What to choose - Leica C or Leica D-Lux 6?

[aldo.spinelli]

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Hi, I'm new on this forum. I would like to buy a Leica product, I'm not a photographer, just starting a new passion.

 

I would like to ask if it's better the new Leica C or D-Lux 6 model? I mean in term of taking pics

 

thanks!

[earleygallery]

Hi,

 

Both models are based on equivalent Panasonic cameras. The Leica versions come with better post processing software and Leica's after sales service will be better, should you need it.

 

If these things don't bother you then it would be worth looking at the Panasonic versions too.

 

The C is still very new and reports about image quality vary. The D lux has generally had very good reviews. The C has the longer range zoom and built in EVF (Electronic View Finder) whereas it's an optional extra on the D.

 

I would think carefully about the type of use you have in mind, subjects etc. and read a few reviews on both then make your decision.

[Lee Martin]

James has given very good advice as always. I don't know if you've looked through the viewfinder of the Leica C but I've tried the Panasonic equivalent which I assume is the same and it's terrible. I've had a D Lux for years( an old D Lux 4 ) which has been brilliant and I'd recommend the latest Leica version or Panasonic equivalent without hesitation. The Panasonic equivalent is amazing value for money if the extra guarantee and additional software aren't of particular value to you. Unless you are fashion conscious or particularly concerned about external design , don't be tempted by the G Star version. I'm convinced you'll be delighted and amazed how good these cameras are if you actually sit down and read the instruction book. Enjoy whichever you buy .

[rjans]

My first digital compact Leica was a DL2. After that I got the DL3. When the DL4 was released I decided to buy a second hand D2. It has an electronic viewfinder. I also have an M8 but that's another story. Recently I got the C type 112. A good review (I think) can be found here: Panasonic Lumix LF1 review | Cameralabs . The LF1 is the same as the Leica C except the different styling, Lightroom software, etc, just like James indicated. Since I did not have an actual RAW software anymore I choose the Leica C (and it looks better). The electronic viewfinder is comparable with that of the D2, good usable, but low resolution.

Overall image quality: much better than the DL3 and D2 in low light (wide angle position). The DL6 is bigger and has a faster lens, but owning the D2 an M8 I wanted something really small, so ended up with the Leica C. And it is small. At this moment I only took some indoor pictures. Did not have the time to take it with me walking. The longer zoom on the C was not a point of decision for me, 90 mm equiv. is already enough for me

Hope this helps a little.

 

Best

[aldo.spinelli]

Hi guys, thank you for your replies. Leica C is really portable but it has less performances from the D-Lux 6 model reading your answers.

 

I would like to have from the two, the camera the makes best quality of pics and I think it's D.Lux.

 

Just another question. Do you think that a new model of D-Lux will come soon?

 

Thanks again

Aldo

[earleygallery]

There are rumours that Leica/Panasonic are going to announce a new camera tomorrow, so it will be worth your while holding off for a moment.

 

The compact cameras are updated fairly regularly - for a good indication of any potential upgrade cycle you would be wise to check the Panasonic line up (they are more prolific in releasing new versions than Leica).

 

That said, newer versions aren't always better!

 

You could also consider a s/h X1 (if a new X2 or X Vario is out of your budget). Great image quality from a much larger sensor, but you are limited to a 36mm equivalent fixed focal length lens.

[aldo.spinelli]

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New D-Lux 6... only a new colour, very beautiful but the same to the "old" black model

[ehecatl]

I'm glad this thread came up because I was wondering the same thing, D-Lux 6 or Leica C. Mainly I'm looking for something as a back up to my M9, and I was thinking something somewhat pocketable. Currently when I travel, my backup camera is my iPhone 5S, and the combination with my M9 has been fine so far. But I have some long trips coming up and I got to thinking it would be nice to have a backup camera with a zoom.

 

I considered an X1 or X2, but then decided that a zoom would be a nice addition. I looked at the Leica C (and it's Panasonic version), but in the end with the D-Lux 6. I had a D-Lux 4 that I sold a year ago and I really enjoyed the size of that camera. I also found a decent price on the G-Star Raw version of the D-Lux 6 and went with that. I find the whole special editions thing to be kind of silly, but when I noticed that the camera comes with a couple of nice extras, in particular a case, I figured the cost difference between the regular D-Lux 6 and the special edition wasn't that bad. I worry about walking around with something with that kind of branding (I taped over the red dot and the name on my M9), but it does look to be a nice design.