Leica D-Lux 8 - the wait is over!

[Indeepthought]

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2 hours ago, Louis said:

Those who get it in their had, they think they got a “Leica” and they are happy to finally get one! lol

Of course they have a Leica, the camera & receipt will confirm.. Not everyone has unlimited disposable incomes.. A D-Lux8 might be the only new Leica they can afford... Go buy it - go use it - be happy.....  #1 Leica Snob...🤔

Edited May 23, 2024 by Indeepthought

[Camaro5]

I had a DL-7 at one time but didn't keep it very long.  The image quality was just okay, but it wasn't good in any kind of lower light situation.

The lens is okay, but without changing the sensor or the processor I don't see where this would show any kind of improvement.  I believe I moved into a Q2 after having this for a short while.  

[TL3]

Interesting, it appears Leica isn't taking Fuji and Ricoh head on, which they could do if they revived the X series.  I do hope the sensor is improved in some way.  Couldn't tell from the video, but also hoping it's USB-C.

If it's merely a reskin, at least hoping this will depress the prices of the used 7 and the 109 (which I loved back in the day and wish I still had, but it's been 10 years, let's get a proper upgrade).

[mhasman]

Monochrom version would be nice

[Le Chef]

5 minutes ago, mhasman said:

Monochrom version would be nice

Does any sensor manufacturer out there have an MFT monochrome sensor?

[mhasman]

3 minutes ago, Le Chef said:

Does any sensor manufacturer out there have an MFT monochrome sensor?

Sorry, I have no clue. 
Design is amazing, sizing is great. No tilting screen. If it comes with monochrome FF sensor and flat fix 35mm lens, I wouldn't wait for Q3M.

[NZDavid]

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7 hours ago, LUF Admin said:

.... For enhanced user comfort, the controls have been simplified and ergonomically repositioned, while the user interface, inspired by the popular Leica Q-Cameras, has become even more user-friendly...

This is a good decision. One of the reasons for the success of the Q line, surely, apart from superb image quality, is the simplicity and ergonomics of the controls (user interface).

One of the flaws with the Panasonic Lumix LX100MkII (and its Leica cousin), I find, is the annoying IA switch right next to the on-off button. It is very easy to nudge it whenever you turn the camera on; it's just a  stupid place to put it. Also, the exposure compensation dial is far too easy to tweak. 

I have no need for either a tilting screen or even touchscreen controls -- I use single AF spot focusing and switch the touchscreen off; again, far too easy to nudge by mistake.

In essence, for me anyway,  simpler is better -- one reason I still like Leica M. I am also in favor of compact cameras, which are Leica's heritage. The D-Lux is quite a bit smaller than the Q, which makes it handy for travel.

Would I pay this much to replace my Lumix? Not sure. I remember being impressed by the IQ and ergonomics of the Leica X range (despite it now being obsolete) and don't mind a single focal length.

[adan]

Regarding the price (and what did a new D-Lux 7 cost, when available?)

That may be influenced by...

1) paying a "bribe" to Panasonic to reopen the production line for a bespoke item (Panny has not yet announced they will sell a version themselves.)

2) 6 years of significant inflation

3) the fact that a compact Leica has been "unobtainium" means used (or new-old stock) prices of D7s have gone bananas in some quarters.

Kind of a baby "new M6" situation. "If people are willing to pay that for the old camera........!!!"

https://wallstreetphoto.com/products/leica-d-lux-7-digital-camera-silver?variant=42859207983269&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoqUY00PGaB9dMmj1WYv1TMnyE4v-EDUmqmksrSDPPi4sGreuaycdnA

[ho_co]

Has anyone commented on the fact that there was a pile of D-Lux 7s available just a few months back? Then suddenly they disappeared from dealer shelves.

Could Leica have recalled them, installed new physical controls, and turned the cameras into D-Lux 8s?

DNG, functionality with Leica Photos, and a cleaned-up menu all sound like major improvements.

And hasn't Panasonic said they were getting out of the high-end compact business?

 

[Louis]

3 hours ago, Indeepthought said:

Of course they have a Leica, the camera & receipt will confirm.. Not everyone has unlimited disposable incomes.. A D-Lux8 might be the only new Leica they can afford... Go buy it - go use it - be happy.....  #1 Leica Snob...🤔

The best camera, whether it is Leica or else, is the one you feel comfortable to use! But, you shouldn’t fool yourself about the camera you are buying!

[Louis]

3 hours ago, TL3 said:

Interesting, it appears Leica isn't taking Fuji and Ricoh head on, which they could do if they revived the X series.  I do hope the sensor is improved in some way.  Couldn't tell from the video, but also hoping it's USB-C.

If it's merely a reskin, at least hoping this will depress the prices of the used 7 and the 109 (which I loved back in the day and wish I still had, but it's been 10 years, let's get a proper upgrade).

Leica discontinued the wonderful CL, aps-c, camera while some other makers such as Sony or Fuji, are developing aps-c and offering great cameras with reasonable prices. If Leica  could produce  small cameras with better pricing, I have no doubt it could make better profits! So many photographers dream to have a Leica but can’t afford it. But Leica has never been good in marketing cameras!

[Le Chef]

6 hours ago, mhasman said:

Sorry, I have no clue. 
Design is amazing, sizing is great. No tilting screen. If it comes with monochrome FF sensor and flat fix 35mm lens, I wouldn't wait for Q3M.

It’s an MFT sensor, so 1/3 the size of the Q series sensor. And 17MP plays 60MP.

[2M6TTLs]

10 hours ago, JohnSantaF4 said:

I think Leica wants to get in on the booming sales of Fuji X100vi.

If that's the case I think they have failed miserably. This, with it's small sensor would steer me directly to purchasing a Fuji and makes me lament the loss of the CL even more. It's an incredibly lazy introduction in 2024. "The wait is over" ???? Was somebody waiting for this?

[2M6TTLs]

9 hours ago, leicas_boyfriend said:

A little movie focusing on the case: 

 

 

 

Still Made in China, USB could/should be C.

I like the case very much but to me, it's not worth spending such a higher amount of money for the obviously old technology.

But let's wait until we know more about it.

 

Unbelievable if it doesn't even have USB-c!  Let me guess..no charging unit in the box and overpriced made in China battery?

[mhasman]

2 hours ago, Le Chef said:

It’s an MFT sensor, so 1/3 the size of the Q series sensor. And 17MP plays 60MP.

Panasonic just released S9 in almost the same size but with full frame sensor. 

[jrichie]

2 hours ago, 2M6TTLs said:

If that's the case I think they have failed miserably. This, with it's small sensor would steer me directly to purchasing a Fuji and makes me lament the loss of the CL even more. It's an incredibly lazy introduction in 2024. "The wait is over" ???? Was somebody waiting for this?

Incredibly lazy is 100% accurate.  I had the CL and sold it to contribute to my M11, which I still regret as it was a great everyday / travel camera and no doubt still better than this D-Lux.  

Even if they just released the CL with a fixed 35mm lens it would be a killer camera.

Anyway I will also be looking at the Fuji x100iv or the new Panasonic S9 [which could work well with M lenses.....although has some odd features ].

As an aside, I was just in Japan, and I saw so many people using X100's - they were everywhere as were a smattering of Ricoh GRiii [mainly females using these].  Also a surprising amount of M's and Q's but nothing close to the Fuji's.   Goes to show there is a huge market for this type of camera.

[Ko.Fe.]

13 hours ago, Le Chef said:

I wonder whether this is a low cost opportunity for Leica to (re)test the lower end of the camera market. If it works maybe it will be worth them investing more heavily in a DL-9 with a more modern sensor, higher resolution EVF and LCD, somewhere down the track?

Retesting 1.5K USD camera market with next to abandoned type of small sensor, while you could get full frame camera in this price range. 

[Qwertynm]

I'm interested in the small flash for my Q3. Couldn't find it in the accessories tab on the Leica website. Does this come bundled with the camera or will this be available to purchase aftermarket?

[CheEr]

Same same but different. 
The used price for the d lux 7 is in germany very high. So maybe its better to get the new one. 
A apsc sensor with a fixed lens 24 or 35mm would be great. 

Edited May 24, 2024 by CheEr

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica Lux

[PeterD]

Pretty, but... I wouldn't be bothered about the lack of a movable screen, since I never use one. I like the design overall.

It really does seem to be a baby Q, but I question whether it really is competitive when stacked up against Fuji and the rest. I would be most concerned about the sensor resolution, which isn't that competitive when compared with other cameras in the price bracket. I like the zoom. The list of "accessories" is a bit confusing. I find the idea of a Leica with a fast-ish lens  (it's no Noctilux! ), reasonably sensitive sensor (though I don't see ISO figures anywhere) and a flash a bit of an anathema. Leica photography is all about using available light - isn't it?

Overall it's really a "don't know" from me. Wouldn't mind trialling one, though 😃

Still prefer my M3 and IIIf 😃

Edited May 24, 2024 by PeterD
typo