I have owned mine for three years now. I love it more now than when I bought it. Your comments on the strengths and weaknesses are absolutely accurate. My only concern is that your stabilization doesn't sound like it's working for video.. It's my go to travel camera. I left my Fujifilm X-T3 at home on my last trip to pPrague. The 24-75mm zoom range is perfect for shooting in close environments.👍
So glad this camera is still getting love in 2023! I have the first version and it only shoots 12mp, but with a fullframe S5 that can shoot up to 96 MP, and a Fuji that shoots 26 MP, it's still really fun to get really sharp 12mp photos out of this little casual camera. Handling is extremely perfect too and even from 2014, the 4k video is 90% as sharp as my Fuji XT30's 4k. Amazing line of cameras Weird that your video is shaky. The first version has 2 stops of ois, and it's pretty useful for video
You can try to use the vacuum cleaner to suction pump from the lens and hopefully the dust on the sensor can be removed. I have tried this on Nikon coolpix A and this method works…..
I really love the shooting experience with this camera, the tactile control is lovely, lens is decently sharp and pretty nice macro as well. I do wish they make a mk3, even if it's just gaining minor update, but at least make it into modern camera. Stuff like USB-C, the phase-detect autofocus or even the newer sensor from GH6. Tilting screen would be nice, but I'd prefer it to be compact like it currently is.
I loved the v1 of this camera. I do hope they continue this line, and add a fully articulating screen. it would also be nice to have the flash built in I stead of an accessory
Had the the first version, brilliant little camera. I moved to Fujifilm and several years looking back I can say the experience of the Lumix is equivalent in terms of usability and inspiration. The newer sensor on the II would provide a bit better image quality, closer to the Fuji's APS-C. If today I was still on the Lumix platform, I'd probably go 'big' and get the new G9 Mk II!
Loved your in-depth review. Really appreciate all the details you mentioned and thank you so much for so many photo samples! I’m currently shooting with an Olympus E-PL1. It produces the most beautiful and natural looking colors. I’m thinking of picking one of these up for the tactile shooting experience and the upgrade in resolution and ISO performance.
This camera is the best birthday present I ever bought for myself. The biggest selling points for me are the smaller size and weight and controls. I'm not that bothered by the viewfinder, it does its job. I have just tested my LX100II and video is pretty stable on mine, no shakiness like in your video samples. I also get pretty good low light pictures out of mine. Is your IS working and enabled? You should clearly hear the IS working in a silent room.
Nice review, thank you. I have had LX3, LX 100 as well as LX 100 II. I love the 'Leica / Fujifilm like-' feel and handling and the SIZE IQ trade-off. You nicely pointed out the positives and negatives of this compact camera. Unfortunately, as you also have told us about, it won't be a great movie camera, nor will it ever be an still image IQ king. But trade-offs had to be made and it shows. I never regretted buying any of these Leica?panasonic cameras but ... I fully realized that some corners simply had to be cut before I even bought these 3 compact swiss-knife camera iterations !
Thanks. Hope #Panasonic #Lumix and #Leica have plan for a #LX100III and #DLux9. The retro dials are interesting. But they could just add a ISO ans SS dial and a tilting screen like the #X100V. Use the full size of the sensor like the #CanonG1XIII. Add IBIS like the #GR3, keep the zoom lens. Add a bit of internal memory, if they could keep the battery and the SD card separate like the #LeicaQ3, it would be interesting. If the size is a little bigger to use the full 4/3 sensor size and IBIS, it wouldn't be a problem. Leica has managed to have so many collaboration and editions for the #dlux5... hope the makers will think about a new version.
It is incredible, I was looking for a fair review (thanks) of this camera and I ended up watching photos taken two steps from my home in Mestre :)) appreciated the all video, thank you! Unfortunately it does not look like the right tool to do videos with a pro, but tiny, camera, as I hoped.
It is a good camera but the GX80/85 is better. That has more features, a kit 12-32 compact manual zoom, tilt screen, the latest quiet shutter and sensor stabilisation that works with the lens stabilisation. One of the biggest advantages as it gets older is that the GX80 lens comes off to allow sensor cleaning, although the standard sensor ultrasonic cleaning on G, GH and GX cameras is quite superb anyhow. I own the Leica D-Lux7 version which has quite a few subtle physical and software changes. Mine is a collector’s item, being a 007 limited edition that makes a pair with my Q2 full frame 007 set. While I do use these, it is sparingly and nothing like as frequently as I use the G7 and GX80 or Olympus E-M1 MkII. All have their place and I love them all including the Sony full frame and cheap waterproof child’s Nikon waterproof little thing. The phone has its place also but is never a pleasure to hold and use for me. This is a tool, while my cameras are precision instruments ordering on works of art that help produce my kind of art.
Eh sure they're "better" but will never beat the LX100 in terms of portability. To match the lens coverage you'd need some f1.7 pancake paired with the Panasonic 12-35 f2.8, and by that time you're carrying something that takes up twice the space and at twice the weight. By that logic, anything full frame, anything medium format will be better, obviously, if you take size and weight out of the equation. As someone who prioritizes portability, the LX100 shines above all the ones you mentioned.
@@UrdnotAkongo If we prioritise portability then the GX80 plus 9mm pancake is far more pocketable. But yes, of course the LX100 II is a great little camera. I have the Leica D-Lux 7 and I appreciate all its advantages and love using it but generally prefer the advantages that the GX80 has over it. Neither are weather tolerant, the GX sensor has ultrasonic cleaning but if it ever does need manual cleaning, there is direct access to it in literally a second. It also has a built in flash and tilting screen.
@hedydd2 then again you're comparing a single focal length vs a zoom range of 24-75mm. As I said to have the equivalent coverage, you'd need a variety of lenses, all which adds weight and space to the bag. Weather sealing, tilting screen, sonic sensor cleaning are all great, but that's something you can compromise. If I took the GX80 and wanted a similar lens coverage of the LX100, there is no "compromise" to that. I *will* need multiple lenses, no if, ands, or buts about it. Yes I do own the GX7 and EM5 mk2, and have a remote job lets me travel all around the world. 9 times of 10 I'm just bringing my LX100ii. Versatility to package ratio is just unmatched.
Thanks for this review. I recently purchased a nearly new LX100II and am enjoying the photo features. D you have any preferred settings or assigned settings to the buttons?
I am not a photography enthusiast but I would like to take pictures of people I know with a nice depth effect in a simple way. What semi-professional spot do you recommend? I really like the Leica d-lux 7! Thank you
Re Sensor Dust. I twice had dust on the sensor of my ZS200. I used the cleaning technique in this video and it worked both times: th-cam.com/video/zkGg7g6Iy-Y/w-d-xo.html
I had a GX85 and it was a great little camera. Replaced it with a Fuji X-T3 and an LX100 II for travel/compact size.I wouldn't hesitate to buy another GX-85 if you want a little more flexibility than the LX100 II. To be honest, I'd consider finding a used GX-9 in good condition instead of the GX-85. You get a tilting touchscreen, tilting EVF, an exposure compensation dial like the LX100 II. If you want to keep it compact, try the 12-32mm zoom, 20mm f1.7 prime and the 35-100mm f4-f5.6 not the bigger 35-100mm f2.8. The 35-100mm small zoom punches way above its weight. Good luck
Wrong. it is micro-four thirds sensor but cropped in slightly, has nothing to do with four thirds, four thirds is an older format created by Olympus for DSLR, they are the same size as micro four thirds, only difference is that in modern mirrorless cameras it's micro four thirds mount as opposed to old olympus DSLR "four thirds" mount.
I absolutely don't like what these series of cameras have become; the designs of LX1 and 2 were great for their aesthetics, plus they were smaller and thinner; since later versions their original design has radically changed and they have also become too feature packed. Leica made their own versions, their best was the Leica D-Lux 3
I have owned mine for three years now. I love it more now than when I bought it. Your comments on the strengths and weaknesses are absolutely accurate. My only concern is that your stabilization doesn't sound like it's working for video.. It's my go to travel camera. I left my Fujifilm X-T3 at home on my last trip to pPrague. The 24-75mm zoom range is perfect for shooting in close environments.👍
So glad this camera is still getting love in 2023! I have the first version and it only shoots 12mp, but with a fullframe S5 that can shoot up to 96 MP, and a Fuji that shoots 26 MP, it's still really fun to get really sharp 12mp photos out of this little casual camera. Handling is extremely perfect too and even from 2014, the 4k video is 90% as sharp as my Fuji XT30's 4k. Amazing line of cameras
Weird that your video is shaky. The first version has 2 stops of ois, and it's pretty useful for video
thinking to sell my LX100 II for a XT30 - good or bad idea?
You can try to use the vacuum cleaner to suction pump from the lens and hopefully the dust on the sensor can be removed. I have tried this on Nikon coolpix A and this method works…..
I really love the shooting experience with this camera, the tactile control is lovely, lens is decently sharp and pretty nice macro as well. I do wish they make a mk3, even if it's just gaining minor update, but at least make it into modern camera. Stuff like USB-C, the phase-detect autofocus or even the newer sensor from GH6. Tilting screen would be nice, but I'd prefer it to be compact like it currently is.
That would be a new camera in the GX line like a GX9 II or something like the GX10.
Damn i love the image quality, seems different and more cinematic than my sony rx 100 IV
I loved the v1 of this camera. I do hope they continue this line, and add a fully articulating screen. it would also be nice to have the flash built in I stead of an accessory
Had the the first version, brilliant little camera. I moved to Fujifilm and several years looking back I can say the experience of the Lumix is equivalent in terms of usability and inspiration. The newer sensor on the II would provide a bit better image quality, closer to the Fuji's APS-C. If today I was still on the Lumix platform, I'd probably go 'big' and get the new G9 Mk II!
Wow, really well told story and thoughts about your experience with fantastic little camera. Well done! So enjoyable. 😊
Loved your in-depth review. Really appreciate all the details you mentioned and thank you so much for so many photo samples! I’m currently shooting with an Olympus E-PL1. It produces the most beautiful and natural looking colors. I’m thinking of picking one of these up for the tactile shooting experience and the upgrade in resolution and ISO performance.
This camera is the best birthday present I ever bought for myself. The biggest selling points for me are the smaller size and weight and controls. I'm not that bothered by the viewfinder, it does its job.
I have just tested my LX100II and video is pretty stable on mine, no shakiness like in your video samples. I also get pretty good low light pictures out of mine. Is your IS working and enabled? You should clearly hear the IS working in a silent room.
I have the Leica D-Lux Type 109 which is the twin of this excellent camera
A great update to a mark 3 would be to put a mechanical zoom on it, like the Fuji X30.
Nice video. Just bought one.
I don't think Panasonic will ever release a mark III of this camera. If we get lucky they might do a FF version to compete with the new Nikon ZF.
And here comes Lumix S9. I still prefer the pocketable size of Lx100
…and next week we get LX100 III. Same as Leica D lux8. Cosmetic update.
Nice review, thank you. I have had LX3, LX 100 as well as LX 100 II. I love the 'Leica / Fujifilm like-' feel and handling and the SIZE IQ trade-off. You nicely pointed out the positives and negatives of this compact camera. Unfortunately, as you also have told us about, it won't be a great movie camera, nor will it ever be an still image IQ king. But trade-offs had to be made and it shows. I never regretted buying any of these Leica?panasonic cameras but ... I fully realized that some corners simply had to be cut before I even bought these 3 compact swiss-knife camera iterations !
Thanks.
Hope #Panasonic #Lumix and #Leica have plan for a #LX100III and #DLux9. The retro dials are interesting. But they could just add a ISO ans SS dial and a tilting screen like the #X100V. Use the full size of the sensor like the #CanonG1XIII. Add IBIS like the #GR3, keep the zoom lens. Add a bit of internal memory, if they could keep the battery and the SD card separate like the #LeicaQ3, it would be interesting. If the size is a little bigger to use the full 4/3 sensor size and IBIS, it wouldn't be a problem. Leica has managed to have so many collaboration and editions for the #dlux5... hope the makers will think about a new version.
bro, lovely images and appreciate the hard work in making the video
thank you very much!
It is incredible, I was looking for a fair review (thanks) of this camera and I ended up watching photos taken two steps from my home in Mestre :)) appreciated the all video, thank you! Unfortunately it does not look like the right tool to do videos with a pro, but tiny, camera, as I hoped.
what a coincidence! haha thank you :)
It is a good camera but the GX80/85 is better. That has more features, a kit 12-32 compact manual zoom, tilt screen, the latest quiet shutter and sensor stabilisation that works with the lens stabilisation. One of the biggest advantages as it gets older is that the GX80 lens comes off to allow sensor cleaning, although the standard sensor ultrasonic cleaning on G, GH and GX cameras is quite superb anyhow. I own the Leica D-Lux7 version which has quite a few subtle physical and software changes. Mine is a collector’s item, being a 007 limited edition that makes a pair with my Q2 full frame 007 set. While I do use these, it is sparingly and nothing like as frequently as I use the G7 and GX80 or Olympus E-M1 MkII. All have their place and I love them all including the Sony full frame and cheap waterproof child’s Nikon waterproof little thing. The phone has its place also but is never a pleasure to hold and use for me. This is a tool, while my cameras are precision instruments ordering on works of art that help produce my kind of art.
Eh sure they're "better" but will never beat the LX100 in terms of portability. To match the lens coverage you'd need some f1.7 pancake paired with the Panasonic 12-35 f2.8, and by that time you're carrying something that takes up twice the space and at twice the weight. By that logic, anything full frame, anything medium format will be better, obviously, if you take size and weight out of the equation. As someone who prioritizes portability, the LX100 shines above all the ones you mentioned.
@@UrdnotAkongo If we prioritise portability then the GX80 plus 9mm pancake is far more pocketable. But yes, of course the LX100 II is a great little camera. I have the Leica D-Lux 7 and I appreciate all its advantages and love using it but generally prefer the advantages that the GX80 has over it. Neither are weather tolerant, the GX sensor has ultrasonic cleaning but if it ever does need manual cleaning, there is direct access to it in literally a second. It also has a built in flash and tilting screen.
@hedydd2 then again you're comparing a single focal length vs a zoom range of 24-75mm. As I said to have the equivalent coverage, you'd need a variety of lenses, all which adds weight and space to the bag. Weather sealing, tilting screen, sonic sensor cleaning are all great, but that's something you can compromise. If I took the GX80 and wanted a similar lens coverage of the LX100, there is no "compromise" to that. I *will* need multiple lenses, no if, ands, or buts about it. Yes I do own the GX7 and EM5 mk2, and have a remote job lets me travel all around the world. 9 times of 10 I'm just bringing my LX100ii. Versatility to package ratio is just unmatched.
Thanks for this review. I recently purchased a nearly new LX100II and am enjoying the photo features. D you have any preferred settings or assigned settings to the buttons?
Thank you for the review. Loved it~
Good review, it this compact to travel 🎉🎉
That camera is great. It could use Better AF and an APSC sensor and sign me up!
I absolutely love the EVF and I think touch screens are unnecessary
Thanks... helpful.
I am not a photography enthusiast but I would like to take pictures of people I know with a nice depth effect in a simple way. What semi-professional spot do you recommend? I really like the Leica d-lux 7! Thank you
Re Sensor Dust. I twice had dust on the sensor of my ZS200. I used the cleaning technique in this video and it worked both times: th-cam.com/video/zkGg7g6Iy-Y/w-d-xo.html
i tried with plastic bag and it didn't work, my vacuum is very mini not very powerful though...
I've cleaned my ZS100 the same way twice. My LX100 (first version) doesn't have any dust on the sensor yet thankfully.
Thank you for sharing this 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I love mine 👍
did you use a preset for the first photo?
all sample photos are more or less edited
If you have to pick one, would you pick the lumix gx80/85 that you reviewed or the lumix lx100 ii?
I had a GX85 and it was a great little camera. Replaced it with a Fuji X-T3 and an LX100 II for travel/compact size.I wouldn't hesitate to buy another GX-85 if you want a little more flexibility than the LX100 II. To be honest, I'd consider finding a used GX-9 in good condition instead of the GX-85. You get a tilting touchscreen, tilting EVF, an exposure compensation dial like the LX100 II. If you want to keep it compact, try the 12-32mm zoom, 20mm f1.7 prime and the 35-100mm f4-f5.6 not the bigger 35-100mm f2.8. The 35-100mm small zoom punches way above its weight. Good luck
GX85 easy if it'll be your only camera... opens up the lens roadmap, as well as the ability to clean the sensor... etc. Can't go wrong.
6:19 I see Taylor Fritz! 🎾
yep :D
I think the Mark I was more impressive when it came out
good vid but the audio is messed up
yes, voice shifted to the left channel, these type of videos force me to check is my headphones are ok :D
audio is panned left
😢
It is not a "Micro-four Thirds" but a "Four Thirds" ... which is quite different in sensor size and performance! apart from that nice review
Wrong. it is micro-four thirds sensor but cropped in slightly, has nothing to do with four thirds, four thirds is an older format created by Olympus for DSLR, they are the same size as micro four thirds, only difference is that in modern mirrorless cameras it's micro four thirds mount as opposed to old olympus DSLR "four thirds" mount.
the 4:3 dimension is annoying
Coulda been great without the piano
I absolutely don't like what these series of cameras have become; the designs of LX1 and 2 were great for their aesthetics, plus they were smaller and thinner; since later versions their original design has radically changed and they have also become too feature packed. Leica made their own versions, their best was the Leica D-Lux 3