The Leica Compact Camera Revolution

Sometimes it\'s not just about being the best tool for the job; it\'s enough that something inspires. The Leica M3\'s legacy is that, more than any other camera, it made ordinary people want to be photographers. That romantic image of a lone snapper capturing moments of everyday life on the streets of the world is what the Leica camera was all about.

The irony is that most pros actually preferred the more downmarket Leica M2, because its viewfinder was set up for the useful 35mm lens, but the Leica M3 has that slightly more fussy look that harks back to an age of innocence.

And thanks to the digital revolution in the camera world, it\'s never been cheaper to pick one up and get shooting, preferable while wearing a 50\'s outfit like a beret with horn-rimmed glasses.

As the Leica M3 was a revolution in 1954 its technology is today a bit old fashion, therefore Leica has answered its ardent fans an produced a 10.3 megapixel digital version, the Leica M8 Digital. The Leica M8 doesn\'t only look like an M - it utilises all the benefits of the analog Leica M system for sophisticated and creative digital photography. It is the only digital camera for enthusiasts and professionals alike to incorporate the rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision.

Noteworthy, though, is Leica\'s association with Panasonic, which gives us more budget versions of digital cameras.