Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms
Telephone +49(0)6442-208-0 / Fax +49(0)6442-208-333
www.leica-camera.com
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Leica D system
The system camera for individualists
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Digital photography with a system benefit The new
Leica D system offers ambitious amateurs and professional photog-
raphers unique new options. As the first digital compact camera,
the previous model already handled like a classic analog model. The
LEICA DIGILUX 3 is now consistently proceeding with this success-
ful concept and opening up new options at the same time. It is the
first Digilux camera with an interchangeable lens and thus forms
the basis for the Leica D system, an entirely independent digital
single-lens reflex system. The clear-cut lines of the housing and the
operating concept of the Digilux 3 are consistent with the best Leica
tradition has to offer. This means shutter speed, focal length, aper-
ture and focus can be set manually on the camera and the lens –
fast, precise and creative handling in comparison with conventional
digital single-lens reflex cameras. Virtually revolutionary is the inter-
action between the outstanding imaging performance typical of
Leica and state-of-the-art technology : first-class image quality is
achieved thanks to the newly developed lens LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT
14-50 mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH. in combination with the latest optical
image stabilization and the 7.5 megapixel Live-MOS sensor. High-
quality, precision-crafted materials ensure that the LEICA DIGILUX 3
will function reliably in the long term, particularly also including
in the demanding photojournalism sector. The Leica D system will
prove a valuable companion over the years.
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LEICA DIGILUX 3 – a tool for creative photographers
Traditional in styling and handling but with the latest technical fea-
tures, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is now setting new standards. It continues
the direction taken by the multi-award winning previous models and
also offers the creative freedom of a system camera.
Classic yet innovative
Leica stands for photographic tools that
concentrate on the essentials and allow
creative users to record their unique
view of the world. The LEICA DIGILUX 3
consistently combines the latest digital
technology with these traditional values :
top image quality, intuitive handling and
appealing classic design.
Everything in sight
The LEICA DIGILUX 3 shows everything –
when looking through the optical view-
finder or with the help of Realtime Pre-
view. It simultaneously allows the user
to evaluate the complete scene in the
display. The autofocus and image pro-
cessing/storage of the LEICA DIGILUX 3
are not only very fast and but also
extremely precise. So you won‘t miss
important moments in life ever again –
they can be viewed on the high-resolution
2.5" display in full brilliance.
Open to the future
The LEICA DIGILUX 3 is equipped with
a bayonet to the Four Thirds standard,
the open standard for digital single-lens
reflex cameras. Along with the camera
the first-class lens LEICA D VARIO-
ELMARIT 14-50 mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH.
forms the high-caliber basis of the
Leica D system that will be supplemented
by other interesting lenses in future.
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The culmination of our findings : Leica D lenses
The high demands of impassioned perfectionists and technical un-
derstanding that has been consistently developed for over a century
result at Leica in the lenses that make the brand so legendary. The
precision and quality of Leica lenses repeatedly set new standards,
fascinating photographers all over the world. The many years of
experience in the development and manufacture of Leica M and R
lenses has now been incorporated in the new Leica D system. Once
again the objectives are optimum user-friendliness, maximum sharp-
ness and richness of contrast even at open aperture, uniform rich
and neutral color reproduction. Unique optical coordination, a max-
imum of skills and expertise as well as a complex production pro-
cess make this working philosophy reality. Leica D lenses also bene-
fit from the latest technology. The autofocus is very fast and highly
precise. Virtually revolutionary is the incorporation of an optical
image stabilizer (O.I.S.), which can be switched on if wished to reli-
ably prevent picture shake.
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The “analog” digital lens
The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50 mm
f/2.8-3.5 ASPH. consists of 16 elements
in 12 groups, including two aspherical
lenses. This digital lens offers character-
istics for which Leica‘s analog inter-
changeable lenses have already received
multiple awards : minute details and nu-
ances are reproduced clearly, and even
with very short focal lengths distortion
and vignetting are minimal. Realistic
color reproduction, in particular also for
skin tones, ensures harmonious natural
images. With the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT
14-50 mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH. and its wide
aperture number of f/2.8 and attractive
focal length range of 28-100 mm (equiva-
lent to 35 mm format) the scope for
creativity is virtually unlimited.
Razor-sharp images
A true premiere : For the first time
Leica is offering an interchangeable lens
combining first-class optical imaging
performance with the latest optical
image stabilization. It‘s in your hands : If
you want to avoid picture shake, you can
switch on the image stabilizer (O.I.S.)
at any time. It is incorporated in the
lens, prevents blurred images and offers
reliability in all situations – at twilight,
indoors or in the zoom range. You can
always rely on the image stabilizer even
when using a tripod.
Familiar handling
The LEICA DIGILUX 3 has many features
that are very familiar to users from
Leica‘s analog cameras and have proved
their worth time and time again. The
aperture, focal length and focusing are
adjusted at the lens as usual. The Leica D
system stands for familiar handling com-
bined with innovative technology, thus
clearly distancing itself from the mass
of single-lens reflex cameras.
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Benefits of Leica D system The LEICA DIGILUX 3 can satisfy
even the most demanding requirements of professional photo g-
raphers, fascinating them by concentrated technical performance
combined with stylish Leica design.
The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50 mm
f/2.8-3.5 ASPH. consists of 16 elements in 12
groups, including two large-diameter aspherical
lenses. To prevent light reflections in critical
situations such as shooting into the light, all
lenses are provided with multicoating. Thanks to
advantageous internal focusing, the lens offers
an entirely uniform length in all focus settings.
The focal length of 14-50 mm is equiva-lent to
28-100 mm in the 35 mm system. With such fea-
tures you are well equipped for many applications
of photography – whether portraits or expansive
landscape shots. The close-up limit is 29 cm over
the entire focal length range. This allows you to
take pictures with magnification of up to 0.32 x
(equivalent to 35 mm system).
Leica lens The imaging performance of Leica‘s world-
famous lenses has always set standards in photography.
The D system combines this performance with the latest
technology such as image stabilization and fast precise
autofocus. The Leica D lens offers superb contrast char-
acteristics up to the 2.8 open aperture setting. The values
for distortion, color errors and vignetting are minimal into
the wide angle range. One impressive feature essential
to creative photography is the low depth of field at open
aperture. All these capabilities make the LEICA D VARIO-
ELMARIT a top-class photographic tool for universal usage.
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Signal-to-noise ratio Individual processing of chrominance and luminance noise means
that the problem of picture noise becomes a thing of the past with digital cameras. The
Digilux 3 cuts down on luminance noise, which mainly occurs in the shadows of a picture,
with efficient noise reduction. The Digilux 3 is equipped with a filter which filters out
color noise and processes it separately. In addition, the image signal processor minimizes
lens errors such as color fringing and distortion – with impressive results, reaching right
into the corners of pictures.
Image stabilization The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT is the first Leica interchan-
geable lens to feature integrated image stabilization technology MEGA O.I.S. A
slip of the hand is often the reason for blurred or shakey pictures. MEGA O.I.S.
compensates for these natural movements, thus helping you to take sharply
focused and brilliant images. In line with the increased requirements in SLR
photography, the Leica D lens has its own integrated image processor. With
this technological module the data delivered by the movement detector 4000
times a second can be utilized for the effective reduction of blur due to shake.
The image stabilization system offers 2 different modes : mode 1 also activates
image stabilization with image preview (both in the viewfinder as well as on the
LCD monitor), thus enabling shake-free composition. In mode 2 image stabiliza-
tion is only activated when the shot itself is taken, thus operating with maximum
performance capability. You can decide at any time which mode you want to use
in what situation.
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Realtime Preview Thanks to its unique Realtime Preview system
that not only shows a simple image on the monitor before the pic-
ture is taken but also permits full exposure and white balance con-
trol, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 enjoys special status among digital single-
lens reflex cameras. It offers benefits that to date were only of
advantage to compact cameras on a system-specifi c basis : checking
white balance or reviewing exposure compensation before picture-
taking. When composing shots at the studio or taking pictures in
situations requiring a tripod, the scene can be evaluated in a way
that until now has only been possible with large format photography.
At the touch of a button the Digilux 3 additionally allows the working
aperture to also be checked with Realtime Preview activated so the
resulting depth of field can be evaluated prior to exposure.
Image signal processor During development the new image signal processor
was specially matched to the superb imaging performance of the Leica D lens and
interaction with the new LiveMOS technology. This means it can cater for the high
requirements of SLR photography in terms of performance and picture quality. The
processor results in excellent color reproduction, maximum resolution and outstand-
ing gradation – combined with extremely fast processing times with minimum delay.
In conjunction with the energy-saving LiveMOS sensor the Digilux 3 can deliver over
450 pictures with one battery charge.
Dust protection fi lter Dust is a major problem with digital SLR photography. Dirt
particles can easily get onto the sensor when changing lenses, often disrupting the
imaging results irreparably. The LEICA DIGILUX 3 solves this problem with sophisti-
cated technology. A filter has now been developed, positioned in front of the image
sensor between the low pass filter and shutter. Whenever the camera is switched
on, this protective filter receives an ultrasonic pulse with a vibration frequency of
30,000 Hz. This shakes off the dust particles on the protective filter. No dirt particles
can get in due to the absolutely airtight seal of the space between the sensor and
filter.
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Florian Wagner
Many photographers have first discovered the enjoyment in working
with the camera and only then the world and its adventures. With
Florian Wagner it was the other way round : he discovered adven-
turing as a purpose to life and then photography as a means of im-
mortalizing such adventures. Since his first great photojournalism
projects about paragliding fans and »heli-cowboys« Florian Wagner
has repeatedly dealt with themes in which he can combine his
special photographic skill with maximum physical performance. Over
the years the photographer with a helicopter license has left his
stamp on the genre of »movement« photography so that GEO, Stern,
National Geographic, Playboy or Süddeutsche Zeitung form part of
his regular clientele. His portfolio is rounded off by successful ad-
vertising campaigns and international shows. Whether at the studio,
in the eternal ice of Alaska or riding through the Jordanian desert,
he is always accompanied by his Leica. Before it was an M6, now it
is the Digilux 3.
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»I love working with the M6. It is unobtrusive, and quiet while offering
superb technical quality. With the Digilux 3 Leica has now launched
a camera which combines the benefits of the M6 with maximum
technical user-friendliness. For ›movement‹ photography it is an
enormous advantage that I can concentrate even more on compos-
ition of the picture, the right moment and also on an experimental
translation of themes as for example here in the ›Cannonball Race‹
right across Europe. The Digilux 3 is not just a camera, it‘s a partner.«
Florian Wagner
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Neoprene case Hard-wearing protective and practical case
made of neoprene material in a sporty design. It can be used to
transport the Digilux 3 with the lens LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT
14-50 mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH. fixed in place but ready to hand at
all times. Order No. 18 667
Billingham case If you prefer a combination case, you will appreciate the Billingham case with
its two color variants. Black Order No. 14 854, khaki Order No. 14 855
Lens accessories We will be offering a wide-
ranging line of filters for both our current and
future lenses. For the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT
14-50 mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH. the following will
be available : circular polarization filter
Order No. 18 673, UVa filter Order No. 18 672
Electric remote cable release CR-DC1 Order No. 18 626
At the start of next year there
will be a new system flash
unit for the Leica D system that
is also compatible with the M
and R system.
Adapter This adapter allows the first-class lenses of the Leica R system to be used with the LEICA DIGILUX 3 and all cameras
based on the Four Thirds standard. Order No. 18 628
There will also be a photo adapter that enables the Digilux 3 to be attached to the standardized T2 connection of different
eyepieces, so providing for digiscoping at a professional level.
Accessories
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Technical Data
LEICA DIGILUX 3
Digital single-lens reflex system camera with lens bayonet complying with Four Thirds standard.
RAW, JPEG (based on Exif 2.21 standard), DPOF
4:3, 3:2, 16:9 (3:2, 16:9 only in Live View mode)
LiveMOS sensor, size : 17.3 x 13.0 mm with pixels 7.9 million total pixels and 7.5 million effective pixels ; aspect
ratio 4:3 (horizontal:vertical ) ; color filter RGB primary color filter ; dust reduction system ultrasonic protective filter.
4:3 format 3136 x 2352 pixels, 2560 x1920 pixels, 2048 x1536 pixels, 3:2 format 3136 x 2080 pixels,
2560 x1712 pixels, 2048 x1360 pixels, 16:9 format 3136 x1760 pixels, 1920 x1080 pixels
optical
2.5" TFT LCD monitor with 207,000 pixels, image field approx. 100 % in Live View mode, depth of field controlled
via depth of field lever (only with Live View via monitor) ; menu languages German, English, French, Italian, Spanish,
Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Japanese.
Auto/100/200/400/800/1600
sRGB, Adobe RGB
LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50 mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH.
Four Thirds bayonet
29 cm over entire focal length range
max. 1.5 x (with reduced resolution)
2 x/4 x (only in Live View mode)
SD memory card, SDHC memory card, multimedia card
Single/9 or 25 thumbnails/calendar zoom (16 x max.)/image rotation (not for RAW), Slide show (duration
adjustable, also manual control possible) Favorites function/resizing (number of pixels selectable) trimming/
protection/aspect conversion/DPOF print settings
Monitor viewfinder image shows picture, exposure (with histogram) and white balance before picture-taking.
Slotted shutter, shutter speed 1/4000–60, bulb (up to approx. 8 minutes), automatic self-timer 10 s/2 s,
Remote shutter release with remote cable shutter release CR-DC1 (optional).
Exposure control Program automatic, aperture automatic, time automatic and manual setting ; metering TTL open
aperture metering 49-zone (with optical viewfinder), 256-zone (in Live View mode) ; metered value storage AFL/AEL
button or shutter button pressed halfway in AFS mode ; exposure compensation ±2 EV in 1/3 EV stages ; automatic
exposure series 3 or 5 pictures, ±2 EV in 1/3-1 EV stage.
3 or 2 i/s
6 images (RAW format), unlimited (other formats, depending on memory card, picture resolution, image compression,
battery performance).
Integral flash unit LZ 10 (ISO 100, m) pop-up direct/indirect, off, auto, daylight fill-in flash ; Slow sync choice
between red-eye reduction ; TTL flash metering control ; X-sync times 1/160 s and longer ; exposure compensati-
on ±2 EV in 1/3 EV stages ; synchronization choice between 1st or 2nd curtain ; flash shoe system connection for
external flash units.
Options auto/daylight/cloudy skies/shadow/ halogen/flash/manual 1+2, color temperature setting ;
white balance fine tuning blue/amber bias ; magenta/green bias ; color temperature adjustment range
2500 K to 10000 K in 31 steps.
Protection single/multiple, reset ; erase single/multiple/all
Image printing PictBridge (print size, layout, date setting selectable).
Digital USB 2.0 (high-speed) ; analog (video/TV) NTSC/PAL Composite (switchable)