Thinking of getting a Leica D Lux 7

[warmachine2]

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Hi.

I’m thinking of going from photographing on my iPhone to a “real” camera and I’m a total noob when it comes to this stuff, however I like to take photos and I’m willing to learn.

Why Leica D Lux 7? Well, it looks like a fairly simple setup. Touchscreen, connectivity, no handling of lenses, and from the reviews I understand it’s pretty good at taking photos, videos is a low priority for me at the moment. Also, the pricepoint is in my range and it.... looks kinda nice.

All the reviews are pretty positive but users seems to think it’s overpriced and that it’s just an Panasonic LX 100 II in a new skin. Should this be a concern?

Soooo.... Is it an easy camera to learn on?

Can it take (technically) great photos?

What else will I have to buy, memory cards, batteries etc?

I would really like to be able to take macro shots of insects and things of that size, can it do that?

How does it handle nighttime photography?

What else should I know?

Thanks.

[NZDavid]

Welcome to the forum!

Sorry, I don't have a D-Lux 7, although I have tried one out -- my experience is limited to the older D-Lux 5, the X series, and the various Leica M models.

My thoughts below:

All the reviews are pretty positive but users seems to think it’s overpriced and that it’s just an Panasonic LX 100 II in a new skin. Should this be a concern?

It is just a Panasonic LX 100 II in a new skin but that shouldn't be a concern. There are a few differences in style, and possibly the interface and the final output, but they are minimal. The resale value of the Leica will be higher which cancels the price difference out. Either, or, don't worry too much.  

Soooo.... Is it an easy camera to learn on?

Sort of. The best thing, IMO, are the analog controls for shutter speed and aperture. These, plus ISO values, are all you really need to know for technical control of your photography. That hasn’t changed since the early days. There are a lot of extra features on these cameras – hundreds of pages in the manual! – but they are not essential. Make sure they don’t get in the way. The touchscreen may be helpful on occasion but can also be distracting. I find if there are too many controls, it’s easy to nudge them by mistake. I believe you can turn it off if you like.   

Can it take (technically) great photos?

Yes, up to a point. It won’t beat APS or full-frame, but the differences will only become really noticeable at larger sizes. Subject, composition, and lighting are always the main thing.

What else will I have to buy, memory cards, batteries etc?

The battery that comes with the camera is adequate. Just don’t go wild. Get a fast SD card and there is no problem.

I would really like to be able to take macro shots of insects and things of that size, can it do that?

Yes, very well. The smaller sensor size means more will be in focus; just watch the lighting and background.

How does it handle nighttime photography?

I think it should be pretty good for night markets. Focusing will be faster than my older model and so will overall IQ. Shooting at ISO 1600 or 3200 if you really have to is fine. 

What else should I now?

Read more reviews, look at pictures shot with this camera. Also consider a single focal length lens camera such as a second hand Leica X or X2. There are always trade-offs, however.

Good luck, let us know how you get on!

 

 

[ellegant]

Check that you really like the electronic view finder (EVF). I was very interested in the Panasonic version but I don't like the EVF. I am an old optical view finder guy from my m4 to my m8.2. My Canon pocket cameras are 11 and 14 years old, are great and both have optical view finders. I find the EVF a distraction. But that's just me.

[Geoff777]

The Leica comes with a two year warranty, the Panny one year (I believe) - that certainly helps explain part of the price difference.

You might need that extra year - they're made in China, not Germany or Japan.

[warmachine2]

On 9/23/2021 at 8:14 PM, warmachine2 said:

Hi.

I’m thinking of going from photographing on my iPhone to a “real” camera and I’m a total noob when it comes to this stuff, however I like to take photos and I’m willing to learn.

Why Leica D Lux 7? Well, it looks like a fairly simple setup. Touchscreen, connectivity, no handling of lenses, and from the reviews I understand it’s pretty good at taking photos, videos is a low priority for me at the moment. Also, the pricepoint is in my range and it.... looks kinda nice.

All the reviews are pretty positive but users seems to think it’s overpriced and that it’s just an Panasonic LX 100 II in a new skin. Should this be a concern?

Soooo.... Is it an easy camera to learn on?

Can it take (technically) great photos? https://nox.tips/

What else will I have to buy, memory cards, batteries etc? https://xender.vip/

I would really like to be able to take macro shots of insects and things of that size, can it do that?

How does it handle nighttime photography?

What else should I know?

Thanks.

issue got solved