I have the D-Lux7 and it is a lovely camera, although the Lumix GX80 or 9 are actually ‘better’ cameras with a choice of interchangeable lenses and tilting screens. The Leica is perfectly good though and it undoubtedly has a quality feel and look to it that makes it a pleasure to use and the new Q-style menu on the 8 only improves it. Yes I also have a Q2, a couple of Panasonics and Olympus and Sony cameras. You will surely not regret purchasing a D-Lux 8 camera.
@@hedydd2 Thanks for your insights. I currently use a Hasselblad X2D for my ‘serious’ landscape and car photography, and an R6 MKII for action photography and video, but I’ve wanted a good compact camera for random walk around photography for ages. I tried the X100 twice, but the limits of its fixed focal length frustrated me. I’m hoping this will be the camera I’ve been searching for. I’m rather excited about it, actually. 🙂
@@peterfritzphoto do you think Zf with a 28-400mm will be too much for everyday camera? How about RX100 series? By the way, is your X2D fun because some say modern SLR camera take picture like a computer and those with dedicated shutter and ISO dials and aperture ring is more fun to shoot with, what do you think of this, is X2D just a more refined of that computer shooting experience? By the way Mr Fritz, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, currently I'm looking for more works, do you love to have a logo for your channel's branding to have a memorable graphic based monogram logo to help your audience recognise and follow your channel easier? I would love to design a photography themed logo inspired by your direction for you! Let me know if you interested to make it happen! :-)
@@NetvoTV It depends on your definition of ‘everyday camera’. I’d have thought it too big and heavy for that. The X2D is a simpler, purer photography experience than modern full-frame cameras - at least for me. I don’t need a new logo, thank you.
Spooky focus box problem. Simple swtch off touch screen, its your nose that does when you use the view finder! Drove me round the bend when I first got my XH1!
We are all spoiled by the camera specs these days. I took some of my best photos on a D-Lux 2 with an 8 megapixel sensor (some cropped massively). The D-Lux 8 sensor is more than adequate. My problem is convincing myself not to buy the camera. I’ve had a look at the DNGs from the camera and they’re really very good up to 1600 ISO and modern noise reduction software means that above that is also easy to get excellent pictures. Of course, my M11 blows it away in comparison - its 10,000 ISO is roughly the same as 1,600 ISO on the D-Lux. Still, easier to stuff a D-Lux in a pocket!
I did the photo illustrations for an article about tourism in NYC with D-Lux 4 in 2010. The thing about Leica is they make noise look like film grain. If it's handled correctly, it looks great.
Yes I loved my D-Lux2 and had lovely photos from it, I kept it for well over a decade and then an internal switch went and it would turn itself on when stored and run the battery down, then I tried storing it without the battery and so the date/time had to be set on every start-up, so it was time to say goodbye to it at the recycling centre.
I just jumped into the shop and tested a demo. I could make a decision right after several minutes. The built, the ease of control, and of course, the Leica tone of colour. Am a X2 user here.
I've been using m43 professionally, for over a decade now. I've even had photos taken with a 16mp m43 sensor blown up to billboard size. and with no issues. APS-C and FF isn't everything it is cracked up to be. I've taken pictures of Lords inside the HoL, Parliament, London with m43, shot images of Rolls Royce cars at the very prestigious International Property Awards in Mayfair, London, all using 16mp m43 (Olympus). If you really believe m43 isn't enough, then you aren't really a photographer, or at best, just an amateur. That may sound arrogant, but it's totally correct/true. I think most will be blown away by what the D-Lux 8 will deliver for them. It's a bargain.
No-one - least of all me - and I am a Pro - is complaining that my 3 Hass Cameras and 4 Hass Lenses are not only made in China but Hass is mostly Chinese owned since DJI hold a majority share in the company - without that investment Hass would have gone a while back.Fuji XT-3/4/5 are made in China - Fujifilm is also said to resume negative color film production in Nanning, China. The first films to go in production will be the Fujifilm C200 and Fujifilm C400 and made by Yes!Star, which is known for making medical film.The Fuji X100VI is made in China too
China can make anything from super cheap to high end tight stuff. It just depends what the designers are speccing. BYD cars makes Tesla interiors look like cheap economy cars for example.
This lens is like all the Pana-Leicas. They're all engineered by Leica and then manufactured by Panasonic. This cooperation has a long tradition and has given us some super nice glas over more then a decade now.
The problem with an APCS in a compact point and shoot is you won’t get the fast apersture meaning this will still be better in low light and offer a shallower DOF. Canon tried it with the G1X but it failed because of the slow aperature.
Great review and very original from others I've seen. Just one thing.... Yes, bigger sensors matter. But most people, including photographers, won't see the difference. I can. But still love m43 and have used it for about 7 years. Used to work with Canon FF. For myself, I'd get FF (the rumored S1R II is on my lookout) just for me and maybe higher-paying/big fashion work. But for the most part, especially in the studio, m43 is totally fine. This Leica is on my list. Done quite a bit of research and nothing else just didn't stack against it. You can basically throw it in just about any bag and not notice it's there. It's just too much effort to carry even an average m43 camera around everywhere. I think this thing is going to sell like crazy. My first Leica.
I turned touch off on the rear screen of my Leica cameras to stop the focus box from moving. My nose touched the screen when looking through the viewfinder and moved the box. Give that a try.
Another reviewer noted the same thing - although he thought (on the positive? side) that he could change the focus box location "on the fly" by moving his finger across the screen.
@@littleviking488 You can use your fingers to size and position the focus boxes when Touch Focus is ON. IF Touch Focus is OFF you must use the CONTROL PAD and REAR DIAL (same one as EXPOSURE COMPENSATION) to do it. Once you press an ARROW on the CONTROL PAD the REAR DIAL changes function to move the FOCUS BOX. This is not intuitive and the are dependencies on how you have configured the REAR DIAL to make it work.
This is my dream LX100. That first gen Lumix was such a magic combination. I even like the imperfections of the early gen m4/3 sensor. Really punchy colours and sharp when it needed to be. The D-Lux 8 will be perfect for someone who wants a single small camera that is very versatile and easy to travel with. No worry’s of changing lenses, using adapters etc. It could be someone’s primary camera but also a great secondary or EDC for someone who has heavier kits full frame or medium format, film etc.
Just get the LX100 or the LX100ii then. No need to waste money on this low effort Leica crap. This camera is more about accessories than actual camera. Leica could've easily used the new 25mp M43 sensor and made a tiltable screen. Instead they just rehoused an LX100ii and called it a day... appalling
@@anasrida3454 thanks. I’ve owned the LX100 years back. The newer sensor would have been good, and Leica is not a value brand. That said the used prices for point-and-shoots and many cameras almost makes the price point reasonable. I won’t be buying either though, as I have a very capable MILC setup that is serving me well.
Leica D-lux 7, Lumix LX100 M2 is the same. They are 5-year-old models and you can hardly find them on the market, which means that they are still excellent. D-Lux8 is only a cosmetic treatment, but a very successful one. Now the menu is beautifully simplified. Personally, I would accept: skip the motor and have the zoom manual - that would be great. The motor is the weakest part of the camera - it is too slow. The video function didn't even have to be there - the iPhone will do a better job. Minus: Slow zoom motor, lack of grip is questionable, significantly higher noise compared to FullFrame, M43 sensor is prone to make purple artifacts in strong backlight, body is not wather resistant. Everything else is amazing - currently the only camera of its kind in the world.
You should be reviewing mirco 4/3rds cameras. I was an early adopter and bought the original Panasonic mirrorless camera when Panasonic and Olympus pioneered the format and system 12-13 years ago. Since then lenses are usable across those two manufacturers, I've bounced between bodies from the two makers over the years. I have exhibited work with images from these cameras and I think they are grossly under-estimated.
Well, this all made in Germany, 16 megapixel APS sensor with a beautiful pop up flash and a real Leica lens (created by Peter Karbe) camera already exists. It is the Leica X-Vario. It's just fantastic. If you want to go smaller, there's the Leica X-2. I think these cameras were ahead of their time, if they were released today - with the more advanced tech we have now - I am sure they would be absolutely killers. The DNG files are so, so good. I love them. You should review one!
A really nice one. I am fine with 17mp, enough to print (if you want) in a decent size. I wished (as the body has gotten a tad bigger compared to the 7) that they include some sensor stabilisation (pixel shift just in case one is out and needs some more mp) and maybe a new processor and a tillable screen (like the Q3). Thanks for your opinion, always very valuable for me
Can you lock the zoom ? When you turn the camera on does the zoom return to its prior position ? How does the zoom behave with power saving ? About the focus point moving around, when touch AF is disabled, the manual says that you still can move it by a double tap. That is what probably happened to you.
Bobby, I would love for you to start looking at M4/3. Having just sold my Sony gear for OM Systems, I can share this: Full Frame kits will always be bigger, heavier and more expensive than comparable M4/3 cameras... it is just physics. Maybe they can make the camera equally small, but not the lenses. So the physical issues will likely never go away when comparing Full Frame vs M4/3. But image quality issues, where FF has advantages over M4/3 (Noise, Bokeh), can mostly be mitigated with post processing software such as DXO and/or Topaz. So the M4/3 systems can be smaller, lighter, cheaper and have image quality good enough for most everyone. Thanks.
@@btonelli yup, I understand. Too bad, really. Thanks for the work you do. You have definitely impacted my buying decisions with your reviews. Really appreciate your work!
@@HPBurstyn thanks. it’s a definite upgrade but to tell you if it’s enough for you is a bit difficult as I don’t know much about how you photograph or use the camera
Very nice, thank you. I had an earlier version, which I used for work years ago. It was always reliable. This looks good, other than the 'sea creature' lens flaps, which may not resist dust or fluff.
I agree that the camera probably hits the sweet spot for many buyers, especially those who hanker after the Leica marque. But... Somehow Fuji and Ricoh can offer higher megapixel APS-C sensors at the same price point or, in the case of Ricoh, quite a bit less. What was needed, I think, was a fixed-lens, short zoom, Return of the Leica CL for $1500-2000, with the Maestro II processor,. A new design, all Leica. That would have really rocked the markett. I suspect Leica was worried that would somehow cannibalize sales of its Q line even though they are much more expensive.
@@RonScibilia the Ricoh is good but also missing an EVF, variable zoom lens and it’s a bit small for some. The CL is good but with the lenses you get into Q pricing quickly
Ordered mine - going to use as travel / mountain camera - will be in Nepal this fall for 3-1/2 weeks, see how it handles - my only concern is it’s not weather sealed- I’m just not keen to carry and use a heavy camera system - coming from Nikon F film, to Nikon Full Frame, to Fuji system , and now this … I’ll also try the Ricoh GR when I can get my hands on one … Thanks for the overview
Can you put a filter on the lens? For example, orange to darken the skies. Or a polarizer, that you must twist and view the effects to make it beneficial.
Thanks for addressing a lot of the questions around the camera. I also wanted to say you nailed the look and audio in your videos! Did Leicia improve the weather / dust resistance versus the Panasonic LX100 series?
The original Panasonic LX100 had a big problem: dust sucked through the lens and landing on the sensor, rendering the camera all but useless. Bobby tells us that the DLux8 has that very same lens. Have they corrected the issue?
This seems like a really nice pocket camera! A for the resolution, I’m thinking there’s software out there to increase the resolution…so 17mpx is no biggie
Good sum up! I already have a Canon Powershot G1X Mark III. Should this camera die, with no available units left, the D-Lux 8 would be my only choice left for a large sensor compact camera with zoom lens. My first choice for such a tool was the LX100II, but it had lens particle ingress issues. I’m imagining there’s no such thing on this camera. If only it had some form of weather resistance as well.
Not really. Most won’t even know the difference to be honest. Capturing great photos isn’t about 12 Bit or 14 Bit it’s about moments and composition, lighting and emotion.
The camera is too new to know if there is a dust issue. These questions asked to us that review it are very hard to replicate as that takes using a camera for a long period of time. It’s like asking a car reviewer how the car will perform at 50k miles when it was just released
The focus box moves to the corner is because you are touching the screen with the tip of your nose, it irritates me too, by the way D-lux 7 is an amazingly well built camera too with only two tiny plastic parts on the sides.
I thought so too so I tried it a couple times being aware of that and it still happens must be something I’m doing perhaps. Yes the D-Lux 7 is well built. The 8 surprisingly even better
Thanks for the video. I think you hit some key points, especially, this is probably targeting those who want to get on the Leica train and never had a Leica before.
Can I please ask the group a novice/Leica virgin question. I’m not sure whether to go with this as a new camera or I have the opportunity to buy a second hand Leica CL Paul smith edition … any thoughts???
@@simbagabrielle5891 with the CL you will need to get lenses. They are no longer sold by Leica so you need to source them. Also the camera is no longer sold sk check the warranty. If you are okay with both of those things the CL is a great camera
Thanks Bobby. #LX100III or #LX200, #DLux9: Hope Leica/Panasonic Lumix will keep developing the LX100/D-Lux Line of advanced point and shoot. Keep the M43, probably a slightly bigger body to accommodate IBIS, Tilting screen, full M4/3 sensor size use (no physical aspect ratio of the sensor, probably software) Smart move from Leica to capitalize on the sudden point and shoot hype. Lumix has an history of building rangefinder cameras. I still believe Lumix could build a successful FF L mount rangefinder.
17mp means that the coverage of the sensor is only 81%, so in effect, the sensor "size" is 19% smaller than Micro4Thirds. If they had done nothing else except increase the coverage of the existing sensor to 100% this would have been a significant improvement. I like everything here, but they needed to do more with the lens/sensor combination. I like the 'made in China' route for this line of cameras, as it lowers the price appropriately for this category. I would also like 14-bit raw files. However, I like this so much that I will probably buy one.
To play devil’s advocate… the hand made, small- batch, German production is often touted as a reason for Leica’s price premium (I think more than any other camera brand I hear this argument to partly justify the price)- to pay the German workers a living wage, etc. Acknowledging you can get great quality from Chinese factories, to your point. Thanks for the great videos!
I would like to ask about Leica D-Lux 8. I am wondering which SD card model I would be the most compatible? The bottom of the device says SDXC I. But the recommended specs on the website are SDXC II. Can you advise?
@12:12 I have the same issue with the M11, when using the EVF, where the zoom box randomly moves from the center to one of the four corners. Very frustrating, and the only way to fix it is to reboot the camera.
I pre ordered it on my local Leica Store in Italy… looking forward to test it on my own! Thank you for the video! I hope in the near future they add “Leica looks preset” and the progressive zoom function (24-28-35-50-75) . I remember I saw it in D Lux 7 and I hope it comes in the 8 too
Can you change the function on one of the two buttons on the back to be a "back focus button"? With my Canon and Olympus cameras I use, and strongly prefer, a back focus button. It holds the focus distance through multiple exposures until you use the back focus button again to focus at a different distance. It eliminates the need to focus and re-frame with every exposure if you're using the halfway pressure on the exposure release button.
I wrote to you earlier that I have an order in with B&H for the Fuji 100VI since March. I put in my order for the Leica D-Lux 8 almost a week ago (with B&H) after watching your videos. You mentioned that you believed I was likely to receive the 8 sooner than the 100VI. Well, I hope you are right. I just received an update from B&H (the first in many months) on my fuji order. They now say that they expect to ship the 100VI to me by December 10.
It’s worth the wait for the Fuji. It’s excellent. I got one on launch day. I’ve only just got hold of the wide angle converter as I take shots of, and in, historic buildings. The IBIS is superb, the ND and video excellent. Stick with your Fuji order but order the matching converters. The tele is a bit big so changes the ergonomics a bit and makes it far more obvious. I use the digital zoom for 50mm which ends up at 20MP. Even the 70mm digital zoom at 10mp takes great portraits. Remember when us use this crop mode you are using the centre of a very sharp lens and so it’s perfectly fine for most people’s needs and can get decent prints A4 or A3 at a pinch. Finally the Fujimfilm sims and leaf shutter flash are really nice. Reala Ace and Velvia are very good facsimiles of the old film stock. You can also model grain which is fantastic on black and white for a retro style. I think Acros sim has grain built in. Extras I’d get are the Nisi UV filter with the chamfered edge so the lens cap fits and the very comfortable and secure SmallRig grip. Both of these are good value. I’d possibly get the D Lux 8 as a camera for my family on their holidays but since I’ve got an X100VI and set of the old but still good EOS M cameras and lenses, including the two great primes (22mm F2 and 32mm F1.4) both the M3 and M5 mini DSLR style outperform the D Lux 8 apart from video. For video my iPhone 15 pro max, pro res, cinematic mode and good mic and lighting grip are amazing. The new 16 Pro is even better I’m told….look at the clever slow motion film on the Apple site. One of my family has just started a one year trip across the world. I offered to buy her a new kit up to £1000. She said straight away the little waterproof Olympus TG 7 in red and the kit of tele, macro lights etc to go with it. Having had a play with it before she left, I think it’s a fantastic little family camera for swimming, snorkelling, beach, mountains, rain forests…hence her choice.
@@andrewcrossley2448 What a beautiful and detailed reply. I will wait for the 100vi (B&H is estimating 2 months) and probably cancel the Leica. I am more of a Prime Lens guy. Thanks for the other suggestions. I will happily follow your lead. I am not that big of a wide lens user but I am sure it will come in handy. On my full frame Nikon Zf I primarily use the 40 f2, the Voigtlander 50mm Color Scopar f2.2 (light and sharper manual), and the Nikon 85 f1.8. I will order the wide angle converter as you suggest, if they are available, and use the in camera crop choices. I had a T5 before moving over to Nikon and I loved and used that feature a lot.
Excellent review/overview. My first 4/3 camera was a Panasonic G1 in -- what? -- 2011? Results always good. I have been enamored by the LX line since LX3, switched to it from Canon G9 after starting with the original Canon G1 in 2000. Last LX was the LX100 model 1. D-Lux 8 camera appears to be a kind of peak of what can be done with this design. Mine is back ordered at B&H (they have my $$$ but I don't have the camera yet) Will chime in after I've had it for a while. Thanks again (I subscribed). P.S. Why the cheesy name? D-Lux for the least expensive camera available new from Leica. Someone on another site said D-Lux 8 was like the name of a Pontiac from 1935. 🤣
Thanks for watching and appreciate the subscribe 🙏 Yes the name is a bit odd come to think of it haha Yes I think we are at the peak of what can be done with this sensor and lens now. Hopefully you get yours soon. Let me know what you think of it when it arrives.
@@btonelli Yes. I think the D-Lux 8 hits a pinnacle for small P&S cameras with a large(r) lens. The LX100 got almost there -- this more refined design will be hard to beat. Altho it would be great if someone tried.
Hello Sir …. I have been using Fujifilm XT30 ii for a while, for everyday shooting and for street photography. Should I go for Laica DL8 replacing Fujifilm ? Need your advice 🙏
One has a built in lens and M4/3 the other APS-C camera with options to change lenses. It depends on your needs really and how you photograph. Just from a standpoint of flexibility the XT30 will give you more but for compact then the D-Lux 8
Nice follow-up review. I've one on order ;-) Question: can you think of a (square) lenshood in combo with an UV filter that stays on the lens for protection, instead of the 'butterfly' lens clip?
This is indeed a Panasonic LX100ii with a Leica red dot, Leica menu system and Q-style exterior. It is well known that Leica/Panny lens does NOT mean that Leica designed the lens, but they approve of the lens design enough to place the Leica name on it. It comes down to whether or not someone wants to pay the premium for the exterior body and menu system. Nothing wrong with that, but the Panny version can be had for much less.
Yes, Leica doesn’t design the lens but they do sign off on it so in essence it’s very similar. While yes the internals may be similar the color output, body design etc are unique to Leica.
It would be nice as a travel companion to a film Leica M. The Lumix G100D adding the DG summilux 9,15 and 25mm lenses is a more flexible m43 option with same OLED VF. The focus box wander was one of the reasons I sold my Leica CL.
Amazing video as always!! I’m sooo curious about using this camera for Portraits, studio and outdoors since now we can shoot DNG, have you tried anything like that? Or maybe a future video about it? Keep with the amazing work Bobby, you’re awesome!!
@@ricomarques thanks! I haven’t tried studio work but yes can use for that. Don’t see why not. If I get the camera back perhaps but I’ll need to ask Leica
Its a really tempting price point at S$2450 for a leica camera but at the same time, its also really hard to convince people to buy into especially when you see competitor models such as the ricoh gr iii with a 24mp apsc sensor that only costs S$1400 brand new. Tough decision to make as I am tempted to get the gr iii until the release of this camera!!
I hear you. I have the GRIIIX with me, and while I love the image quality, due to my eyesight (hard to see close up on screens) it’s hard for me at times to use it, I prefer an EVF.
Focus box moving: I got the same (really annoying) issue with my Leica Q. No idea why and there does not seem to be a fix. My Q is first gen hence 8 years old. Love it otherwise but cannot understand why Leica have not fixed this.
I have used Leica digital cameras since Digilux 1, and D-lux 1, so if Leica DL8 was inspired by Q, it wouldn't make sense to me. I just wished Leica with their heritage followed the traditional design from the M series. Digilux 2 was a huge success and really wished Leica could bring that design back to the future Dlux series. Fuji understood their traditional identity early on with x100 series. And they do so well. Ricoh/Pentax the same.
the flash has a dedicated power pin that draws power from the camera (doesn't have a internal battery) so unfortunately it won't work with any other cameras.......
There’s a tiny Olympus FL-LM3 flash that should be compatible too; I use it with my typ 109. The Olympus flash is marginally taller, but also tilts if you want bounce off a low ceiling.
@@ianforber I never owned an E-M5ii, but that is the same flash. I just checked online and the flash is still available. However, I remembered the catch - the flash doesn’t fit on the D-Lux without adjustment. It won’t push in sufficiently to allow electrical connection unless you trim the plastic flange - five minute job that doesn’t change the function of the flash.
The consensus reviews… [paraphrased] ‘Excuse me for saying so… this camera is great.’ It is almost like no-one expected this D-Lux 8 to be anything worth considering. And, maybe I’m in that group , and maybe not. I bought a titanium D-Lux 4 when they came out…, the ‘same’ Panasonic camera at a higher cost, and it was all about the Leica branding everyone said. The Leica D-Lux 4 was used a lot, looked great, did what it needed to, here in Japan had an English menus and 3-year warranty (both the Panasonic didn’t have), and I enjoyed using it. Maybe I miss that D-Lux convenience, maybe the reason I’m even looking/considering the new D-Lux 8. The sensor size doesn’t bother me, even 17pm is plenty enough for larger prints and absolutely no issue with any computer screen size. Leica cleaned up the camera button and menu software, and the comparison to the Q3 is obvious. A still great lens with the most useful focal-length range. For a compact ‘point and shoot’ it clicks all the boxes. Its price is not cheap, or even in the midrange, but at the top of the premium compact cameras, and maybe that is where Leica is going to have a problem. I can’t imagine that production cost is up there in the stratosphere (being in China). They could have had a real winner here for the internet/social-media crowd and casual users, but with today’s world economy anyone considering this will have to think a few times to decide if a point and shoot with a Leica name and all that goes with that is worth the substantial purchase price.
@@Hektormydog with any product there will always be some that find value in some things and value in others. It’s not a one size fits all. If we were to look at your example, Leica wouldn’t sell cameras and everyone would buy Sony, Fuji, Nikon etc for the performance to price ratio. However Leica falls under a different category. Some say luxury, history, craftsmanship etc.
Hey Bobby, thanks for the video. I have a Leica D-lux 109 (7) that I've used for the same purpose as yourself.... something light to take around with me as I want something that goes beyond my iPhone. Do you find that the 8 is a step forward beyond the 7 simply put? I"ve been waiting for this for years it seems. Btw, I'm glad to have found your YT Channel and subscribed.
Thanks for the support! If you have the last version D-Lux 7, the 8 will only be a cosmetic and UI update. If you have older D-Lux cameras then yes this will be a good update. That’s probably the best way I can put it. Hope this helps
I still think they should have fitted a prime 14mm/1.7 to go with the m4/3 sensor… the lens having remained the same is disappointing to me. Fitting the zoom makes it a bit too pedestrian, it doesn’t excite me in the same way a fixed focal length does.
Initially I thought that too but the zoom will allow you to fill the frame with the thing you’re photographing, eliminating the need for more megapixels if you need to crop. The downside of course is the lag in zooming rather than just taking the picture.
@@ianforber That would have been fine, were it a mechanically coupled zoom. This lens isn’t, so it will never be quick and precise enough to do what you want it to do. No, I really stand by my opinion that they should have redesigned the lens from the ground up. Maybe a bit more inspiration from the Q3 would have been welcome, bump up the MP accommodate for ‘multiple focal lengths’.
Right now, aside from the frisson you will get from the Q "cues" and menu derived from the Q and now a better OLED EVF and slightly better LCD (all of which alone would explain the jump in price) along with the same lens that Leica insisted (from previous reviews on standard met on previous DLux's and Lumix LX's made by Panasonic which is waist deep in its partnership with Leica still) if the processor is the same the output will be the same. But...if the processor is a modified version of the latest "Maestro" and not the previous processor THEN it would be a true enthusiasts Leica. Otherwise you have a nice showpiece to hold in your hand that the user may really want people to recognize.
What are the Monochrome profiles like? Panasonic had L.monoD which was quite lovely if you didnt want to shoot raw and edit. Leica have their own version?
Hello Bobby from Russia. Thanks for your job. Can you answer me about quality photos of this camera versus photos from SL3. How much difference between photos of that's cameras? What is your opinion of my idea to change Leica SL3 + SL 24-90 on this compact camera Leica D-Lux 8 with zoom objective for shooting childs in the school?
This is a camera I really want to buy. Korea is too expensive. It costs approximately 1,900 US dollars. And it is said to be released in August. Nonetheless, I am worried that it will sell out.
I had the D-Lux 7, launched in November 2014 and identical to the Panasonic Lumix LX 100. Unfortunately, the Leica D-Lux 8 is disappointing compared to the D-Lux 7. Me would have expected more technical progress, but the innovations are hardly worth mentioning. Instead of real improvements, it seems as if a few steps have been taken backwards. Less good Viewfinder. 10 year old technology? Why? Too bad, I was hoping for a real upgrade! And I don't see the point in paying €600 more for it. You'd be better off looking for a Lumix 100 II. It can do the same. The only plus point would be the new “Leica Like” menu.
I’m buying this! I’ve wanted a quality photo-centric compact with a zoom lens for ages. This is it!
Congrats!
I have the D-Lux7 and it is a lovely camera, although the Lumix GX80 or 9 are actually ‘better’ cameras with a choice of interchangeable lenses and tilting screens. The Leica is perfectly good though and it undoubtedly has a quality feel and look to it that makes it a pleasure to use and the new Q-style menu on the 8 only improves it. Yes I also have a Q2, a couple of Panasonics and Olympus and Sony cameras. You will surely not regret purchasing a D-Lux 8 camera.
@@hedydd2 Thanks for your insights. I currently use a Hasselblad X2D for my ‘serious’ landscape and car photography, and an R6 MKII for action photography and video, but I’ve wanted a good compact camera for random walk around photography for ages. I tried the X100 twice, but the limits of its fixed focal length frustrated me. I’m hoping this will be the camera I’ve been searching for. I’m rather excited about it, actually. 🙂
@@peterfritzphoto do you think Zf with a 28-400mm will be too much for everyday camera? How about RX100 series? By the way, is your X2D fun because some say modern SLR camera take picture like a computer and those with dedicated shutter and ISO dials and aperture ring is more fun to shoot with, what do you think of this, is X2D just a more refined of that computer shooting experience?
By the way Mr Fritz, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, currently I'm looking for more works, do you love to have a logo for your channel's branding to have a memorable graphic based monogram logo to help your audience recognise and follow your channel easier? I would love to design a photography themed logo inspired by your direction for you! Let me know if you interested to make it happen! :-)
@@NetvoTV It depends on your definition of ‘everyday camera’. I’d have thought it too big and heavy for that. The X2D is a simpler, purer photography experience than modern full-frame cameras - at least for me. I don’t need a new logo, thank you.
Spooky focus box problem. Simple swtch off touch screen, its your nose that does when you use the view finder! Drove me round the bend when I first got my XH1!
My first gen Leica Q has the same issue but no touch screen!
We are all spoiled by the camera specs these days. I took some of my best photos on a D-Lux 2 with an 8 megapixel sensor (some cropped massively). The D-Lux 8 sensor is more than adequate. My problem is convincing myself not to buy the camera. I’ve had a look at the DNGs from the camera and they’re really very good up to 1600 ISO and modern noise reduction software means that above that is also easy to get excellent pictures. Of course, my M11 blows it away in comparison - its 10,000 ISO is roughly the same as 1,600 ISO on the D-Lux. Still, easier to stuff a D-Lux in a pocket!
M11 and D-Lux 8 are slightly different :) yes software can help out a lot when it comes to ISO
The cost difference between those two cameras! 🤯
I did the photo illustrations for an article about tourism in NYC with D-Lux 4 in 2010. The thing about Leica is they make noise look like film grain. If it's handled correctly, it looks great.
Yes I loved my D-Lux2 and had lovely photos from it, I kept it for well over a decade and then an internal switch went and it would turn itself on when stored and run the battery down, then I tried storing it without the battery and so the date/time had to be set on every start-up, so it was time to say goodbye to it at the recycling centre.
I just jumped into the shop and tested a demo. I could make a decision right after several minutes. The built, the ease of control, and of course, the Leica tone of colour. Am a X2 user here.
@@joaquimvong indeed. It feels very good in the hands of
@@btonelli unfortunately I need to wait until Sept to get an unit in my region...
I've been using m43 professionally, for over a decade now. I've even had photos taken with a 16mp m43 sensor blown up to billboard size. and with no issues. APS-C and FF isn't everything it is cracked up to be. I've taken pictures of Lords inside the HoL, Parliament, London with m43, shot images of Rolls Royce cars at the very prestigious International Property Awards in Mayfair, London, all using 16mp m43 (Olympus). If you really believe m43 isn't enough, then you aren't really a photographer, or at best, just an amateur. That may sound arrogant, but it's totally correct/true. I think most will be blown away by what the D-Lux 8 will deliver for them. It's a bargain.
This is why I had to retract my thoughts on M43 after using this camera :)
No-one - least of all me - and I am a Pro - is complaining that my 3 Hass Cameras and 4 Hass Lenses are not only made in China but Hass is mostly Chinese owned since DJI hold a majority share in the company - without that investment Hass would have gone a while back.Fuji XT-3/4/5 are made in China - Fujifilm is also said to resume negative color film production in Nanning, China. The first films to go in production will be the Fujifilm C200 and Fujifilm C400 and made by Yes!Star, which is known for making medical film.The Fuji X100VI is made in China too
Agree. It’s not a big deal anymore and the quality of products coming out of China are good!
China can make anything from super cheap to high end tight stuff. It just depends what the designers are speccing. BYD cars makes Tesla interiors look like cheap economy cars for example.
@@chamade166 the new Tesla Model 3 is a big step up. But yes China manufacturing has improved a lot and in many ways can be considered class leading
I would be running out to order this, but wish I knew if the Leica Looks will be available. I'm very old school and want that classic look
@@barbarahouse4086 the basic Leica looks are there. The new ones no
This lens is like all the Pana-Leicas. They're all engineered by Leica and then manufactured by Panasonic. This cooperation has a long tradition and has given us some super nice glas over more then a decade now.
Agree 👍
The problem with an APCS in a compact point and shoot is you won’t get the fast apersture meaning this will still be better in low light and offer a shallower DOF. Canon tried it with the G1X but it failed because of the slow aperature.
A pass for me. I am more exicted about the new Pixii Max. Will you be reviewing it?
Would love to if they reach out to me. Looks interesting
Great review and very original from others I've seen. Just one thing....
Yes, bigger sensors matter. But most people, including photographers, won't see the difference. I can. But still love m43 and have used it for about 7 years. Used to work with Canon FF. For myself, I'd get FF (the rumored S1R II is on my lookout) just for me and maybe higher-paying/big fashion work. But for the most part, especially in the studio, m43 is totally fine.
This Leica is on my list. Done quite a bit of research and nothing else just didn't stack against it. You can basically throw it in just about any bag and not notice it's there. It's just too much effort to carry even an average m43 camera around everywhere. I think this thing is going to sell like crazy. My first Leica.
@@ricardorgomez thanks for watching.
Yes it’s really a solid compact that holds up even after all these years
I turned touch off on the rear screen of my Leica cameras to stop the focus box from moving. My nose touched the screen when looking through the viewfinder and moved the box. Give that a try.
Will try that next time it’s available to test again
Another reviewer noted the same thing - although he thought (on the positive? side) that he could change the focus box location "on the fly" by moving his finger across the screen.
@@littleviking488 You can use your fingers to size and position the focus boxes when Touch Focus is ON. IF Touch Focus is OFF you must use the CONTROL PAD and REAR DIAL (same one as EXPOSURE COMPENSATION) to do it. Once you press an ARROW on the CONTROL PAD the REAR DIAL changes function to move the FOCUS BOX. This is not intuitive and the are dependencies on how you have configured the REAR DIAL to make it work.
I turn touchscreens off for the same reason.
This is my dream LX100. That first gen Lumix was such a magic combination. I even like the imperfections of the early gen m4/3 sensor. Really punchy colours and sharp when it needed to be.
The D-Lux 8 will be perfect for someone who wants a single small camera that is very versatile and easy to travel with. No worry’s of changing lenses, using adapters etc. It could be someone’s primary camera but also a great secondary or EDC for someone who has heavier kits full frame or medium format, film etc.
@@malfunkt agree!
Just get the LX100 or the LX100ii then. No need to waste money on this low effort Leica crap. This camera is more about accessories than actual camera. Leica could've easily used the new 25mp M43 sensor and made a tiltable screen. Instead they just rehoused an LX100ii and called it a day... appalling
@@anasrida3454 thanks. I’ve owned the LX100 years back. The newer sensor would have been good, and Leica is not a value brand.
That said the used prices for point-and-shoots and many cameras almost makes the price point reasonable.
I won’t be buying either though, as I have a very capable MILC setup that is serving me well.
@@anasrida3454 the LX100ii is almost as expensive as the 8, so why not just get the 8? Latest tech + software.
Let's go! I cannot wait to get my own D-Lux 8!
@@GINOxRED awesome! You will enjoy it
My d-lux 6 is made in Japan. The thing I liked about it is the optional electronic viewfinder that is tiltable.
@@bngr_bngr yes in that era most of the Panasonic cameras were made there as well.
Leica D-lux 7, Lumix LX100 M2 is the same. They are 5-year-old models and you can hardly find them on the market, which means that they are still excellent. D-Lux8 is only a cosmetic treatment, but a very successful one. Now the menu is beautifully simplified. Personally, I would accept: skip the motor and have the zoom manual - that would be great. The motor is the weakest part of the camera - it is too slow. The video function didn't even have to be there - the iPhone will do a better job. Minus: Slow zoom motor, lack of grip is questionable, significantly higher noise compared to FullFrame, M43 sensor is prone to make purple artifacts in strong backlight, body is not wather resistant. Everything else is amazing - currently the only camera of its kind in the world.
You should be reviewing mirco 4/3rds cameras. I was an early adopter and bought the original Panasonic mirrorless camera when Panasonic and Olympus pioneered the format and system 12-13 years ago. Since then lenses are usable across those two manufacturers, I've bounced between bodies from the two makers over the years. I have exhibited work with images from these cameras and I think they are grossly under-estimated.
@@kurtkramer4706 it’s a bit challenging where I’m at as Panasonic isn’t really strong in SE Asia and OM is hard to find.
I remeber wanting an LX100 and an LX100mkii......Leica has perfected it and my body is ready.
Enjoy!
Well, this all made in Germany, 16 megapixel APS sensor with a beautiful pop up flash and a real Leica lens (created by Peter Karbe) camera already exists. It is the Leica X-Vario. It's just fantastic. If you want to go smaller, there's the Leica X-2. I think these cameras were ahead of their time, if they were released today - with the more advanced tech we have now - I am sure they would be absolutely killers. The DNG files are so, so good. I love them. You should review one!
@@jkfshdfjsh I have a lineup of Leica film cameras to get to for reviews but yes would be great to try.
A really nice one. I am fine with 17mp, enough to print (if you want) in a decent size. I wished (as the body has gotten a tad bigger compared to the 7) that they include some sensor stabilisation (pixel shift just in case one is out and needs some more mp) and maybe a new processor and a tillable screen (like the Q3). Thanks for your opinion, always very valuable for me
Thanks for watching. The grip helps in terms of size. Sensor stabilisation would have been ideal too.
Can you lock the zoom ? When you turn the camera on does the zoom return to its prior position ? How does the zoom behave with power saving ?
About the focus point moving around, when touch AF is disabled, the manual says that you still can move it by a double tap. That is what probably happened to you.
Bobby, I would love for you to start looking at M4/3. Having just sold my Sony gear for OM Systems, I can share this: Full Frame kits will always be bigger, heavier and more expensive than comparable M4/3 cameras... it is just physics. Maybe they can make the camera equally small, but not the lenses. So the physical issues will likely never go away when comparing Full Frame vs M4/3. But image quality issues, where FF has advantages over M4/3 (Noise, Bokeh), can mostly be mitigated with post processing software such as DXO and/or Topaz. So the M4/3 systems can be smaller, lighter, cheaper and have image quality good enough for most everyone. Thanks.
Reality is M4/3 doesn’t have a big market share where I’m at so getting gear to review is difficult.
@@btonelli yup, I understand. Too bad, really. Thanks for the work you do. You have definitely impacted my buying decisions with your reviews. Really appreciate your work!
Great review. Thanks. My question is I have a D-Lux 109. Do you think the 8 is a significant upgrade?
@@HPBurstyn thanks. it’s a definite upgrade but to tell you if it’s enough for you is a bit difficult as I don’t know much about how you photograph or use the camera
@@btonelli thank you
Very nice, thank you. I had an earlier version, which I used for work years ago. It was always reliable. This looks good, other than the 'sea creature' lens flaps, which may not resist dust or fluff.
@@crispin8888 thanks! yes I didn’t use that lens cap for this review
I agree that the camera probably hits the sweet spot for many buyers, especially those who hanker after the Leica marque. But... Somehow Fuji and Ricoh can offer higher megapixel APS-C sensors at the same price point or, in the case of Ricoh, quite a bit less. What was needed, I think, was a fixed-lens, short zoom, Return of the Leica CL for $1500-2000, with the Maestro II processor,. A new design, all Leica. That would have really rocked the markett. I suspect Leica was worried that would somehow cannibalize sales of its Q line even though they are much more expensive.
@@RonScibilia Leica Cl2 is what we need right now. Even though Leica Cl still works like a champ. Cl2 will kill Q3 sales if it is available.
@@RonScibilia the Ricoh is good but also missing an EVF, variable zoom lens and it’s a bit small for some. The CL is good but with the lenses you get into Q pricing quickly
@@mohdfarizolabdulghani7208 they are very close in price when you start factoring lenses
@@btonelli I agree with that, but with the compactness of CL and selection of a lot M lens, we can't deny that CL give a lot of possibilities
@@btonelli Yes. I just meant the sensor.
Ordered mine - going to use as travel / mountain camera - will be in Nepal this fall for 3-1/2 weeks, see how it handles - my only concern is it’s not weather sealed- I’m just not keen to carry and use a heavy camera system - coming from Nikon F film, to Nikon Full Frame, to Fuji system , and now this … I’ll also try the Ricoh GR when I can get my hands on one … Thanks for the overview
Congrats
@@btonelliDoes it come with the retractable lens cap? Or do I need to order that separately? Thanks
@@namaste.tashidelek no you need to get that separately
Happy Leica Q2 owner, intrigued by this new compact camera.
It’s a great supplemental camera for those that want something small and versatile
is it worth to get this if one has a GRiii or better to jump to a A7Cii?
@@TheMightyMedia all three different cameras. The a7cII is a true hybrid system. The other two are primary smaller photo based cameras.
Can you put a filter on the lens? For example, orange to darken the skies. Or a polarizer, that you must twist and view the effects to make it beneficial.
Not sure. I didn’t have such accessories.
Thanks for addressing a lot of the questions around the camera. I also wanted to say you nailed the look and audio in your videos!
Did Leicia improve the weather / dust resistance versus the Panasonic LX100 series?
Thanks for the kind words.
While it’s better made than the D-Lux 7 it’s the same in terms of weather sealing
Focus’s point moves when you accidentally touch the screen. Happens on my M11 often
The original Panasonic LX100 had a big problem: dust sucked through the lens and landing on the sensor, rendering the camera all but useless.
Bobby tells us that the DLux8 has that very same lens.
Have they corrected the issue?
It’s hard to tell on this as the camera hasn’t been out long enough. I’ll ask and see if there are any answers though
Would you mind sharing what shutter release button is on camera?
It’s the one that you can buy from Leica for the D-Lux 8
This seems like a really nice pocket camera! A for the resolution, I’m thinking there’s software out there to increase the resolution…so 17mpx is no biggie
@@irutgers very true!
Does it have the “Leica colors” and B&W looks like the Q’s?
Yes
We are having the same problem with the focus box.
It’s a bit frustrating right?
Good sum up! I already have a Canon Powershot G1X Mark III. Should this camera die, with no available units left, the D-Lux 8 would be my only choice left for a large sensor compact camera with zoom lens.
My first choice for such a tool was the LX100II, but it had lens particle ingress issues. I’m imagining there’s no such thing on this camera. If only it had some form of weather resistance as well.
The D-Lux 8 has only a 12 Bit Sensor - is that a photo-quality issue?
Not really. Most won’t even know the difference to be honest. Capturing great photos isn’t about 12 Bit or 14 Bit it’s about moments and composition, lighting and emotion.
Question: Will this iteration of the Panasonic LX series of cameras suck in dust onto the sensor?
The camera is too new to know if there is a dust issue. These questions asked to us that review it are very hard to replicate as that takes using a camera for a long period of time.
It’s like asking a car reviewer how the car will perform at 50k miles when it was just released
The focus box moves to the corner is because you are touching the screen with the tip of your nose, it irritates me too, by the way D-lux 7 is an amazingly well built camera too with only two tiny plastic parts on the sides.
I thought so too so I tried it a couple times being aware of that and it still happens must be something I’m doing perhaps.
Yes the D-Lux 7 is well built. The 8 surprisingly even better
movement of the box could be your nose, happened to be on the small e-series of fujifilm!
@@ryans_life I thought so too, but at times when my nose wasn’t touching the screen it had already moved
Hope Leica will keep this type of camera around
@@user-ms8qg2rz5s based on the popularity I believe they will
Video is early 2000s Digicam vibes :)
People are paying good money for that look now 😂
Received yesterday. It’s an awesome camera! Great review!
Congrats!! Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the video. I think you hit some key points, especially, this is probably targeting those who want to get on the Leica train and never had a Leica before.
Thank you. Agree, this is a good gateway for some and a solid supplemental camera for others
@@btonelli the question is dlux 8 or Ricoh GRiii x hdf
@@sadsack1981 for me D-Lux 8. More versatile
Can I please ask the group a novice/Leica virgin question. I’m not sure whether to go with this as a new camera or I have the opportunity to buy a second hand Leica CL Paul smith edition … any thoughts???
@@simbagabrielle5891 with the CL you will need to get lenses. They are no longer sold by Leica so you need to source them. Also the camera is no longer sold sk check the warranty. If you are okay with both of those things the CL is a great camera
Can the manual focus ring be reset to make it a manual zoom ring?
What do you need to charge The camera?
USB C cable
Thanks Bobby.
#LX100III or #LX200, #DLux9: Hope Leica/Panasonic Lumix will keep developing the LX100/D-Lux Line of advanced point and shoot. Keep the M43, probably a slightly bigger body to accommodate IBIS, Tilting screen, full M4/3 sensor size use (no physical aspect ratio of the sensor, probably software)
Smart move from Leica to capitalize on the sudden point and shoot hype.
Lumix has an history of building rangefinder cameras. I still believe Lumix could build a successful FF L mount rangefinder.
I’m sure this will continue as the popularity is really at a high point currently
Why no Leica Looks integration on this camera? Surely this is the most ideal camera for those filters.
I agree. I heard Leica is working on it
I heard from some leica sales folks that something else might be coming to the market this year. Have you heard anything?
@@thinkpadx60 I hear many things and I know nothing 😂
17mp means that the coverage of the sensor is only 81%, so in effect, the sensor "size" is 19% smaller than Micro4Thirds. If they had done nothing else except increase the coverage of the existing sensor to 100% this would have been a significant improvement. I like everything here, but they needed to do more with the lens/sensor combination. I like the 'made in China' route for this line of cameras, as it lowers the price appropriately for this category. I would also like 14-bit raw files. However, I like this so much that I will probably buy one.
I have a Q3 but I want this. I need a replacement for my GX9.
It’s a nice compliment to the Q3
Best camera of the year! That year being 2019...
Full name of grip accessory mentioned in video?
Can check Leica’s website
Any idea when it will ship to dealers? Various unconfirmed reports of delay. My dealer says months.
I already have that flash. It's the same flash that was issued with the Panasonic GM5 years ago.
Hi Bobby, is it possible to set it to a certain focal length? Let's say 35mm, so it automatically goes to 35mm when I turn it on?
Thanks for the question. Don’t believe that’s possible as when the camera is turned off the lens resets.
To play devil’s advocate… the hand made, small- batch, German production is often touted as a reason for Leica’s price premium (I think more than any other camera brand I hear this argument to partly justify the price)- to pay the German workers a living wage, etc. Acknowledging you can get great quality from Chinese factories, to your point.
Thanks for the great videos!
Thanks and great point!
I would like to ask about Leica D-Lux 8. I am wondering which SD card model I would be the most compatible?
The bottom of the device says SDXC I.
But the recommended specs on the website are SDXC II.
Can you advise?
@@peeaha4114 thanks for watching. UHS II would be recommended.
@12:12 I have the same issue with the M11, when using the EVF, where the zoom box randomly moves from the center to one of the four corners. Very frustrating, and the only way to fix it is to reboot the camera.
Will try that next time I have the camera
I pre ordered it on my local Leica Store in Italy… looking forward to test it on my own! Thank you for the video! I hope in the near future they add “Leica looks preset” and the progressive zoom function (24-28-35-50-75) . I remember I saw it in D Lux 7 and I hope it comes in the 8 too
Congrats! Yes hope to see the looks come to the D-Lux 8
Maybe your nose or face is hitting the touchscreen when you’re looking through the viewfinder moving the focus point around?
@@seansavery1186 I thought so as well but it happened even when I was aware of my nose touching
Can you change the function on one of the two buttons on the back to be a "back focus button"? With my Canon and Olympus cameras I use, and strongly prefer, a back focus button. It holds the focus distance through multiple exposures until you use the back focus button again to focus at a different distance. It eliminates the need to focus and re-frame with every exposure if you're using the halfway pressure on the exposure release button.
You can change function buttons on the back. To what settings I’m not sure as I don’t have the camera
Phase AF and no blackout would have been crazy for this.
Yes!
Yeah, still cheap panasonic
I wrote to you earlier that I have an order in with B&H for the Fuji 100VI since March. I put in my order for the Leica D-Lux 8 almost a week ago (with B&H) after watching your videos. You mentioned that you believed I was likely to receive the 8 sooner than the 100VI. Well, I hope you are right.
I just received an update from B&H (the first in many months) on my fuji order. They now say that they expect to ship the 100VI to me by December 10.
@@marketguy2 that’s crazy on the X100VI. Hope the D-Lux 8 comes sooner
Same here!
It’s worth the wait for the Fuji. It’s excellent. I got one on launch day. I’ve only just got hold of the wide angle converter as I take shots of, and in, historic buildings. The IBIS is superb, the ND and video excellent. Stick with your Fuji order but order the matching converters. The tele is a bit big so changes the ergonomics a bit and makes it far more obvious. I use the digital zoom for 50mm which ends up at 20MP. Even the 70mm digital zoom at 10mp takes great portraits. Remember when us use this crop mode you are using the centre of a very sharp lens and so it’s perfectly fine for most people’s needs and can get decent prints A4 or A3 at a pinch. Finally the Fujimfilm sims and leaf shutter flash are really nice. Reala Ace and Velvia are very good facsimiles of the old film stock. You can also model grain which is fantastic on black and white for a retro style. I think Acros sim has grain built in.
Extras I’d get are the Nisi UV filter with the chamfered edge so the lens cap fits and the very comfortable and secure SmallRig grip. Both of these are good value.
I’d possibly get the D Lux 8 as a camera for my family on their holidays but since I’ve got an X100VI and set of the old but still good EOS M cameras and lenses, including the two great primes (22mm F2 and 32mm F1.4) both the M3 and M5 mini DSLR style outperform the D Lux 8 apart from video. For video my iPhone 15 pro max, pro res, cinematic mode and good mic and lighting grip are amazing. The new 16 Pro is even better I’m told….look at the clever slow motion film on the Apple site.
One of my family has just started a one year trip across the world. I offered to buy her a new kit up to £1000. She said straight away the little waterproof Olympus TG 7 in red and the kit of tele, macro lights etc to go with it. Having had a play with it before she left, I think it’s a fantastic little family camera for swimming, snorkelling, beach, mountains, rain forests…hence her choice.
@@andrewcrossley2448 What a beautiful and detailed reply. I will wait for the 100vi (B&H is estimating 2 months) and probably cancel the Leica. I am more of a Prime Lens guy. Thanks for the other suggestions. I will happily follow your lead. I am not that big of a wide lens user but I am sure it will come in handy. On my full frame Nikon Zf I primarily use the 40 f2, the Voigtlander 50mm Color Scopar f2.2 (light and sharper manual), and the Nikon 85 f1.8. I will order the wide angle converter as you suggest, if they are available, and use the in camera crop choices. I had a T5 before moving over to Nikon and I loved and used that feature a lot.
Oh and I am picking up the iPhone 16 Pro on Friday. We'll see how it goes.
such a shame it doesn't have a tilting screen for shooting from the hip.
Yes that would have been nice
Excellent review/overview. My first 4/3 camera was a Panasonic G1 in -- what? -- 2011? Results always good. I have been enamored by the LX line since LX3, switched to it from Canon G9 after starting with the original Canon G1 in 2000. Last LX was the LX100 model 1. D-Lux 8 camera appears to be a kind of peak of what can be done with this design. Mine is back ordered at B&H (they have my $$$ but I don't have the camera yet) Will chime in after I've had it for a while. Thanks again (I subscribed). P.S. Why the cheesy name? D-Lux for the least expensive camera available new from Leica. Someone on another site said D-Lux 8 was like the name of a Pontiac from 1935. 🤣
Thanks for watching and appreciate the subscribe 🙏
Yes the name is a bit odd come to think of it haha
Yes I think we are at the peak of what can be done with this sensor and lens now. Hopefully you get yours soon. Let me know what you think of it when it arrives.
@@btonelli Yes. I think the D-Lux 8 hits a pinnacle for small P&S cameras with a large(r) lens. The LX100 got almost there -- this more refined design will be hard to beat. Altho it would be great if someone tried.
Hello Sir …. I have been using Fujifilm XT30 ii for a while, for everyday shooting and for street photography. Should I go for Laica DL8 replacing Fujifilm ? Need your advice 🙏
One has a built in lens and M4/3 the other APS-C camera with options to change lenses.
It depends on your needs really and how you photograph. Just from a standpoint of flexibility the XT30 will give you more but for compact then the D-Lux 8
It looks like an amazing camera
@@johncain6225 it’s a good camera. Tech may be slightly older but still holds up to today’s photography requirements for a camera this size
Nice follow-up review. I've one on order ;-)
Question: can you think of a (square) lenshood in combo with an UV filter that stays on the lens for protection, instead of the 'butterfly' lens clip?
Congrats and thanks for watching. Unfortunately I don’t have any options for that currently. I’m sure there must be something out there
I still have the D-Lux Type 109 (LX100 original based). Also the same lens. Entire camera MADE IN JAPAN. Only 4MP less than the new D-Lux 8.
This is indeed a Panasonic LX100ii with a Leica red dot, Leica menu system and Q-style exterior. It is well known that Leica/Panny lens does NOT mean that Leica designed the lens, but they approve of the lens design enough to place the Leica name on it. It comes down to whether or not someone wants to pay the premium for the exterior body and menu system. Nothing wrong with that, but the Panny version can be had for much less.
Yes, Leica doesn’t design the lens but they do sign off on it so in essence it’s very similar. While yes the internals may be similar the color output, body design etc are unique to Leica.
Is it weather resistant?
Nice video btw.
@@jeffreyb.1657 thanks. It can handle light weather but don’t go into pouring rain with it :)
It would be nice as a travel companion to a film Leica M. The Lumix G100D adding the DG summilux 9,15 and 25mm lenses is a more flexible m43 option with same OLED VF. The focus box wander was one of the reasons I sold my Leica CL.
Yes that was another camera I also experienced that with
Amazing video as always!! I’m sooo curious about using this camera for Portraits, studio and outdoors since now we can shoot DNG, have you tried anything like that? Or maybe a future video about it?
Keep with the amazing work Bobby, you’re awesome!!
@@ricomarques thanks! I haven’t tried studio work but yes can use for that. Don’t see why not.
If I get the camera back perhaps but I’ll need to ask Leica
Its a really tempting price point at S$2450 for a leica camera but at the same time, its also really hard to convince people to buy into especially when you see competitor models such as the ricoh gr iii with a 24mp apsc sensor that only costs S$1400 brand new. Tough decision to make as I am tempted to get the gr iii until the release of this camera!!
I hear you. I have the GRIIIX with me, and while I love the image quality, due to my eyesight (hard to see close up on screens) it’s hard for me at times to use it, I prefer an EVF.
But no Leica quality zoom glass on the Ricoh. Pluses and minuses on all cameras.
Focus box moving: I got the same (really annoying) issue with my Leica Q. No idea why and there does not seem to be a fix. My Q is first gen hence 8 years old. Love it otherwise but cannot understand why Leica have not fixed this.
Yeah not sure why.
Have a d-lux typ 109, should I upgrade? Everything seems the same except the Mp 12 Vs 17; but at least the typ 109 is made in Japan
Significant differences in build and UI plus image quality I feel
I have used Leica digital cameras since Digilux 1, and D-lux 1, so if Leica DL8 was inspired by Q, it wouldn't make sense to me. I just wished Leica with their heritage followed the traditional design from the M series. Digilux 2 was a huge success and really wished Leica could bring that design back to the future Dlux series. Fuji understood their traditional identity early on with x100 series. And they do so well. Ricoh/Pentax the same.
Great review, probably the best technical review I've seen.
Thank you 🙏
Is there threading for a filter on the front of the lens?
@@JonRatzlaff 43mm, I have a great set of ND’s to fit and as a bonus the Raynox macro DCR 150/250 lenses screw straight on.
the flash has a dedicated power pin that draws power from the camera (doesn't have a internal battery) so unfortunately it won't work with any other cameras.......
@@wewuwewu thanks 👍 unfortunate as the size and power output is great!
There’s a tiny Olympus FL-LM3 flash that should be compatible too; I use it with my typ 109. The Olympus flash is marginally taller, but also tilts if you want bounce off a low ceiling.
@@AdamHouston is that the same as the flash that came with the EM-5 MkII? I have one somewhere but never used it.
@@ianforber I never owned an E-M5ii, but that is the same flash. I just checked online and the flash is still available.
However, I remembered the catch - the flash doesn’t fit on the D-Lux without adjustment. It won’t push in sufficiently to allow electrical connection unless you trim the plastic flange - five minute job that doesn’t change the function of the flash.
@@AdamHouston Very helpful, thank you. If I get a D-lux at least I won’t need to buy the flash!
hey bobby, judging from your shots, are you based in Singapore?
Should organise a local shoot session sometime
Yes I am. Been here for 17 years :)
Sure can do that!
The consensus reviews… [paraphrased] ‘Excuse me for saying so… this camera is great.’ It is almost like no-one expected this D-Lux 8 to be anything worth considering. And, maybe I’m in that group , and maybe not. I bought a titanium D-Lux 4 when they came out…, the ‘same’ Panasonic camera at a higher cost, and it was all about the Leica branding everyone said. The Leica D-Lux 4 was used a lot, looked great, did what it needed to, here in Japan had an English menus and 3-year warranty (both the Panasonic didn’t have), and I enjoyed using it. Maybe I miss that D-Lux convenience, maybe the reason I’m even looking/considering the new D-Lux 8. The sensor size doesn’t bother me, even 17pm is plenty enough for larger prints and absolutely no issue with any computer screen size. Leica cleaned up the camera button and menu software, and the comparison to the Q3 is obvious. A still great lens with the most useful focal-length range. For a compact ‘point and shoot’ it clicks all the boxes. Its price is not cheap, or even in the midrange, but at the top of the premium compact cameras, and maybe that is where Leica is going to have a problem. I can’t imagine that production cost is up there in the stratosphere (being in China). They could have had a real winner here for the internet/social-media crowd and casual users, but with today’s world economy anyone considering this will have to think a few times to decide if a point and shoot with a Leica name and all that goes with that is worth the substantial purchase price.
@@Hektormydog with any product there will always be some that find value in some things and value in others. It’s not a one size fits all.
If we were to look at your example, Leica wouldn’t sell cameras and everyone would buy Sony, Fuji, Nikon etc for the performance to price ratio. However Leica falls under a different category. Some say luxury, history, craftsmanship etc.
Just a rebadged Panasonic LX100 ii introduced in 2018. Same sensor, same controls, etc. And the Panasonic was at a MUCH lower price.
WAS, not NOW. Brand new it's similar price.
Hey Bobby, thanks for the video. I have a Leica D-lux 109 (7) that I've used for the same purpose as yourself.... something light to take around with me as I want something that goes beyond my iPhone. Do you find that the 8 is a step forward beyond the 7 simply put? I"ve been waiting for this for years it seems. Btw, I'm glad to have found your YT Channel and subscribed.
Thanks for the support!
If you have the last version D-Lux 7, the 8 will only be a cosmetic and UI update. If you have older D-Lux cameras then yes this will be a good update. That’s probably the best way I can put it. Hope this helps
Can you show us also right-out-of-the-camera photos?
Let me see if I can put together some photos in a google drive folder. Give me a day or two
I still think they should have fitted a prime 14mm/1.7 to go with the m4/3 sensor… the lens having remained the same is disappointing to me. Fitting the zoom makes it a bit too pedestrian, it doesn’t excite me in the same way a fixed focal length does.
Initially I thought that too but the zoom will allow you to fill the frame with the thing you’re photographing, eliminating the need for more megapixels if you need to crop. The downside of course is the lag in zooming rather than just taking the picture.
@@ianforber That would have been fine, were it a mechanically coupled zoom. This lens isn’t, so it will never be quick and precise enough to do what you want it to do.
No, I really stand by my opinion that they should have redesigned the lens from the ground up. Maybe a bit more inspiration from the Q3 would have been welcome, bump up the MP accommodate for ‘multiple focal lengths’.
@@HesselFolkertsma Fair point. It wouldn’t work on Street. I was thinking of landscape and maybe travel.
It’s basically the same as the LX100ii they really didn’ make that many changes. You can get the original LX100 which uses the same lens for $300
Right now, aside from the frisson you will get from the Q "cues" and menu derived from the Q and now a better OLED EVF and slightly better LCD (all of which alone would explain the jump in price) along with the same lens that Leica insisted (from previous reviews on standard met on previous DLux's and Lumix LX's made by Panasonic which is waist deep in its partnership with Leica still) if the processor is the same the output will be the same. But...if the processor is a modified version of the latest "Maestro" and not the previous processor THEN it would be a true enthusiasts Leica. Otherwise you have a nice showpiece to hold in your hand that the user may really want people to recognize.
@@PeterB-Dlux I asked about the processor but no response thus far. I’m guessing it’s probably mostly the same but I don’t want to assume.
I bought it waiting for delivery
Congrats!
Any interval shooting mode?
Is it dust proof? My LX100ii is now garbage because of dust in the sensor that cannot be removed.
It’s the same as before. I know the build quality is improved though on the D-Lux 8
What are the Monochrome profiles like? Panasonic had L.monoD which was quite lovely if you didnt want to shoot raw and edit. Leica have their own version?
@@jshanni2066 yes they have High Contrast BW and BW. Both are really nice and you see them here in the photos shown
Hello Bobby from Russia. Thanks for your job. Can you answer me about quality photos of this camera versus photos from SL3. How much difference between photos of that's cameras? What is your opinion of my idea to change Leica SL3 + SL 24-90 on this compact camera Leica D-Lux 8 with zoom objective for shooting childs in the school?
Isn't this the same lens as the LX100 II?
Yes it is
This is a camera I really want to buy. Korea is too expensive. It costs approximately 1,900 US dollars. And it is said to be released in August. Nonetheless, I am worried that it will sell out.
So far two month back order from Leica
I had the D-Lux 7, launched in November 2014 and identical to the Panasonic Lumix LX 100. Unfortunately, the Leica D-Lux 8 is disappointing compared to the D-Lux 7. Me would have expected more technical progress, but the innovations are hardly worth mentioning. Instead of real improvements, it seems as if a few steps have been taken backwards. Less good Viewfinder. 10 year old technology? Why? Too bad, I was hoping for a real upgrade! And I don't see the point in paying €600 more for it. You'd be better off looking for a Lumix 100 II. It can do the same. The only plus point would be the new “Leica Like” menu.
yes
@@tristandu1776 thanks for watching
I really want it with a microphone jack
Me too