LEICA V-LUX (Typ114)｜SHOOTING REPORT
I guess the majority of the viewers of Photo Yodobashi have at least one interchangeable-lens system. Today, I'd like to introduce the new LEICA V-LUX, a highly portable fixed-lens camera with a fast F2.8-4/25-400mm high zoom lens and a large 1-inch sensor with 20 megapixels. While many cameras in this category used to be focusing only on the high zoom capability, we can expect this model to generate high image quality as well.
( Photography: Z II / Text: 48 )
The body follows the consensus of what a SLR camera looks like, but it has the Leica quality: simple, elegant, and comfortable. Of course, it's large as a compact camera and there're smaller mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras out there. But, I think it's a proper size for a high-zoom camera (it looks a little smaller without the hood though). It has a nice holding feel and I could hold my camera securely even at the tele-end.
I shot at the wide-end. The gradation of the beautiful sky looks natural. The wonderful resolution and the tonal gradation should cover most situations. Because the 1-inch sensor is advantageous for more depth of field, it's a perfect camera for landscapes as well.
I zoomed to the left side of the previous image and the focal length is still 216mm which is far shorter than the maximum 400mm. Actually, I felt 400mm was a bit too long, but the freedom of focal length is always good to have.
There's no need to stick to 400mm. Instead, we can use this camera as the one with an extremely flexible focal length. The AF is fast enough to freeze the cat which was about to jump off from the wall suddenly.
The 3cm minimum focus distance is just stunning and it adds to large bokeh and 3D quality.
The telephoto capability makes a difference when shooting from some distance (e.g. when shooting in a zoo). Compared to the naked eye, it captures greater detail of the distant subjects. And, it was exciting to view the detail on the PC screen back home. The texture of the skin looks so realistic.
When using a zoom lens, it's not a good idea to keep using either two ends (wide and tele-ends). Instead, a zoom lens can be a too for you to figure out your favorite focal length and it will help you select a single focal lens in the future.
The high sensitivity performance is great, too. ISO1600 is a practical choice for night shooting. And, even in a bright situation, you can raise the ISO to prevent camera shake. I truly appreciate the advancement of sensors and image processors.
Of course, it generates more noise and causes the loss of detail at high ISO, but it's good enough, isn't it? The fast wide-end is so convenient.
It's our job to record the best moments.
Be free from focal length and shoot the very moment.
We shoot when we are touched by something. It can be a wide scenery, historical buildings or streets, delicious food, smiling kids, or a wild flower on the roadside. But, we're not always capable of recording them properly because of the mismatch between the equipment and the scene. The V-LUX with a powerful 25-400mm zoom lens provides a total freedom of focal length and all you need is press the shutter button at your pleasure.
Because of the excellent image quality, you can even finish your assignment with this camera only. And, it's a cool and realistic choice to carry this camera as a sub camera instead of carrying all lenses covering this range. So, I guess, the more experienced you are, the better pictures you can take with this camera.
The V-LUX is a 25-400mm you can put in the bag and it will expand your world for sure.
( 2014.11.13 )