Not feeling it with DL8

[Michael.v]

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I purchased a DL8 about a month ago after owning a Fujifilm Xt5 with a number of prime lenses.

I sold my Fujifilm gear because I wanted a less bulky camera.

I like the menu system on the DL8, the zoom, the size, the look.

I have setup my DL8 a number of different ways after reading other comments and watching videos online.

The thing that I very much dislike is the IQ, the images look soft and lack dynamic range.

I’m not amazed

I so much want to love this camera, but so far all I think about is changing it.

Has anyone got any suggestions, I use Lightroom.

 

There is always something new to learn - I have been a photographer for 55 years and captured some amazing photos.

I look forward to seeing your suggestions.

Thank you.

 

[Alexander108]

This is difficult to relate to. I own my DL8 since a few months and took quite a few photos with it. I am rather satisfies with the results. I use a Canon R5 plus a Leica Q3. I only shoot in RAW / DNG and I am happy with the dynamic range. However, it cannot replace my Q3 or R5, of course. I bought it for very short business trips to do at least some street photography. 

I you haven't tried DNG / RAW yet that might be the solution in LR.

This is a shot I did recently. Not too shabby. What I had hoped for:

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[NaAn]

Maybe your expectations was big from such a simple camera? I don’t treat D Lux 8 as real camera with spectacular photos but I do love what I can get out of this. I also use LR, probably I do more BW because I know what I what as final image.

If you don’t like the camera just sell it, it’s always a good chance to fall in love with your next choice.

[Michael.v]

Nice photo!

I have setup both DNG and JPEG in my user profiles and I can see the difference, but the DNG files lack the dynamics of my previous cameras, I use the JPEG very rarely as I like to do my own editing.

 

[Alexander108]

My advice would be: get out and capture what resonates with you and see if you can work with it. 

If dynamic range is really the issue (histogram clipps both sides) I believe you can do automatic exposure bracketing: 3 or 5 images with different exposures. LR can combine them with the HDR tool. 

It may as well be the case that you want to get used to how it exposes. Use the histogram and expose to the right. 

[Michael.v]

Thank you 

Edited August 1 by Michael.v
Wrong process used

[Michael.v]

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1 hour ago, Alexander108 said:

My advice would be: get out and capture what resonates with you and see if you can work with it. 

If dynamic range is really the issue (histogram clipps both sides) I believe you can do automatic exposure bracketing: 3 or 5 images with different exposures. LR can combine them with the HDR tool. 

It may as well be the case that you want to get used to how it exposes. Use the histogram and expose to the right. 

I will try that and expose to the right, I always slightly underexposed in the pat and that worked on Fujifilm cameras, this one is different

[Michael.v]

1 hour ago, Alexander108 said:

This is difficult to relate to. I own my DL8 since a few months and took quite a few photos with it. I am rather satisfies with the results. I use a Canon R5 plus a Leica Q3. I only shoot in RAW / DNG and I am happy with the dynamic range. However, it cannot replace my Q3 or R5, of course. I bought it for very short business trips to do at least some street photography. 

I you haven't tried DNG / RAW yet that might be the solution in LR.

This is a shot I did recently. Not too shabby. What I had hoped for:

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Nice photo!

I have setup both DNG and JPEG in my user profiles and I can see the difference, but the DNG files lack the dynamics of my previous cameras, I use the JPEG very rarely as I like to do my own editing.

[Dazzajl]

You won’t get the detail or dynamic range you’re used to from the T5 with this little camera. You’ve gone from a 40mp sensor capturing in 14bit to a much smaller sized one with 16mp and 12bit capture. If you’re looking at the images in detail on your monitor then the differences are going to be very obvious. If you take a literal and metaphorical step back, view the images as anyone you’re sharing them with would, you might find the charm in this little camera. 
 

A long time ago I ditched all my EOS kit and Mamiya with digi back to take your cameras great great great Grandfather on a 3 week road trip round the American South West. That was the LX2. The files were tiny and appalling by comparison but I had the best time and I still enjoy those images now. Allow yourself time to settle and get to know this new companion, it does have what it takes   

[Michael.v]

50 minutes ago, Dazzajl said:

You won’t get the detail or dynamic range you’re used to from the T5 with this little camera. You’ve gone from a 40mp sensor capturing in 14bit to a much smaller sized one with 16mp and 12bit capture. If you’re looking at the images in detail on your monitor then the differences are going to be very obvious. If you take a literal and metaphorical step back, view the images as anyone you’re sharing them with would, you might find the charm in this little camera. 
 

A long time ago I ditched all my EOS kit and Mamiya with digi back to take your cameras great great great Grandfather on a 3 week road trip round the American South West. That was the LX2. The files were tiny and appalling by comparison but I had the best time and I still enjoy those images now. Allow yourself time to settle and get to know this new companion, it does have what it takes   

Can you say you are right!!!

Today I went to a camel farm with my 6 year old grandson and my wife, I left the exposure compensation in the middle, it was cloudless day and I captured photos inside and outside.

The photos were fantastic! I am impressed to say the least.

I just need to get the feel of this camera and all will be well

 

Thank you all for your support and input, much appreciated.

 

 

[rfunnell]

You may find this helpful  'from frustration to killer shots'   . I thought it was helpful.

 

 

Edited August 4 by rfunnell

[Einst_Stein]

I do feel DL8 less punchy than XV and M, and I am not surprised. I need a little more agressive in tuning the contrast than dealing with photos from XV and M. I turn up the defrost about 5~10 points higher.

DL8 is a lovely camera, and it has its position in the leica family. I am sure you are well aware it won't replace X or M, aren't you?

[Michael.v]

2 minutes ago, Einst_Stein said:

I do feel DL8 less punchy than XV and M, and I am not surprised. I need a little more agressive in tuning the contrast than dealing with photos from XV and M. I turn up the defrost about 5~10 points higher.

DL8 is a lovely camera, and it has its position in the leica family. I am sure you are well aware it won't replace X or M, aren't you?

I agree with what you say, it's hard to roadtest a camera for a month or 2, and then give it back if you don't like it, but I will get more into it as time goes by as I adjust to the IQ and how best I can use it for my style. The Ricoh GRiii range does some incredible photos. Have you seen the images that come out of it?

[Einst_Stein]

3 minutes ago, Michael.v said:

I agree with what you say, it's hard to roadtest a camera for a month or 2, and then give it back if you don't like it, but I will get more into it as time goes by as I adjust to the IQ and how best I can use it for my style. The Ricoh GRiii range does some incredible photos. Have you seen the images that come out of it?

With APS-C sensor, Rocoh and Fujifilm's 28mm (eq) P&S are great, so are Fujifilm's 35mm P&S. The main difference to me is their color rendering. That's where I prefer Leica. To carry light, I take XV or XU while my wife takes her DL8.

[DenverSteve]

Shooting at a food expo today.  I had my D'lux 8 for cover shots and walking around.  Here are a couple un-retouched, no color adjustment, only minor cropping.  The IQ is great for a small fixed-lens camera.  My D'lux 7 was just as good. Also streets to and from. Of course when you have to cut them down to 2.73 they lose a bit. 

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