Rick in CO Posted February 18 Share #1 Posted February 18 Advertisement (gone after registration) A recent online review of the D-Lux 8 brought up two major issues with the performance of the camera. First, the lens is not really sharp compared to some of its competitors? It is an older design (10 years?), I assume made by Panasonic. Is it a quality control issue, not with the lens, but with final assembly? Have D-Lux 8 users made any objective comparisons with newer 4/3rds cameras? Second, the sensor is dated, several years behind the competition, and does not make full use of the sensors capability - which is a must in a compact camera. Both of the above are deal-breakers for me. I would buy an up to date D-Lux with the 25Mp sensor of the recent Panasonic line of 4/3rds cameras and a re-designed lens that would be sharp across the entire 4/3rds sensor. Forget the silly variable aspect ratios and just get the most out of the sensor. Reviewers have also lamented the loss of the step zoom function, but I would prefer a zoom ring on the lens instead of the variable aspect selector ring (the toggle zoom lever described as problematically slow in use, similar to my 10-year old Typ 112). Positives (from the review) are the new Q-like body, the upgraded OLED finder and native DNG image recording, among others. The camera was described as great in concept, but outdated as presented, especially at the price being asked. I hope that Leica does not give up on the D-Lux line, but updates the 8 to at least match the competition, even if at a (slightly) higher price. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 18 Posted February 18 Hi Rick in CO, Take a look here D-Lux 8 Online Reviews - Justified?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stuny Posted February 21 Share #2 Posted February 21 You might want to try the camera at a dealer. I've often found reviewers (in other fields, too) to be off-base. I have zero experiencer with the D-Lux 8, so take my comment with a grain of salt. However, the consensus here is that it is a terrific camera. I fully trust the opinions of at least two of the members posting their D-lux 8 photos who have exceptionally positive things to say about the camera. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted February 21 Share #3 Posted February 21 I bought a DL8 for my wife. She wants a compact travel camera that can fit into her hand bag, not too heavy to hang on her neck, and has as much zoom as possible. She also wants it to be brand new. Not used, not even like-new or open-box (I cannot convince her to accept anything used). Through the studies of different options, I believe I can get much better image quality and flexibility of many camera/lens combinations with even less money, such as Fujifilm APS-C (XM) and Sony FF (A7C), or Lumix S9, but none of them are as light and small as DL8. So, it ended to DL8. I agree a lot of online reviews on DL8 are extremely exaggerated. It is understandable, as they need to attract click counts, for living, maybe! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRBrown Posted February 22 Share #4 Posted February 22 Here's a D-Lux 8 review that isn't trying to attract click counts: https://www.macfilos.com/2024/08/16/leica-d-lux-8-review-redesigned-compact-becomes-a-full-member-of-the-leica-family/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradS Posted February 22 Share #5 Posted February 22 It seems to be a great little point&shoot but, it is hard to overlook the fact that the lens and sensor are at least seven years old and maybe ten....and then there is the price. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted February 23 Share #6 Posted February 23 9 hours ago, GRBrown said: Here's a D-Lux 8 review that isn't trying to attract click counts: https://www.macfilos.com/2024/08/16/leica-d-lux-8-review-redesigned-compact-becomes-a-full-member-of-the-leica-family/ Blah Blah Blah… A lot of words that can be easier just to read Leica’s introductions. Even reading the user manual would be more efficient and cycles r than reading this type of “review”. Personally I would expect a review to dive somewhat deeper into the performance and quality that are revealed after careful, objective and reasonable first hand evaluations. Not some kind of recompiled product specs and user manual. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
platti Posted February 23 Share #7 Posted February 23 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, the camera is great to handle, the files are as sharp as necessary, the colors are fine. It is small, usable and reliable. I'm using the D-Lux 8 in combination with a Fuji X100V - a great combination. No need to complain. If it is not cheap enough for you - don't whine, just go ahead. There are a lot of competitors .... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Chef Posted February 23 Share #8 Posted February 23 On 2/18/2025 at 2:33 PM, Rick in CO said: First, the lens is not really sharp compared to some of its competitors? That’s not actually what was said. The reviewer thought there might be sample variations between lenses manufactured. That means you might get a good one, or a not so good one and need to return the latter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted February 23 Share #9 Posted February 23 54 minutes ago, Le Chef said: That’s not actually what was said. The reviewer thought there might be sample variations between lenses manufactured. That means you might get a good one, or a not so good one and need to return the latter. Ignore who said that. DL8 is not very sharp compared to competitor? It depends how and who define the competitors. . Of course one can find sharper lens/camera combo within his criteria. But DL8’s target within Leica’s offering is, if I may, the shrieked sized XV. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrigles Posted February 23 Share #10 Posted February 23 I've had two copies of the DL8.. Image quality is excellent.. however I no longer own this model after encountering a couple of quality issues. My first copy of the Dlux8 was returned to Leica - the 1/4" thread mount on the base of the camera was protruding ever so slightly.... this was a minor bugbear for me rather than a serious quality issue but I sent it back just in case this was a manufacturing fault... Leica declared no fault found and that the issue wouldn't affect usage.. which I completely agree with.. but I've never owned a camera where this mount didn't sit flush with base of the camera.. My second copy had dust on the sensor.. That was enough for me.. returned for a refund and I won't be trying a third copy.. Such a shame.. other than the slow laggy zoom.. I really liked the results from the camera.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceflynn Posted February 23 Share #11 Posted February 23 On 2/21/2025 at 6:26 PM, Einst_Stein said: I bought a DL8 for my wife. She wants a compact travel camera that can fit into her hand bag, not too heavy to hang on her neck, and has as much zoom as possible. She also wants it to be brand new. Not used, not even like-new or open-box (I cannot convince her to accept anything used). Through the studies of different options, I believe I can get much better image quality and flexibility of many camera/lens combinations with even less money, such as Fujifilm APS-C (XM) and Sony FF (A7C), or Lumix S9, but none of them are as light and small as DL8. So, it ended to DL8. I agree a lot of online reviews on DL8 are extremely exaggerated. It is understandable, as they need to attract click counts, for living, maybe! It would be interesting to learn what your wife thinks of the D-Lux 8 after she has used it for a while. I would like to know what she thinks of the interface, compared to others she has used. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einst_Stein Posted February 24 Share #12 Posted February 24 (edited) 4 hours ago, ceflynn said: It would be interesting to learn what your wife thinks of the D-Lux 8 after she has used it for a while. I would like to know what she thinks of the interface, compared to others she has used. She does not care much about the "minimalist", nor the "Leica interface". She uses almost the default setting and get used to it, and would almost never change it. Infact, that's almost the same as me. SO I don't really care the Leica Minimalist either. Any consumer grade camera, after the initial setup, they are about the same. This does n ot apply to Leica S, though. What matters to her is the convenience. A real poiont and shoot! The IQ? It's OK, certainly not up to my other Leicas (XV, M, etc.) Edited February 24 by Einst_Stein 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krzstf Posted February 24 Share #13 Posted February 24 I've had my D-Lux 8 for just about 10 days. And since the very first picture, I've fallen deeply (and I mean deeply) in love with this camera. The strong build is a big plus, so are the esthetics, the menu system, the quality of the produced images, but also the small things, like having a dedicated switch for aspect ratio and an aperture ring make it such a joy to use - not to mention the workflow of using the Leica app together with an iPad Pro and Lightroom. This is the very first picture I took, of my son. I've covered part of the photo in Leica red, to keep him anonymous, but it should show what this camera is capable of. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/419357-d-lux-8-online-reviews-justified/?do=findComment&comment=5762994'>More sharing options...
flappo Posted February 25 Share #14 Posted February 25 Going from a D lux 4 which my ever so helpful builders managed to lose while doing renovations recently to a D lux 8 , coming today , very excited !!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick in CO Posted March 4 Author Share #15 Posted March 4 On 2/23/2025 at 7:58 AM, Le Chef said: That’s not actually what was said. The reviewer thought there might be sample variations between lenses manufactured. That means you might get a good one, or a not so good one and need to return the latter. That's a different review. There are two from Macfilos and one from DPReview. The latter's resolution testing and comparisons are not pixel-peeping, but an objective test. There are a couple reports of sample variation - unacceptable for a Leica camera at the price asked, maybe move manufacture/assembly to a location with better quality control. I would look forward to an updated D-Lux, until then I think the CL/TL2 is a better option. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Scheier Posted March 13 Share #16 Posted March 13 I have been reading as lot on the D8. Came to the conclusion that there are many more +++++ for this camera than -----. One comment says that the lens design is 10 years old (there are Leica lenses that are 30 years old and still great lenses). Then that there is an issue with the zoom or with the manual focusing ring. Every new camera has one or the other issue. I got mine in June last year, this camera has travelled already with me to many countries and never had a problem. The ONLY special care and this is important, with a soft brush dust off occasionally the zoom lens path to avoid any dust particle reaching the sensor, I know there is a protector when the lens is retracted, but double care pays off . Lately I did the software update and the camera works as it should, some bugs have been fixed. Bottom line, there are many other cameras on the market but as one comment mentioned in this forum, it's small, it's user friendly and does whatever is needed. What Leica could bring out is the remote charger, this item just came out for the Q3 and Q3/43. Would be really great to have it for the D8. Whoever has a D8 is well served. Go out and do great photos, thats my opinion. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossawilson1 Posted March 17 Share #17 Posted March 17 Honestly I have no idea but I bought a Dlux-8 and have loved the images and loved using the camera, if you have something already that has similar layout and functionality or want to spend less then I doubt there's much point buying one, IDK perhaps its just quicker and better integrated with the app, either way a slightly better sensor isn't going to make a bad shot great or a good shot better. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted March 18 Share #18 Posted March 18 On 3/14/2025 at 6:21 AM, Thomas Scheier said: ... One comment says that the lens design is 10 years old (there are Leica lenses that are 30 years old and still great lenses)... I have a 50 Summicron Rigid which is 66 years old and is still great lens! Newer is not always better just because it's new. If it ain't broke... I really liked the D-Lux 5, despite its tiny sensor, which increased DOF. Its flaws became apparent only with big enlargements at a longer zoom setting. I now have a Pansonic Lumix LX100 MkII, which I think is essentially the same as both the D-Lux 7 and D-Lux 8, apart from a few mainly style tweaks. It's a very capable camera. For pure IQ in a compact shape, I was very impressed with the X cameras. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Scheier Posted March 21 Share #19 Posted March 21 Been travelling now for 3 weeks and the D8 has been a great companion.the operating speed is amazing, everything in this camera works.There is one issue Leica should look into when thd next firmware comes up. I wish that the ISO value indicated manually STAYS active once the camera shuts down.So whenever one switches the D8 on zgain, gone is the manual ISO value and back is AUTO. This is annoying because one always has to go back to the old ISO mznuzlly loosing time and opportunity for a shot. G Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max EPR Posted April 13 Share #20 Posted April 13 I have a SL3, M11 and D-Lux8. The DL8 does a pretty good job for a small camera. I've attached the original and cropped image, but reduced to upload. To my eyes, DL8 photos are great for a small 4/3rds camera. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/419357-d-lux-8-online-reviews-justified/?do=findComment&comment=5785724'>More sharing options...
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