The Leica D-LUX 4 equipped with a new fast lens, full 24mm wide angle, a hot-shoe and a range of accessories, including an external viewfinder, flashlight and lens converter. At full f / 2.0 aperture, the LEICA D-LUX 4 lens brings more creative possibilities with low light and depth of field into the sphere of compact photography. Equivalent to 24 to 60 mm in 35 mm format, the lens even provides an f / 2.8 aperture at full zoom. The 1 / 1.63” sensor offering 10.1 mega pixel resolution is unusually large for this class of camera. This sensor size enables the camera to retain the full 24 mm wide angle. Those features above are just why many claim that the D-LUX 4 as “the son of M8”.

This year Leica has released a special makeover of this premium compact, the Titanium edition has been released in early 2009 and the safari D-LUX 4 in August. Both are available with a special edition casing.