Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/12/03

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Subject: Re: [Leica] The LEICA DIGILUX 2 is announced
From: Clive Moss <chmphoto@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2003 18:48:58 -0600
References: <200312031539.hB3FdEa07331@perch.serverhost.net>

Kit McChesney said the following on 12/3/2003 9:39 AM:

> Well, maybe not the digital, but the overall manufacturing process is
> primarily as I described, even if a small portion of their business is
> outsourced. That type of manufacturing/business strategy determines the
> overall pricing and profitability of the business. At least I think it does!
> What your business does as a majority of its activity, where most of your
> sales are, would seem to have the most influence over how much it costs to
> run the biz. No?
> 
...
No, not really. The Panaleicas share the marketing costs but not the 
manufacturing costs of the M-series. Cross subsidizing the manufacturing 
costs of old product lines with excess margins on marginally competitive 
new product lines is really bad business.

In partial justification of the cost, the direct mechanical control of 
zoom, focus, and aperture is probably way more costly to manufacture 
than electronic controls such as are found on a P&S -- and likely more 
satisfying to use. The EVF will be no better than other EVFs -- same 
technology. Not even close to the M-series.

The small sensor size will be the killer flaw in this camera. In no way 
will its quality be able to match any of the DSLRs (not even the 
cheapest) with their larger sensors. Yes -- I will be flamed because the 
tests are not yet in. However -- small sensors are noisier than large 
sensors at a given ISO equivalent rating -- given current technology. 
Yes, I know this was the argument against 35mm from the beginning -- but 
the Digilux 2 does not offer the same advantage that the original Leicas 
offered over the alternatives.
- -- 
Clive
http://clive.moss.net

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In reply to: Message from "Kit McChesney" <kitmc@acmefoto.com> (RE: [Leica] The LEICA DIGILUX 2 is announced)