Leica D-Lux 3 Digital Camera, Black {10MP} 18303

Leica D-Lux 3: the pocket camera that shoots RAW at f/2.8

The D-Lux 3 is a 10MP CCD compact that fits in a coat pocket and still gives you a RAW file, a 28–112mm f/2.8 equivalent zoom, and optical image stabilization. That combination was rare in 2006 and remains a strong hand today. The sensor's 1/1.65" CCD renders color and tonal gradations the way Leica intended, with a character that differs noticeably from the interpolated smoothness of modern BSI-CMOS sensors. Shoot in 16:9, 4:3, or 3:2 natively, not by cropping, which matters if you're framing deliberately.

The f/2.8 maximum aperture holds across the zoom range, and the optical stabilization keeps the camera steady at the longer end. ISO runs from 100 to 1600 natively, with a boost option to 3200 for low-light work. Shutter speeds extend to 60 seconds for long-exposure shooting. Exposure compensation goes to ±2 EV in 1/3-stop increments, aperture and shutter priority are both available, and manual focus is on board for the rare moments you want full control. At 220 grams and 106 × 56 × 26mm, this is a camera you'll actually carry, and that's half the battle with any compact.

Who It's For

Street photographers drawn to a discreet, Leica-badged body benefit from the 28mm wide end and the f/2.8 lens keeping exposures manageable in shade. Travel photographers who refuse to carry a bag get RAW files and a 4× zoom in a 220-gram body. Collectors and film photographers testing digital waters will appreciate the CCD rendering and the Panasonic LX3 lineage underneath the Leica skin. Slow, deliberate shooters, landscapes, architecture, urban documentary, will find the 60-second shutter and native aspect ratio selection genuinely useful than a spec-sheet footnote.

Key Features

• 10.0MP 1/1.65" CCD sensor with native RAW capture
• 28–112mm f/2.8 equivalent lens with 4× optical zoom
• Optical image stabilization across entire zoom range
• Native 16:9, 4:3, 3:2 aspect ratios without cropping
• ISO 100–1,600 native, boosted to 3,200 for low light
• 60-second maximum shutter speed for long exposures
• 220-gram ultracompact body at 106 × 56 × 26mm

FAQ

Can the D-Lux 3 actually shoot RAW, or is that marketing?

RAW capture is native and standard - you get uncompressed DNG files alongside JPEGs. That was uncommon in 2006 compacts and remains a strong advantage for anyone pushing the 10MP CCD sensor in post.

How does the f/2.8 aperture hold across the zoom range?

The Leica lens maintains f/2.8 from 28mm through the full 112mm equivalent, which is optically expensive and rare at this price point. Most compact zooms stop down significantly at the long end.

Is optical image stabilization effective enough for handheld telephoto work?

It keeps the 112mm end usable without a tripod in normal indoor light. You're still limited by shutter speed and the modest 2 fps burst rate, but the stabilization does its job.

What's the native ISO range, and how clean does 1600 look?

Native ISO runs 100–1600 with a boost option to 3200. The CCD sensor holds detail and color at 1600; 3200 is there for emergencies. Expect visible noise at higher settings compared to modern BSI sensors, but that noise has character.

Can you shoot in different aspect ratios without cropping?

Yes - 16:9, 4:3, and 3:2 are native capture modes, not crops. The sensor records the data in those shapes, so you retain maximum resolution for your chosen frame.

How long can you hold the shutter open for long exposures?

Shutter speeds extend to 60 seconds, which covers standard long-exposure work - 20–30 second exposures are straightforward with neutral density filters.

Does this camera need a memory card, or does it have built-in storage?

Internal storage is 13 MB, enough for a handful of JPEGs. You'll want an SD or SDHC card for actual shooting - the internal buffer is backup only.