Leica v. Panasonic?????

[Tom Swaman]

Are there any functional differences between comparable cameras offered by Leica versus those offered by Panasonic?

Thank you,
Tom

[sean_buerger]

This question will be asked many times. The functional differences are mostly limited to different jpegging. Leica will try to "imitate" a film look. This means they would perhaps allow a bit more noise on higher ASA and have less smudging than Panasonic. Shooting in RAW would eliminate those difference.

I have no confirmation for this, so it's speculation: I could imagine that the lenses on Leica cameras might be selected to tighter tolerances. I did have a Digilux 2 before and noticed that it was near perfect lens in terms of resolution, colour & colour fringes. Now we have the Digilux 3 (but the Panasonic) and it's lens fares less well in the fringing department. However I'd say that it's hard to compare two different beasts.

Manuals from Leica are more understandable than Panasonic and I'd believe Leica would offer better warranties.

Just my opinion. Sean.

[carylwithay]

I have a Panasonic TZ3 with a Leica lens and a leica M8. At times, I wonder why I got the M8 because the TZ3 can be that good. I have read it is better than the TZ5 and you can get the TZ3 for about $200 now. It is an amazing little camera and i highly recommend it.
I do love the M8 too.
Caryl