Best Enthusiast Camera 2008

LX3 takes the prize in the category or Best Enthusiast camera for 2008 See DPreview for the details.

Still time to pick one up for Christmas.

“Panasonic DMC-LX3 $410

If you want to get the same thing with a little more cache but the same performance get the Leica

“Leica DLUX 4 10.1-megapixel Digital Still Camera” (Leica) $849 Ouch! That’s a lot of dough for a red dot.

The Leica S System

Rumors have been floating around for a while about Nikon releasing a medium format camera called the MX. Bigger than the current FX (full frame) of the D3 and D700. Well I wish I had news on that front but I don’t. Well I don’t from Nikon. I do from Leica.

Today Leica announced the S-System a DSLR that is larger than a full frame or film SLR buy 56%!. Knowing Leica only the professionals and ultra rich need to apply. It does look interesting though. The system includes 9 lenes. Read all about it at the Leica site. The video is entertaining but for some reason reminds me of a skit from Saturday night live.

Haven’t heard of Leica recently? The Wall Street Journal has a story the gets some of the facts right.

Looking for a nice point and shoot camera?

I recommend the Leica M8 10.3MP for recent lottery winners. $5,500

“Leica M8 10.3MP Digital Rangefinder Camera with .68x Viewfinder (Black Body Only)” (Leica)

or silver

“Leica M8 10.3MP Digital Rangefinder Camera with .68x Viewfinder (Silver Chrome Body Only)” (Leica)

Be sure to pick up a lens or two so you can actually use the camera. $3,500

“Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Manual Focus Lens (11874)” (Leica)

You could also get a nice panasonic with a Leica lens for a little less money. $300-$500

“Panasonic DMC-LX2K 10.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)” (Panasonic)

Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual

Looking for a book for a mac user that recently upgraded to Leopard? Get them this book and make them read it. You would be surprised at all the features your mac has that you never use because you didn’t know existed. David Pogue has a way of making the most mundane features seem interesting.

“Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual” (David Pogue)

Or maybe you know someone that just bought a Mac. Check out the switcher version.

“Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Leopard Edition (Missing Manual)” (David Pogue)