Leica D-Lux 8 - the wait is over!

[Indeepthought]

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3 minutes ago, Le Chef said:

A lot of what people hope for is not going to be available when you use a 6 year old sensor and processor. Wait for DL-9, if the 8 proves to be successful.

Agreed, it’s a rebodied 7 with a few tweaks… A decently priced and user friendly Leica…😉

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[SrMi]

16 minutes ago, Le Chef said:

A lot of what people hope for is not going to be available when you use a 6 year old sensor and processor. Wait for DL-9, if the 8 proves to be successful.

I doubt Leica would invest in developing a new sensor and processor for a D-Lux 9 unless it could do it together with Panasonic.

[Le Chef]

9 hours ago, SrMi said:

I doubt Leica would invest in developing a new sensor and processor for a D-Lux 9 unless it could do it together with Panasonic.

More likely Panasonic already have sensors for their next generation MFT cameras and Leica would have the option to use one. Nothing is exclusive these days though: even though not stated the Q3 and M11 sensors are designed and made elsewhere. Leica buys them and has them tweaked to suit.

[kiwidad]

10 hours ago, Le Chef said:

A lot of what people hope for is not going to be available when you use a 6 year old sensor and processor. Wait for DL-9, if the 8 proves to be successful.

a 6 year old sensor.... hmmmm nothing at all wrong with that! ask ask all the M10 users about that? M9 as well! Q users and the list goes on.  There's a lot more to a pie than the filling!

[Le Chef]

As I’ve said elsewhere I think this is a significant test move by Leica. While the underlying technology is basically unchanged (barring an OLED EVF, USB-C, and DNG) the UI now lines up the camera with the Q and SL lines. While it’s a big price leap, that common UI might keep an upgrading DL-8 owner within Leica.

If successful it might mean Leica turns to L2 partner Panasonic to see what next generation MFT camera might be adapted to Leica’s UI. 
In addition the MFT partnership and Leica branded lenses means Leica might have a future in MFT. Maybe for them it could be MFT and FF, while Fuji is APSC and Medium Format.

Edited July 3, 2024 by Le Chef

[Einst_Stein]

I am surprised! Since when the “Leica Look” means its external look. Anyone remember when it meant the picture image it produce?

[Indeepthought]

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1 minute ago, Einst_Stein said:

I am surprised! Since when the “Leica Look” means its external look. Anyone remember when it meant the picture image it produce?

I agree, the Leica Look is based on how images look. The thing is, when people talk about the LL’ the early Leica bodies/lenses and then the M range are imho mental baselines..  🍻

[SrMi]

5 minutes ago, Einst_Stein said:

I am surprised! Since when the “Leica Look” means its external look. Anyone remember when it meant the picture image it produce?

"Leica Looks" is a filter in the Fotos app.

[Einst_Stein]

1 minute ago, SrMi said:

"Leica Looks" is a filter in the Fotos app.

What?! Does it have copy right or is it patented?

[RBNvRBN photo]

I'm not sure it is an experiment. Leica saw a demand in the market for a pocketable small camera. See the demand for Fuji X amongst others and how fast second hand DL-7's are sold at their stores. They knew that they should come with an upgrade to the DL-7, but also that Panasonic was not planning to develop a LX100 III. Panasonic's niche in the market seems to be video. See the Panasonic S9. So, they decided that the upgrade would be the body, some components and the menu's to make it a 'baby Q'. I think they succeeded in that. Not the latest and greatest in low light ISO performance, etc. The lens was already good enough (better than most in the category).

But I think the potential audience for this camera is not so much the 'hardcore' Ricoh GR of latest Fuji X shooters. They demand prime performance, etc. If they want a Leica they should buy a Q. This is more for people wanting more than what their phone offers and want a camera that is easy and joyful to use (something Leica is great at), portability (it does fit in a larger pocket) and connectivity (the Leica app is great). For some perhaps a second bring along all the time camera.

Edited July 3, 2024 by RBNvRBN photo

[Einst_Stein]

1” sensor seems to be the standard P&S that can have super zoom in pocket or full size camera. But a larger sensor may still be desirable.

After I see LUMIX G9 + Olympus 12-200mm super zoom, with about the same size as a 1” super zoom bridge camera, think it is possible. 

Maybe M43 can fit that role. A small body with large aperture moderate zoom like Dlux 8, and a large body with large aperture 12-200mm super zoom.

Edited July 3, 2024 by Einst_Stein

[GRBrown]

On 7/2/2024 at 2:51 PM, SrMi said:

D-Lux 8 uses a BP-DC15 battery, which is interchangeable with Panasonic DMW-BLG10, AFAIK.

Yes, the Panasonic battery is interchangeable with the Leica battery. I use both the BP-DC-15 and the DMW-BLG10 in my D-Lux 7.

[2M6TTLs]

10 hours ago, Le Chef said:

As I’ve said elsewhere I think this is a significant test move by Leica. While the underlying technology is basically unchanged (barring an OLED EVF, USB-C, and DNG) the UI now lines up the camera with the Q and SL lines. While it’s a big price leap, that common UI might keep an upgrading DL-8 owner within Leica.

If successful it might mean Leica turns to L2 partner Panasonic to see what next generation MFT camera might be adapted to Leica’s UI. 
In addition the MFT partnership and Leica branded lenses means Leica might have a future in MFT. Maybe for them it could be MFT and FF, while Fuji is APSC and Medium Format.

Not sure I want to buy a 'test' camera.

[Indeepthought]

35 minutes ago, 2M6TTLs said:

Not sure I want to buy a 'test' camera.

Oh come on, it’s a Leica, customers are the ultimate test bed… 🥺

[Le Chef]

44 minutes ago, 2M6TTLs said:

Not sure I want to buy a 'test' camera.

It's a market test of the appeal of a Leica MFT. The technology within is 6 years old or more, so you're not going to be cutting edge if that's what you fear.

[Einst_Stein]

It seems the technology is giving small error sensor more room for IQ. So much that the gap between different size is shrinking, such as MF ve. FF, or ASP-C vs. MFT.

APS-C vs. FF might be a little different due to the existing ecosystem around FF, that makes FF the polar of sensor format. If this is the correct trend, then  MFT has chance to fight back.

And this may be Leica’s answer to the crying for APS-C.

Edited July 4, 2024 by Einst_Stein

[plantagoo]

I've had mine since yesterday. I think it's great. The look and feel are great. The DNGs are surprisingly good - before the 8 arrived, I recently "dug out" the D-Lux 7 Raws in Lightroom and was surprised at how good they were 5 years ago.

I spontaneously got a Fuji X100VI from my photo dealer in June, took 12 RAWs, looked at them, packed up the camera and took it back to the dealer. The overall package doesn't work for me (anymore). I'm probably "spoiled" by my Qs. Personally, I think the D-Lux 8 is better than the Fuji. Ultimately, a Ricoh GR IIIx would be my absolute favorite - if only it had an EVF.

In this respect, this is actually a smart move by Leica - finally a D-Lux 7 with a real Leica feel. Leica button layout, Leica menu, Leica build quality, modern USB-C connection (although we probably "only" have the EU to thank for that), modernized OLED EVF, modernized back panel. This thing is a real beauty.

Is it for everyone? Certainly not. Does everyone understand it? Certainly not. Is it fun? Most certainly. Can you take great pictures with it? Absolutely.

Bottom line: I think it's really great. And it now gives me that Leica "take me with you and take photos" feeling... 😊

Just my €0.02 😉

Edited July 4, 2024 by plantagoo

[2M6TTLs]

23 hours ago, Einst_Stein said:

It seems the technology is giving small error sensor more room for IQ. So much that the gap between different size is shrinking, such as MF ve. FF, or ASP-C vs. MFT.

APS-C vs. FF might be a little different due to the existing ecosystem around FF, that makes FF the polar of sensor format. If this is the correct trend, then  MFT has chance to fight back.

And this may be Leica’s answer to the crying for APS-C.

How can this camera with a smaller older sensor, without interchangeable lenses and video with no IS, be considered an answer to anything when they already had a far superior product in the form of the APS-C CL?

If the D Lux 8 had come with a high grade fixed lens, say, a 2.5 summarit, or an updated sensor and resolution for cropping, or..well...something, then it might truly have been a baby Q. as some people are wanting to call it. As is, it's hard to get excited about it. The updated menu system is terrific but it lacks anything else.This is a camera that is crying out for some other boost in it's specification. Leica decided to just update the menus, put it in a new jacket and stopped right there.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica Lux

[Einst_Stein]

25 minutes ago, 2M6TTLs said:

How can this camera with a smaller older sensor, without interchangeable lenses and video with no IS, be considered an answer to anything when they already had a far superior product in the form of the APS-C CL?

If the D Lux 8 had come with a high grade fixed lens, say, a 2.5 summarit, or an updated sensor and resolution for cropping, or..well...something, then it might truly have been a baby Q. as some people are wanting to call it. As is, it's hard to get excited about it. The updated menu system is terrific but it lacks anything else.This is a camera that is crying out for some other boost in it's specification. Leica decided to just update the menus, put it in a new jacket and stopped right there.

This is subjective, YMMV, but for me it is good enough as my baby Q companion. May be this is just the hint of the beginning towards  that trend, if there is a trend at all.

[Le Chef]

11 hours ago, 2M6TTLs said:

How can this camera with a smaller older sensor, without interchangeable lenses and video with no IS

It has IBIS, up to 7 stops.