Leica Z2X Date 35mm Camera (Black)

While it isn't exactly the cheapest point and shoot out there, the slightly higher additional price is most definitely justified by the fine optics. And it's much cheaper than a faster, fixed focal-length Leica, Rollei, or Contax. Bought mine in Germany about three years ago for a ridiculously low price, and it goes with me everywhere, especially on the job and following the kids around for candid portraits outdoors. It certainly comes close to my professional SLR equipment in terms of picture sharpness and color rendition. As with most modern cameras, stay off the auto program mode and you'll quickly learn the utility of the exposure override, fill flash, manual, and flash-off modes. Almost any other point and shoot with the same or greater zoom range is junk compared to the Leica's Vario-Elmar lens. My only gripes are the somewhat cheap-feeling plastic body (like almost every other P&S) and the slow F7.6 at the 70mm focal length (still fast compared to others, however). If simplicity is one of your priorities, this is a wonderful camera.

I was a skeptic...could this camera be worth twice the MSRP of its point-and-shoot competitors? Well, my Grandma was correct: buy the best and you'll always be happy with it. I have been using my Z2x for about two months, and I am very pleased. The picture quality is superb: realistic color and extra-sharp images. The camera is very light and compact, fitting nicely into an inside jacket pocket. Typical Germanic hieroglyphs abound in the "mode" LCD screen, but once you learn the symbols' meaning they make sense. (Drivers of German-made automobiles understand the bit about the hieroglyphs already.)
I do have a few complaints, however. The lag-time between the red-eye reduction flash and photo flash is quite long. The camera is very noisy when zooming and shuttering, and the "mode" button is awkward to master. Except for the smart circle of chrome around the lens, the outer case of the camera looks cheap for the price. The Z2x does not have the "rock solid" feel of more expensive Leicas. But, alas, one buys a camera for picture quality, and the Leica Z2x delivers beautifully.

I have had mine for 3 years now. I bought the one that is black outside and looks like a...(cheap) point and shoot. It'll fool ya. The optics are exceptional. I have found myself leaving the camera with diaper bag at the office and just toting this little camera along. I have published many photographs from this camera. It is very capable.

I was simply amazed with the results! I used a Kodak Gold 200 film (which is average) , and the pictures were very crisp, clear, and full of color!

The best part I like about the camera is that it has very few buttons to tinker with. There's a zoom control, a mode button, and finally a button for taking pics. I also like the fact that it has an in-built flash, unlike the Olympus I owned previously.

This simplistic looking camera has numerous modes for different lighting conditions, etc. a lot more than most other point-and-shoot cameras. It takes some time getting used to the symbols used for the various modes, but after shooting a couple of rolls, I was comfortable with them. This should not be a reason to overlook this camera.

Overall, a great camera, albeit a little pricey for a point 'n shoot.

Outdoor shots come out crisp and clear. I have several photos from a trip to England that look like postcards! I have only two complaints otherwise this is a great camera for someone who does not want to fuss with settings and just "point and shoot."

Main complaint is the "mode" window. You need to memorize or carry the explanation card for all the symbols in the mode window. You can't deciper the codes to figure out what any of these symbols mean and it can make a significant difference in the resulting photograph. RECOMMENDATION: Make the symbols user friendly so that we know what they mean or print the symbols and definitions on the back of the camera.

Other problem is the film-loading procedure is not the best. If the film is not wrapped properly and catches just right, the camera does not operate. I had thought it might be the battery and went through the trouble of replacing a($) battery only to find there was nothing wrong with the battery. RECOMMENDATION: Needs to be changed to an "auto load" just like the "auto rewind."