Is the Leica M8,Leica D-LUX 3 a good camera for one? Would you recomend?

Question

if not recommend me a REALLY REALLY good camera then. I'm going all out.

Answer 1

The D-Lux 3 is a point & shoot. It's no great shakes and the lens, guts, and image quality can also be found in the much cheaper Panasonic DMC-LX2.
The Leica M8 is a different story. This is the digital version of their rangefinder camera. The initial production run had some problems that Leica is still in the process of correcting, but this looks like a great camera. It's main selling point is that you can use Leica's fantastic lenses with it. It's also a tidy little camera (but hardly inconspicuous). The M8's downsides are that the sensor has a crop factor, so all of the wonderful wide angle lenses are crippled, and, well... it's a rangefinder. This is a niche product. If you want the convenience of a zoom lens or auto-focus, the M8 is not for you.
You can also get the Leica badge on an SLR camera. The Leica R9 has an optional digital back, too. Or you could get a top of the line Canon 1Ds Mark ll digital SLR. The Canon isn't as stylish as the Leica R9 but it is a much better camera. The 1Ds Mk ll is Canon's 'bullet-proof' pro model, so forget about lugging it around unless your trip's purpose is to take photographs.
If you want great image quality in a slightly smaller dSLR, you could consider the Canon 5D. It's just $2500 and it provides great image quality, although it does lack a bit in terms of build quality and features for the price.
For sports, the Nikon D2x and the Canon 1D Mark ll N offer 8 frames per second. Top end Canon and Nikon lenses are among the best.
And then there's semi-pro dSLR models, like the Nikon D200 / Canon 30D. These sell for under $1400 but when you add some good lenses you could still be looking at $4000 total.
Even with unlimited funds, your best choice really depends on your shooting style. Unless you simply want to flaunt your wealth - in that case get the M8 ;-)
I'd be happy to make some specific camera + lens suggestions based on additional info. Or at least point you in the right direction.

Answer 2

It is a really good camera. But it is designed for Leica enthustist who like the old school design. It has a film loader at the bottom and it does take SD cards too. Thats kinda of interesting. Bewared NO auto focus so this is for mostly Lecia professionals. Also keep in mind it uses a rangefinder not the mirror and prisms like SLRs. It is a really nice camera I do not know however if they have worked out the infred problem they were having with their camera a month ago. You might want to research that.

Edit: Opps I didnt see the D-Lux there. Yea the guy below me has it covered =D

Just wondering, what are you using it for? If its point and shoot pictures your just wasting your money. I would not recommond this camera if you do not know how to use manuel focus. Your probably better off with a Canon Mark-II N for $4000, it is 8MP or the Canon 5D which is 12MP and does not have the vertical grip but is $3500. The 5D pictures are legendary, I think its the best SLR that is not a studio camera or Hasselbad.

Answer 3

here's a link to some on ebay