D-Lux 8 vs Fuji X100VI. Which one?

[Max EPR]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have owned the Leica D-Lux 8 for two weeks and I am very happy with the camera after many photos. I also own a M11 and SL2 as a reference.  I was looking for a high-quality compact camera as a convenient backup for my other Leica’s. The two choices that I was interested in were the Fuji X100VI and the Leica D-Lux 8. I previously owned a Fuji X100 T and I appreciated it very much. And yes, based on specs, the Fuji X100VI has better specs in many ways. That said, I much rather have the D-Lux 8. I think this is especially true if you are a current Leica owner or if you want to enter the Leica family for the first time. It’s also my opinion, that the menu system on the Leica is superior to that of the Fuji. In fact, I think the D-Lux 8 is just easier to use overall than the Fuji. In my opinion, the Fuji has too many unnecessary and seldom used menu features. I basically need Shutter, Aperture and ISO controls most of the time. If I need more, I can refer to the "quick" menu screen. Finally, the difference in sensor size was an initial concern of mine but has proven to be a non-issue. I have two other Leica’s with very large sensors (60 and 47 megapixels). Most of my printed photos are 8x10 or smaller. For those requirements, the 4/3 17-megapixel CMOS sensor of the D-Lux 8 is more than adequate. I could easily print a 12x17 at 300 dpi.

This compact D-Lux 8 effortlessly blends classic Leica aesthetics with more than adequate technology, resulting in a photography experience that is both familiar and fun.
From the moment you hold it in your hand, the D-Lux 8 projects an air of refined elegance. Its precisely crafted build and physical controls inspire confidence and precision. The iconic Leica red dot, a symbol of excellence, enhances its classic design, a constant reminder of the heritage you hold.

The heart of the D-Lux 8 is its exceptional lens. The Leica DC Vario-Summilux delivers very nice image quality with satisfactory sharpness, contrast, and color rendition. Whether capturing amazing landscapes or close portraits, this lens consistently impresses with its ability to render subjects with lifelike detail and depth. The D-Lux8 Vario-Summilux lens provides both wide and telephoto capability. Try that on a fixed lens camera. Cropping is a solution for higher megapixel fixed lens cameras, but that is not necessary with a zoom lens.

In conclusion, the M11 and SL2 and their lenses are superior to the D-Lux 8. But for a well-built compact camera that is still a Leica, the D-Lux8 is perfect.
 

[Psrkn]

I have both Fuji x100vi and Leica d-lux8. Each has its own strength, to my own use, I shot with raw and jpeg because I use a raw or dng file for a big print. JPEG is used for a quick post to social media. X100vi gives me film simulations to select and is very easy to choose.

I also have a Leica Q3 and Leica SL2-S for shooting full-frame images, so I know how to adjust d-lux8 very well.

Fuji x100vi fixed lens is a aps-c sensor with 40.2 MP which allows you to crop some what but d-lux8 MFT has a zoom Lens which give you around 16 MP. To my own use, both supply with flash, so image quality is about the same but d-lux8 is more compact than x100vi. D-lux8 is more enjoyable to shoot with and carrying around to me because I can use the zoom lens. Again, it is my personal preference.

Sure, a lot of users will disaggre with me.

[samwong.aust]

Good  comments 

 

Thank you 

[andy3009]

I empathise with @Max EPR I sold my Fuji X100F, the images could be great but I found the operation hit and miss despite several years solid use.  I now use a digital Leica CL as main camera and it is so much more intuitive, a pleasure to use.  A gateway drug... The Sony RX100 was a fantastic pocket camera but eventually failed internally due to the moving parts, albeit after 7 years. For a few years my pocket camera has been a Canon Powershot G9X II which is tiny but it also has a feeling of fragility and the IQ matches none of the aforementioned cameras especially in low light.  A friend had an older D Lux version that felt it had to be handled carefully but I'm intrigued by the new D-Lux, can you comment on the robustness, especially with the lens movement?  I also find myself dreaming about a Q2 or Q3 (when the money falls from a tree) for the fixed lens and relying on cropping.

[Max EPR]

Regarding the "robustness of the lens" question from andy3009. First, I don't think the D-Lux8 has to be handled carefully. It is a light and small camera, so I bought the handgrip. That made holding the camera a lot more secure. It is not a fragile camera. It's not built like a tank as the SL2 and M11 are, but it's very well built. The lens movement from wide to zoom is not fast, but in most cases it's fast enough. I think expectations for a small, light weight camera have to be realistic. The D-Lux8 is really nice for what it is. If I want the absolute best photos my first choice are the SL's with their lenses and then the M's with their lenses. If I want a really nice, small camera with more than acceptable capabilities, I take the D-Lux8. 

[Einst_Stein]

Between 35~50mm equivlant focal length, X100VI have objective advantages of larger sensor because it can crop the 40MP as digital zoom, ignore the subjective preference on the color science of the two brands.

Between 24~35mm and 50~75mm equivalent, D8 would win hands down for obviios reason. 

[leicas_boyfriend]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

On 7/28/2024 at 5:54 PM, Max EPR said:

Regarding the "robustness of the lens" question from andy3009. First, I don't think the D-Lux8 has to be handled carefully. It is a light and small camera, so I bought the handgrip. That made holding the camera a lot more secure. It is not a fragile camera. It's not built like a tank as the SL2 and M11 are, but it's very well built. The lens movement from wide to zoom is not fast, but in most cases it's fast enough. I think expectations for a small, light weight camera have to be realistic. The D-Lux8 is really nice for what it is. If I want the absolute best photos my first choice are the SL's with their lenses and then the M's with their lenses. If I want a really nice, small camera with more than acceptable capabilities, I take the D-Lux8. 

Would be interesting to me if Leica has done something against the problem with dust coming on the sensor through the lens tube.

A problem that seems to affect the D-Lux 109 as well as the 7 (my 7 not yet affected, but I always try treating it like a raw egg...😀).

[Einst_Stein]

2 hours ago, leicas_boyfriend said:

Would be interesting to me if Leica has done something against the problem with dust coming on the sensor through the lens tube.

A problem that seems to affect the D-Lux 109 as well as the 7 (my 7 not yet affected, but I always try treating it like a raw egg...😀).

You probably can't be sure within 3 years. In 3 years, anything can happen, dirts, sensor corrosion,  firmware bugs, .... 

Just stay with your D-109 and D7.

[leicas_boyfriend]

1 hour ago, Einst_Stein said:

You probably can't be sure within 3 years. In 3 years, anything can happen, dirts, sensor corrosion,  firmware bugs, .... 

Just stay with your D-109 and D7.

That's right for sure. As far as I know, Leica hasn't announced anything concerning weather seal or dust protection.

It could be that either, they haven't improved anything or they have, but do not want to admit that there is a problem with older D-Lux versions.... 😀

[Einst_Stein]

47 minutes ago, leicas_boyfriend said:

That's right for sure. As far as I know, Leica hasn't announced anything concerning weather seal or dust protection.

It could be that either, they haven't improved anything or they have, but do not want to admit that there is a problem with older D-Lux versions.... 😀

Or simply only very few people care this problem. 
 

[ianforber]

On 7/28/2024 at 5:06 AM, Psrkn said:

I have both Fuji x100vi and Leica d-lux8. Each has its own strength, to my own use, I shot with raw and jpeg because I use a raw or dng file for a big print. JPEG is used for a quick post to social media. X100vi gives me film simulations to select and is very easy to choose.

I also have a Leica Q3 and Leica SL2-S for shooting full-frame images, so I know how to adjust d-lux8 very well.

Fuji x100vi fixed lens is a aps-c sensor with 40.2 MP which allows you to crop some what but d-lux8 MFT has a zoom Lens which give you around 16 MP. To my own use, both supply with flash, so image quality is about the same but d-lux8 is more compact than x100vi. D-lux8 is more enjoyable to shoot with and carrying around to me because I can use the zoom lens. Again, it is my personal preference.

Sure, a lot of users will disaggre with me.

Interesting that you also have a Q3. I have an M11 and a Q2 and I’m thinking about getting the D-L8 but I’m wondering if it overlaps too much with the Q2. The latter takes such amazing photos and can easily be cropped to better than a 75mm zoom. The Q2 is much more bulky with its lens but it looks like the D-L8 isn’t much smaller once its lens has extended. When do you reach for the D-L8 over the Q3?

[PanHay]

12 hours ago, ianforber said:

Interesting that you also have a Q3. I have an M11 and a Q2 and I’m thinking about getting the D-L8 but I’m wondering if it overlaps too much with the Q2. The latter takes such amazing photos and can easily be cropped to better than a 75mm zoom. The Q2 is much more bulky with its lens but it looks like the D-L8 isn’t much smaller once its lens has extended. When do you reach for the D-L8 over the Q3?

I have the D-Lux 8 and after my 1hour session at Leica Mayfair I’m really interested in the Q3 now. If anyone has both cameras could they post images of the same object at the various crop sizes and compare with the DL8 at similar FLength? I’m also interested in the depth of field quality and portraits. Not a lot to ask for! 🙏

[HpS]

PanHay, regards the DoF, as I use a D-LUX7, I can tell you the shallow DoF in portraits is really no-nowhere even close to what you get with prime leica lenses obviously of course. Don't know about D-lux 8.

[S Maclean]

On 8/7/2024 at 4:23 AM, PanHay said:

I have the D-Lux 8 and after my 1hour session at Leica Mayfair I’m really interested in the Q3 now. If anyone has both cameras could they post images of the same object at the various crop sizes and compare with the DL8 at similar FLength? I’m also interested in the depth of field quality and portraits. Not a lot to ask for! 🙏

if  you get the LFI app or go to their website you can look at the gallery section for photos of all their systems. From an IQ point of view the Q system is far superior to the D. I think the intended use is quite different.

 

I got a Q for my wife but it is too big and bulky.  She just wants something that has clear imaging and is easy to use.  The Q meets that criteria but.....it also has to fit in her purse or pocket, because she does not want to "carry" a camera. The D meets THAT criteria.  If she ever wants to take a better pic, she can just grab one of my cameras.

 

So I am selling the Q2 Ghost and getting either the fiji or a D8

[colonel]

for me, I am not a great fan of lenses that extend when you switch the camera on. I like fixed lenses that can shoot the second you switch on. The D-Lux 8 is ideal as a pocket zoom solution. I find it nicer to use then the RX100 series and better IQ at lower light. If you are happy with only shooting at 35mm, then the X100V would be the way to go.

[clasami]

Sold my X100VI long ago. Just couldn't get the AF to work reliably, and MF is not a real good option with that lens. Since I don't care about Film Simulations, the larger sensor would be the only advantage. But as soon as you crop 50mm, the advatage is gone.

[Malabito]

On 10/23/2024 at 4:40 PM, clasami said:

Sold my X100VI long ago. Just couldn't get the AF to work reliably, and MF is not a real good option with that lens. Since I don't care about Film Simulations, the larger sensor would be the only advantage. But as soon as you crop 50mm, the advatage is gone.

I just got the X100VI. I was looking for a small camera to complement my SL2s and M11.

Honestly, I don't know how you couldn't find the autofocus reliable, especially coming from Leica. I actually find the X100VI autofocus much better than the SL2s.

 

[Dazzajl]

Isn’t this choice really about whether you want a camera that does one thing as well as it can be done? Or a camera that does many many things to a very respectable standard? 
 

I’ve always had a soft spot for the LX range and the X100, in most of its flavours, so I think for me the best option would be to have one of each.