Have a CL. Thinking of swapping for a D-Lux 8. Thoughts?

[elambo]

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I'm a photography hobbyist, I'll put it that way. I know my way around a camera but I don't actually use it often and when I do I don't dig deep into the trenches with customized compositions. I'll stray away from the Auto settings but not like many here do.

So while I love the images I'm getting from the CL, and the user experience is enjoyable, I find that I don't bring it out because, with a good zoom lens (I tend to use zoom a lot), it's just too bulky. That's a shame, but that's how it is.

I had a D-Lux (109) and always liked it, but I wanted to improve my IQ a few years back so I traded to the CL. And here I am considering swapping in the opposite direction.

I've never used the newer D-Lux 8 but I imagine its IQ is a bit closer to the CL I have now than the 109 was. So maybe I'll be content with the more portable Leica, and maybe I'll bring it out with me more often.

For those who are familiar with both models, do you think I'd have regrets once I get images into LR? I know I'll be happier with the portability of the D-Lux, just curious about the final pics.

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[lct]

I gave my daughter a D-Lux 8 for her wedding but i used it only for a couple of shootings. My compact camera is an Panasonic Lx100 that shares the same Leica zoom as the D-Lux AFAIK. Compared to the CL, the latter has a larger sensor and has the advantage of compatibility with M lenses, when the D-Lux is a fixed lens camera. IQ wise they look close but this is a subjective matter. The lens of the D-Lux is faster than zooms fo the CL and its closeups capabilities are handy. Hope this helps.

[DenverSteve]

Obviously everyone's needs and shooting preferences are different.  I have used the Cl for years as well as having owned the D'lux 7 & 8.  While I found applications for the D'lux cameras, and the IQ was very good but I didn't enjoy the experience of shooting with them.  I sold the 7 when they were discontinued and after the 8 came out I purchased that.  The IQ isn't to the standard of the CL, especially when you factor in you have the flexibility of choosing the lens you carry on the CL.  I only use Leica lenses on my CL and have found it to be, unless pixel-peeping which I don't do, as good as any other Leica camera.  I almost always carry a CL when I'm shooting with a Q or M camera to allow me to have a zoom lens to compliment my fixed lens cameras.  Obviously your experience will be yours. 

I will say that after buying my Q3, I sold my original CL but after about 6 months I missed it so much I purchased another.  I won't be selling this one.  If you think the CL is too bulky with a larger zoom, every other camera would be also.  I don't find the 18-56 on the CL bulky at all.  The D'lux 8 lens has an equivalent lens of 24-75 and the CL with the 18-56 has a full-frame equivalent of 27-84 so they are pretty even as far as field of view with the CL having a greater reach and a 1.6x larger sensor.  

The most important thing, to me, is to find a camera (regardless of make or model) that will make you want to have it with you all the time. 

[elambo]

1 hour ago, DenverSteve said:

Obviously everyone's needs and shooting preferences are different.  I have used the Cl for years as well as having owned the D'lux 7 & 8.  While I found applications for the D'lux cameras, and the IQ was very good but I didn't enjoy the experience of shooting with them.  I sold the 7 when they were discontinued and after the 8 came out I purchased that.  The IQ isn't to the standard of the CL, especially when you factor in you have the flexibility of choosing the lens you carry on the CL.  I only use Leica lenses on my CL and have found it to be, unless pixel-peeping which I don't do, as good as any other Leica camera.  I almost always carry a CL when I'm shooting with a Q or M camera to allow me to have a zoom lens to compliment my fixed lens cameras.  Obviously your experience will be yours. 

I will say that after buying my Q3, I sold my original CL but after about 6 months I missed it so much I purchased another.  I won't be selling this one.  If you think the CL is too bulky with a larger zoom, every other camera would be also.  I don't find the 18-56 on the CL bulky at all.  The D'lux 8 lens has an equivalent lens of 24-75 and the CL with the 18-56 has a full-frame equivalent of 27-84 so they are pretty even as far as field of view with the CL having a greater reach and a 1.6x larger sensor.  

The most important thing, to me, is to find a camera (regardless of make or model) that will make you want to have it with you all the time. 

After having MANY cameras of all types, selling most but keeping a select few, it comes down to your last sentence for me as well. Most cameras that I'd consider at this stage will have the potential for taking great shots, but if I don't want to leave the house with it then the conversation is over.

And that's the heart of what I'm exploring: what I may lose in IQ could (so it seems) be gained in mobilization and usability, and I might be more likely to bring a camera at times when, with the CL, I wouldn't.

Great comments -- thanks!

[Einst_Stein]

You will definitely see IQ difference, at least in the sense of adajustabikity in post processing. You will definitely feel the difference in carrying. How you would compromise only you can tell. Between me and my wife, she chooses D8 while I CL/XV. 

[tom0511]

I own many different cameras, including cl system, sl3, M and some months ago added a DLux 8.

I habe used the DLux 8 much more than I thought I would. Its the smallest cam Inhabe used which still feels like a real camera. I like the aparture wheel, the viewfinder, its shutter noise is not as loud as the cl, but its still very Compact to carry.

if it was my one and only camera system I might prefer the flexibility, MP of the CL. 
as a smaller alternetive to another system the dlux8 is really fun. It has replaced my ricoh grd3.

two things I dont like about dlux8…if you switch off and on again it takes forwever. Also sometimes the focus point moves accidently in the corner, dont know whx. Maybe my nose on the display.

and I wish for step zoom.

If you dont print big, and if you want a small flexible camera, which still feels like a real camera in regards of user interface, the D Lux 8 is attractive.

[elambo]

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2 hours ago, tom0511 said:

I own many different cameras, including cl system, sl3, M and some months ago added a DLux 8.

I habe used the DLux 8 much more than I thought I would. Its the smallest cam Inhabe used which still feels like a real camera. I like the aparture wheel, the viewfinder, its shutter noise is not as loud as the cl, but its still very Compact to carry.

if it was my one and only camera system I might prefer the flexibility, MP of the CL. 
as a smaller alternetive to another system the dlux8 is really fun. It has replaced my ricoh grd3.

two things I dont like about dlux8…if you switch off and on again it takes forwever. Also sometimes the focus point moves accidently in the corner, dont know whx. Maybe my nose on the display.

and I wish for step zoom.

If you dont print big, and if you want a small flexible camera, which still feels like a real camera in regards of user interface, the D Lux 8 is attractive.

I often had that problem with my nose adjusting the focal point. An annoyance for sure. And I remember that long startup time with the 109. I missed quite a few shots because of it. I was actually hoping that had improved with the newer 8.