D-Lux 8 Popularity

[fotografr]

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Based on the relatively low number of people posting D-Lux 8 images here and the low number of posts about the camera, it would appear that sales are low and the camera hasn't really caught on in a big way. 

Personally, I think that's unfortunate. I had the previous model and drowned it when I got caught in an unexpected deluge. I went without a small camera for several months but missed having something that size for a carry everywhere camera. When I got the new D-Lux 8, I was pleasantly surprised at the improvements in image quality in spite of using the same sensor. The color accuracy in the new camera is superb and considerably better than the predecessor. I also find the higher ISO performance much better. It's clear there have been improvements in the camera's processor. The menu is much better now, like a little sister to the Q3, and the DNG is more pliable than the old Panasonic file type.

I'm just curious if others feel the same way about the D-Lux 8. I guess it's also possible people haven't found them easy to acquire. I know the wait lists were long at one point.

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[PeterBoyadjian]

I think the sensor is different, CMOS vs whatever the Dlux 7 had. 

Camera is sold out everywhere, Leica LA told me 4 months to get one. 

They can't make that little guy fast enough. 

[EUSe]

I am equally surprised about the low number of postings. The DLux 8 is hard to get in Germany, I was fortunate to get one of the first ones available at my dealer's. I had no plans to buy it, but it was love at first sight. It is a so much better camera compared to the DLux 7 - in every way. It is nice to touch, easy to configure and to handle and I concur that its image quality is really better than that of the DLux 7 - I had sold mine, mostly because of the menus that drove me crazy. As you say, the files are nicely pliable and this little beauty has been a terrific companion on my recent Ireland trip - says a die-hard FF enthusiast! You almost don't feel it, it never gets in your way. It made me rediscover a more relaxed style of photography. I am pretty sure that it had me take a lot of images I would have missed with larger gear. I love the colours. If you are searching for samples, check the German section of the forum, see 

and the following postings. 

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Edited September 18, 2024 by EUSe

[EUSe]

From the Irish Caribbean...

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[Dazzajl]

I think the DL8 looks like the best travel companion on the market right now. A very nice combination of the LX tradition and Leica ethos.  I would like to see a setting for the zoom that gave one touch selection of 24, 35, 50, 75 as well as variable operation and zoom setting memory on wake up. 
 

Perhaps in a firmware update? Or is listening to customers and adding firmware features just a Fuji thing?

[PanHay]

I don’t think the volume of d-lux 8 images posted is a reflection of its popularity. Perhaps it says more about having a discerning eye and asking themselves if an image is good enough to post in the first place. 🙂

[fotografr]

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1 hour ago, PanHay said:

I don’t think the volume of d-lux 8 images posted is a reflection of its popularity. Perhaps it says more about having a discerning eye and asking themselves if an image is good enough to post in the first place. 🙂

Good point. I hope to see more posts as the camera becomes more available. The images posted by EUSe are gorgeous and show what the D-Lux 8 can do in the right hands. 

One menu change I would hope for in a future firmware update is the ability to name profiles. 

[rjans]

There are not much official Leica dealers in Belgium and the D-Lux 8 is hard to get. However also online at different stores is the same message "temporarily sold out". I've seen one online store that has alternating "in stock" and "out of stock". Leica is currently the only manufacturer to launch a new compact zoom camera. I personally think that is a good strategy from Leica. Other manufacturers have abandoned the compact zoom camera or are still producing some existing models. Price may possibly be a barrier for some people, but I notice that the 2nd hand prices of, for example, the D-Lux 7 are still quite high, (sometimes higher than the last RRP) compared to the D-Lux 8. My opinion is that the D-Lux 8 is very popular but production cannot keep up with demand.

[stuny]

I suspect that availability is at least part of the answer.  bias against a PanaLeica vs the real thing may also influence buying decisions.

BTW:  Have you tried the iZoom, doubling the tele end of the lens to 150MM equivalent in jpegs using its virtually lossless algorithm?  If more people knew about that I suspect availability would be even tighter.

[EUSe]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb stuny:

I suspect that availability is at least part of the answer.  bias against a PanaLeica vs the real thing may also influence buying decisions.

BTW:  Have you tried the iZoom, doubling the tele end of the lens to 150MM equivalent in jpegs using its virtually lossless algorithm?  If more people knew about that I suspect availability would be even tighter.

Yes, you can get 105 mm or 148 mm with M or S jpgs respectively. It is no longer called iZoom. Nevertheless I never liked the feature on the DLux7 - image quality doesn‘t improve, actually it is nothing but a crop. I prefer the DNG + L jpg setting. But if you like to share jpgs, it may be useful.

[stuny]

38 minutes ago, EUSe said:

Yes, you can get 105 mm or 148 mm with M or S jpgs respectively. It is no longer called iZoom. Nevertheless I never liked the feature on the DLux7 - image quality doesn‘t improve, actually it is nothing but a crop. I prefer the DNG + L jpg setting. But if you like to share jpgs, it may be useful.

What you're referring to does just throw away pixels -- On other cameras it's "digital zoom."  On PanaLeicas the iZoom works very well, but ONLY in jpeg.

[EUSe]

vor 42 Minuten schrieb stuny:

What you're referring to does just throw away pixels -- On other cameras it's "digital zoom."  On PanaLeicas the iZoom works very well, but ONLY in jpeg.

I think you misunderstood. iZoom is no longer mentioned in the DLux 8 handbook or in the menu. You do get the longer focal lengths though using the M and S- jpgs settings, but the file size in 3:2 format is then reduced to 8.5 or 3.2 MP respectively instead of 16.2 for L-jpgs. That means that only part of the sensor is used, otherwise the zoom lens would extend more - it doesn‘t. You are already losing information by not using the DNG format (8 bit instead of 12). There is loss anyway - by not using the full sensor and by sticking with a jpg. For longer focal lengths I personally prefer a longer lens and full resolution. I just crop parts of the image that don‘t contribute to the aethetics or disturb. 

[fotografr]

8 hours ago, stuny said:

I suspect that availability is at least part of the answer.  bias against a PanaLeica vs the real thing may also influence buying decisions.

BTW:  Have you tried the iZoom, doubling the tele end of the lens to 150MM equivalent in jpegs using its virtually lossless algorithm?  If more people knew about that I suspect availability would be even tighter.

The D-Lux 8 has no iZoom.

[stuny]

25 minutes ago, fotografr said:

The D-Lux 8 has no iZoom.

Wow!  That's the first PanaLeica without it.

[fotografr]

2 hours ago, stuny said:

Wow!  That's the first PanaLeica without it.

Perhaps Leica are trying to distance themselves from Panasonic. The D-Lux 8 has much more of a Leica feel to it, from the menu to the outer skin. 

Edited September 19, 2024 by fotografr

[rfunnell]

After considering it would be handy to have as a 'always with you camera' I placed my name on the waiting list 3 months back and today the camera store called me to say it has arrived .

I have not picked it up as yet but just had a Quick Look on Youtube to see what new buyers were saying 4 months on  and have decided to give it a miss.

Currently I have SL3 , Q3 43 and M11P so I'm spoilt for choice really but thought the similarity of menu systems would be great however it should seem that there are lots of folks returning this camera because of buyers remorse.

This one from 4 days ago was the kicker for me:

 

 

Does this ring true with others who have already had their camera delivered ?

Im interested to hear your thoughts.

[Delboy72]

27 minutes ago, rfunnell said:

This one from 4 days ago was the kicker for me:

I've had one for a few months.  It's small, light and a pleasure to use.  However, if I had the problems he has had with white balance and the need to occasionally remove and replace the battery, I would request a replacement.  With respect to the other "issues" he mentions , they don't bother me.

[Dazzajl]

This is very much a camera I want to want but the slow zoom and inability to jump to preset points keeps me getting close to pulling the trigger. 
 

My slowing increasing experience with the Leica ethos leaves me thinking this is more a camera aimed at bringing some of the masses over to Leica than it is about delivering a point and shoot for Leica fans. 
 

That said, it’s probably still the most compelling pocketable, zoom equipped point and shoot in production. 

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[rsolomon]

I find it awesome for every day carry!  I use the M for my more serious hobbyist work. I did have a battery last issue until I allowed 2 cycles of drain and recharge…. I love it !

[NaAn]

I wasn’t expecting much from compact camera however I’m happy to have it with me when I don’t need a big camera. Took me a while to figure out how to get a good quality picture, just using manual settings 🙂
I do charge with power bank, not a problem for me because I always keep it in my bag to charge the phone.