The Leica D-Lux 8, which was announced on May 23, is now officially on sale. The camera is the eighth generation of the model, which was first introduced in 2003. For the first time, the D-Lux 8 is an exclusive Leica product and will not be accompanied by a Panasonic sibling. The exterior of the camera has benefited from a Leica-style makeover, and the user interface is now based on other models in the Leica line-up. While the camera appears to be entirely new, it shares most of its internals with the D-Lux 7, which has been on the market for six years.
One major surprise is that Leica is now referring to the D-Lux 8 as a micro four-thirds camera. This was previously heresy, with the company insisting that the sensor should be referred to as “four-thirds”. We always understood that the term micro four-thirds was specifically reserved for interchangeable-lens systems from members of the Micro Four Thirds organisation. Things now appear to have changed, and we can henceforth refer to the D-Lux as a micro-four-thirds camera, which is actually a good thing and sets the record straight in the eyes of buyers. Leica is of course a member of the organisation, presumably because of the Leica-branded m4/3 lenses sold by Panasonic.
UPDATE 4 July 2024: Following our approach to Leica’s press office, the company has confirmed that the reference to “micro four thirds” was a mistake and the specification sheet has been revised and the D-Lux 8 is now described as a “digital compact camera”. Leica says, “Whilst the D-Lux 8 has the sensor, it doesn’t have the interchangeable lens and therefore isn’t compatible with the MFT system. As for the Micro Four Thirds Organisation, Leica is a member of the MFT Alliance because Panasonic sells MFT lens units with the Leica brand”.
Specification trawling
The specification sheets of the D-Lux 7 and D-Lux 8 (both of which can be downloaded from the link beneath this article) are very difficult to compare, but it is clear that the D-Lux 8 shares most of its internals with the older model. I spent a frustrating couple of hours trying to make sense of the wildly differing specification sheets and came up with the following material differences:
- Improved electronic viewfinder with a 2.35 OLED megapixel display (compared with the 2.7 megapixel LCD of the previous model)
- Higher resolution 3in TFT LCD screen with 1.8 mp (2.24 mp)
- The ability to produce DNG files, thus bringing the camera into line with other Leica cameras
- Storage medium upgrade to UHS I and II (previously SD/SDHC/SDXC)
- Bluetooth 5 LE with improved compatibility with Leica Fotos (compared with 4.2 on the previous model)
- Weight slightly lower at 395g (403g)
- Camera is slightly bigger at 130 wide x 69 high x 62 deep (118×66×64 on DL-7). The 12 mm extra width is significant, however.
Two additional changes mentioned by readers:
- The shutter release is now threaded, so a soft release can be fitted
- The physical power switch is replaced by a push button. I asked Alex at Red Dot Cameras to check the standby operation. He reports that “the camera has two power saving timers, one called Displays/AF Auto Off and another called Auto Power Off, if the auto display off kicks in, you can tap the shutter button and it will awaken the camera. However, the auto power off, does actually power off the camera, so you will have to turn it on again. These two settings can be customised and set to different timings or deactivated”. Note that this power saving/on-off option is identical to that on the Ricoh GRIII which also features a push-button power switch, which means it isn’t obvious whether the power is on or off.
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose
That’s about it, as far as I can see. The lens is identical, the sensor appears to be identical. There is no reference to the image processor which, again, we can assume to be identical. While the camera looks different, and will be popular because of this new appearance and Leica-family user interface, there are few major changes to the effectiveness of the camera. It is more than likely that the output from this new D-Lux 8 will be identical to that of the outgoing D-Lux 7.
Despite the similarity under the hood, I think the new version will appeal to Leica users. Our editor, Mike, has one on order, and we hope to see it early next week (so far, deliveries have not started here in the UK). He always rated the D-Lux 7 highly and sees no reason to be disappointed by the lack of real innovation. However, I know he is highly interested in discovering what Leica has done to turn this well-regarded and very competent cooperative Panasonic joint venture into a camera that can truly be regarded as a member of the family.
With so much attention being concentrated these days on fixed-lens compacts (such as the Fuji X100VI, Leica Q3 and Ricoh GRIII), the new D-Lux 8 offers a refreshing alternative. While the sensor is the smallest and therefore the least competent in terms of ultimate resolution, the incorporation of a 24-75mm zoom lens compensates to some extent, particularly at the longer end in relation to cropped images from APS-C fixed-focal-length competitors. And when it comes to full frame, Leica already has a winner in the form of the Q3, so the D-Lux 8 makes a congenial lightweight companion. We think that the D-Lux 8 will be considered a competitive carry-round camera, especially by Leica owners, who will be attracted by the familiar controls and user interface.
Specifications
Here are the technical specification sheets for the old and the new D-Lux models. If you fancy the odd hour of detailed study, please let us know if we have missed anything significant in the above points of difference.
D-Lux 8 press release
NEW: Leica D-Lux 8
A new compact camera with zoom lens featuring Leica’s iconic design
Wetzlar, 2nd July 2024. Leica Camera AG presents the Leica D-Lux 8, a new compact camera that aligns perfectly with the brand’s philosophy of good design. The newly designed camera offers exceptional user comfort, not only in terms of its design but also in its operation. The intuitive controls, user interface, and optimised button layout, along with its ergonomically arranged controls, ensure a user-friendly experience.
The Leica D-Lux 8 offers all the essential functions for photography and video, with manual and fully automatic modes that give photographers the freedom to choose between quick snapshots and thoughtful compositions. The camera delivers impressive results even in challenging lighting conditions thanks to a powerful 4/3” CMOS sensor with 21 MP (17 MP effective), a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7-2.8 4 ASPH. zoom lens (35mm equivalent of 24-75mm) and an attachable flash. The high-resolution touchscreen and new 2.4-megapixel OLED viewfinder with Live View function help frame the perfect shot, which can be in both DNG and JPEG formats. The optical zoom and 4k video capability make the Leica D- Lux 8 a versatile, all-purpose camera, whilst its compact and lightweight size make it ideal for taking anywhere.
FOTOS friendly
As a true all-rounder, the compact Leica D-Lux 8 seamlessly connects to the Leica FOTOS app, where images can be downloaded, edited, and shared directly to a smartphone. The app also supports DNG files and video downloads, as well as remote camera operation, including optical zoom. Camera firmware updates can also be managed directly within the Leica FOTOS app.
The sophisticated design of the Leica D-Lux 8 is complemented by several matching accessories. These include leather half cases in black, cognac and olive, matching carrying and wrist straps in the colour combinations black, cognac/petrol and olive/burgundy, as well as an equipment bag and hip bag in black, completing the range of textile accessories. Technical accessories such as the auto lens cap and the new handgrip provide even more comfort when taking pictures and the screw-on soft release buttons in the colours black, brass and silver give the compact camera a unique touch.
The Leica D-Lux 8 is now available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorised dealers. The retail price (in the UK) is £1,450 including VAT.
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Just had a call from Leica that they’ve got the stock and when I can come to pick it up. When I went to the Mayfair shop yesterday, I noticed there were at least 2 people who had come in to check this camera. So it has certainly picked some interest.
I had been there the day before to see the camera myself and I was quite happy with the overall package as it is, with I think better EVF , body controls, menu and the tiny flash that comes with it. The b&w high contrast jpegs are good too. I put my name down then on Thursday and have been called just a few minutes ago to pick mine up.
It is one of those when my brain says it is not justified but heart says different. I’m always the one to go after what my brain says but I might make this as exception.
D-LUX 8. Made in China, no thanks!!!!!!
What difference does it make? Fujis are made in China. What counts is how the manufacturer handles quality control, not jingoism.
Jon, is right.So many of the products we use and trust are made in China. Jingoism and prejudice just don’t count. My iPad and iPhone 13 are made in PRC and I cannot fault their quality or performance, My partner drives an MG4 EV. The name is a revered English brand but it is 100% Chinese nowadays. The fit and finish is excellent-European luxury car build quality at 60% of the price. Don’t blame the Chinese for being good at what they do.
And, as John knows, my Tesla Model 3 was made in China. It is now over three years old and has been perfect. Well made, utterly reliable and great to drive.
We have an important update on the description of the D-Lux 8. Following our approach to Leica’s press office, the company has confirmed that the reference to “micro four thirds” was a mistake. We were right in the first place, it seems. The specification sheet has been revised and the D-Lux 8 is now described as a “digital compact camera”. Leica says, “Whilst the D-Lux 8 has the sensor, it doesn’t have the interchangeable lens and therefore isn’t compatible with the MFT system. As for the Micro Four Thirds Organisation, Leica is a member of the MFT Alliance because Panasonic sells MFT lens units with the Leica brand”.
Sometimes I wonder if I should be running the Design team at Wetzlar. Since the D lux 7, they’ve had 5 years to develop something with a bigger sensor, faster focus and easily a body up to the same size as a Q3 but instead all they did was rehash the design with the only benefit being, the USBc port.
Looks like I’ll keep shooting with my Pana LX10ii (70% discount) and only be missing the USB port.
Of my vast Collection of Modern cameras the only ones which travel with me are the iPhone 15 (Leica lux app and Spatial Video), LX, Sigma FP and the Q3.
I guess Leica didn’t want to cannibalise the bigger models.
Not even the USB-C port. That was also a feature of the D-Lux 7. But you are right in that the -8 is just a re-hash, but an interesting one at that. Let’s see if it is worth it…
I’m in two minds about the DL8.
It looks great, has a nice fast lens and zoom capability in a small body, making it a very good travel camera. I had an LX100 which was very nice indeed.
On the other hand, the old internals don’t appeal. There have been such advances in technology in the last five years that it feels stingy not to create something more up to date.
At a price point of £1450, it’s only £150 below the bang up to date X100VI. It would make more sense to pick up a used LX100II for under £400 and spend the spare £1000 on a trip somewhere nice to use it and take amazing photographs.
Oops – the LX100II is nearer to £700, but you get my drift.
I just saw this and realized we have written almost the same thing – the LX100ii can easily be picked up for AUD900. It’s the best camera that I can sneak into concerts.
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“..It would make more sense to pick up a used LX100II for under £400..”
I think it would make even more sense to pick up a used Sony RX100MkVi or MkVII, with a 24-200mm (equivalent) lens and all the rest of the wonderful things that the RX100 series have to offer.
It’s always possible to stick one of those Leica red dots on the front of the Sony (..and just paint out the white SONY letters with a thin 0.7 point black felt-tip pen). Instant ‘Pride-of-Leica-ownership’ at a fraction of the price of a DL8.
Just think: when anyone shows anyone their photos, does anyone even bother to wonder – that’s if the content of the photos is good enough – which camera was used to take them? No-one cares! The only people who care which camera was used to take photos are the camera manufacturers – who’d like your money in their pocket – and the shops which sell them (ditto).
Look at a dozen photos in a newspaper or magazine, or a dozen photos online: can you tell which camera was used to shoot any of them? Of course not. Just think of the actual features you want, and buy whichever camera has them. The actual brand is immaterial. (Most of them contain materials made by others than the brand name, anyway.)
You don’t get photos which are in some way magically different when taken with a Leica, any more than you get a journey which is in some way magically different when taken in an Audi instead of a Peugeot, or a comfy VW, or a Vauxhall (are they still made?) or an Alvis (they aren’t) or an Armstrong-Siddely or a BMW. When you reach your destination, does anyone ask which kind of car you came in, and coo over it because it’s an extra special brand? As long as you’re there, who cares what you came in?
D’you care whether this Comment was written on a Mac, or a Lenovo, or an HP, or an Asus or a Dell or a pocket phone? It’s the choice of words which matters, not the choice of keyboard. With a photo, it’s the idea which matters, not the instrument.
Just choose the camera – new or old – which has the features which you want, the brand doesn’t matter. And an RX100MkVI probably has all the features which most people will ever want. Oh, except for the red dot, but you can stick that on yourself.
I understand your point David but it isn’t just about looking at and comparing the resulting images, it’s also, for me anyway, very much about the process of using the camera and that is where Leica’s menu system and design will make all the difference.I don’t particularly think other manufacturers have managed to refine these things as well as Leica has. The menu system on my SL2s for example is hands down better than the others I’ve tried. Painting out SONY lettering, sticking a red dot on it and pretending it’s a Leica is rather sad I feel, and it still won’t be. Still, it is a real pity Leica didn’t see the need to include an updated sensor which would have made this worth consideration.
“Painting out SONY lettering, sticking a red dot on it and pretending it’s a Leica is rather sad I feel”
I am a satisfied owner of a Sony RX100 MkVI and have no desire to stick a red dot on it. The word “metaphorically” comes to mind when interpreting David B’s comments above.
I do admit though to being rather sad in that I bought a “Rolex” watch from a gentleman on a Spanish beach and wore it when I felt I needed to make a point at a couple of meetings with some materialistic people.
“It’s always possible to stick one of those Leica red dots on the front ….”
That’s effectively what Leica did when they rebadged the LX100 models as DLs.
Yup.
If you live(d) in the UK – and you’re old enough to remember – The Morris Mini-Minor was the same car as the Austin Mini, and as the Riley Elf, and as the Wolseley Hornet (though the last two had short ‘tail fins’ added to the basic body.
Essentially, they were all the same car, but with different badges on the bonnet (hood). So if you liked the Wolseley brand, you bought a Wolseley. (It was perceived to be more ‘upmarket’, with a little light bulb inside the badge on the bonnet.) If you preferred the old Riley marque, you bought a Riley Elf. If you liked the Austin tradition you bought an Austin Mini, if you preferred the name Morris, and its vague association with Morris Garages (‘MG’) you bought the Morris version.
But they were all the same car (with maybe a bit of a fancy dashboard inside the more expensive ones): ‘badge engineering’.
David, I agree with all of your points about images and cameras and cars and journeys etc, but you and I both know that is not the point about badges and brands. With us humans, of whatever ‘brand’ we might be ourselves, owning or having or using something that ‘says something’ about ourselves can be important, whether it is Hermes scarves or Dior suits and perfume or a Mercedes car or a Leica camera. People like this kind of thing , otherwise many so-called luxury brands would not exist or would go out of business. It can, of course, be dismissed as ‘delusional nonsense’, but it is real and does exist.
I am not really a ‘brand person’ myself. As a collector, I own a large number of Leicas, probably more than 50, I’ve never counted them, but I have not bought them because of their ‘brand’, but rather because I find them interesting. I also buy vintage cameras made by other ‘manufacturers’ which is the term I use rather than ‘brand’. I have a great interest in historical photography and the history of photography, but this is not brand related, except when it relates to the small number of photographic items made in Ireland, in which case, it is location related. Mike, who knows me well, can confirm this.
The world is made up of all sorts of people and that is one of the many things that make life so interesting.
William
Thanks David,
I think this works fine theoretically, but does not take into account context: what the photographer shoots and what equipment they currently have.
Oops, sorry Jon.. I’m not quite sure what you mean; I was replying to Andrew Tobin, who said “..At a price point of £1450, it’s only £150 below the bang up to date X100VI. It would make more sense to pick up a used LX100II for under £400 and spend the spare £1000 on a trip somewhere nice to use it and take amazing photographs”.
Andrew was suggesting that one might buy a new Fuji fixed-focal-length X100VI instead of a Leica DL-8, or perhaps buy a used (24-75mm-equivalent zoom) Panasonic LX100II. I was suggesting that better buy might be a used Sony RX100MkVI ..as that has a zoom lens, rather than a fixed lens like the Fuji, and its zoom stretches from 24-200mm (equivalent) rather than the DL-8’s, or Panny LX100II’s, 24-75mm.
So, with the RX100MkVI, it doesn’t matter what the photographer shoots – unless they want something wider than 24mm – the Sony will provide a greater focal range than any of the other three. And I suggested “..Just choose the camera – new or old – which has the features which you want, the brand doesn’t matter”. As Andrew clearly thought, it wouldn’t matter whether he bought a Fujifilm or a Panasonic instead of a Leica.
If a photographer currently has a camera whose controls they particularly like, then, as I said “..choose the camera … which has the features which you want..” such as, say, a particular low-light capability, or a particular arrangement of buttons and dials.
If a photographer shoots old steam engines, the Sony can do that. If they shoot portraits or ‘contextual portraits’, the Sony can do that. I can’t think of a genre ..”what the photographer shoots”.. which the small Sony cannot handle.
So if Andrew’s thinking of getting a smallish, pocketable camera such as a Fuji, or a Panny, instead of a D-Lux 8, then – all I was saying was – a used Sony RX100MkVI would nicely fit the bill. Wouldn’t it?
Haptics matter — perhaps more to me, at 75 y/o, than to others. I grew up on a Pentax Spotmatic, and the first digital camera that I could actually use was the Leica Digilux 2.
After that, I’d fallen all the way down the slippery slope of Leica. For me, they’re just easier to use. Heavy, yes. Bulky, yes. Industrial-ugly, yes. But I can actually use them easily.
I considered buying the Sony RX100MkV, but tried less expensive similar-sized Panasonics. Wound up re-selling them at a loss; even after a month of trying to adjust, I couldn’t use them in a consistent way.
Must be old age creeping up on me ….
You’re just a slip of a girl Kathy ..I’m 77 next month, and always trying something new..!
I’ll defer to my elders on this; they say trying new things keeps the mind sharp.
Actually, I did buy the Sony DSC-RX10 III for a little more range, but again, it was all ‘Wait, what did I push? What mode am I in now? And that’s after a week of reading the instruction guide.
I would guess that anyone can learn to make most any camera work. It’s a matter of how much time and effort that’s put into the process.
When my house was hit by lightning and the Leica went off to Germany for repairs, all I had with me was a little Panasonic GX1. By damn, it took a long time to get it doing what I wanted. By then, I’d missed some of the photos I most wanted (TMI: the insurance company had put us up in a condo where some swifts were nesting and feeding the young. New life was just what I wanted to see after the destruction of the house. I could never get the GX to take that picture! I’ve resented that camera ever since 🙂
Thanks, Jon. It’s an interesting point you make about Leica and Micro Four Thirds. We are currently working on an article on this subject. There’s a lot of interest out there, as OM Systems are proving, and Leica could do a lot worse than use m4/3 as a start system, especially considering the lens line up.
Thanks Jason,
Like Mike I’m seriously considering buying a DL-8 and sending my old DL-109 down to the farm.
Specifications aside, this is an interesting move by Leica. When Leica abandoned APSC and the future potential of the CL, many were bitterly disappointed. It meant the bottom end of the Leica roster was now a $5,000 camera.
If the DL-8 is even moderately successful that should tell Leica whether there’s greater potential for more MFT cameras. The lenses already exist. Is there a current or future Panasonic MFT camera that could be converted to a Leica UI? The gap then to the Q3 would perhaps then be less significant. After all Fuji focuses on APSC and Medium Format, so why not MFT and FF for Leica?