The large cameras from Leica cost 5,000 euros and more, but the D-Lux 8 is significantly cheaper at just under 1,600 euros. For the money, buyers get a small and solid compact camera with a very unique concept.
Lots of sensor, little zoom
Compact cameras usually have small image sensors. That’s one of the reasons cell phones have largely replaced them – there’s not much difference in picture quality. The Leica D-Lux 8, however, uses one MicroFourThirdssensor (MFT), although in a slightly different form than system cameras with an MFT sensor. The D-Lux 8 does not use the entire sensor, but leaves a small margin. How big it is depends on the photo format you choose. This can be adjusted from extra wide (16:9) to square (1:1) using a slide switch on the lens (see picture below). The D-Lux takes photos in the typical 3:2 photo format 16 megapixels (4928×3288 pixels). The toggle feature isn’t new, but it’s pretty rare. It was already available in the previous model, the Leica D-Lux 7, and in the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. The image sensor of the D-Lux 8 is a good six times larger than its counterparts in cheaper compact cameras and a good one and a half times larger than the more expensive models with a 1-inch sensor. This ensures high image quality. Images taken by the small Leica in daylight can compete with those from system cameras – they are very high-contrast and have a nice background blur. This is ensured by the bright zoom, which also allows a lower ISO setting and thus higher image quality in dim light. The photos from the D-Lux 8 look good up to ISO 1600. In addition, cameras with larger sensors (APS-C or full format) have an advantage. At ISO 6400, the Leica’s images appear somewhat flat and cool in color reproduction. It is better to attach the included flash and take photos with a reduced ISO setting.
The zoom of the Leica D-Lux 8 goes far out when taking photos and filming. A special feature: the image format can be changed using a switch on the lens.
Photo: COMPUTER BILD
Not a video professional
The D-Lux 8 is a further development of the D-Lux 7, not a completely new development. This is particularly evident in video recordings. There are none of the options that are common today, such as high-contrast HDR recordings in HLG format. Additionally, the D-Lux 8 only records in 4K maximum 15 minutes in one piece. The image quality is impressive and the focus tracking is usually fast enough. However, a slight background noise is annoying in quiet passages.
The menus of the Leica D-Lux 8 (here the quick menu) are very clear. This makes operation easier.
Photo: COMPUTER BILD
Easy to use
The D-Lux 8 is so small and so light that it fits in your jacket pocket when switched off. The zoom lens moves when switched on pretty far out: So it’s better if you take the Leica out of your bag. Typical compact camera: The D-Lux 8 has a hand strap. But there is a second eyelet. A carrying strap can therefore also be attached to the elegant compact. Operating the D-Lux 8 is quite easy. There is no fully automatic mode, but if you don’t want to worry about the camera settings, simply set the aperture ring and the time wheel to “A” (automatic) and the autofocus to “iAF” (intelligent autofocus). This is very easy using the camera’s quick menu. It appears the first time you press the menu button, and the second time you press the full menu is visible. When it comes to autofocus, the D-Lux 8 works with a Contrast measurementcombined with simple subject recognition. This is enough for many subjects, but the autofocus doesn’t always keep up with fast movements. The D-Lux 8 also manages series production only two frames per secondif the autofocus should track the focus.
Test results Leica D-Lux 8
Nice viewfinder, fixed display
The display of the D-Lux 8 is beautifully detailed, but unfortunately it cannot be folded or swiveled permanently installed. This makes it difficult to take shots near the ground or overhead. The viewfinder is very large for a compact camera (Viewfinder magnification 0.74x) and can be easily seen even with glasses. Only a few cameras in the compact class offer this convenience. The only connections are HDMI and USB-C – the camera is also charged via these.
Test result Leica D-Lux 8
Die Leica D-Lux 8 is a stylish but expensive compact camera. Its strengths include the bright zoom, the large viewfinder and the high image quality of photos. The D-Lux 8 is a little weaker when it comes to action shots and videos. Other top compact cameras such as Sony’s RX100 series offer more speed and better sound.
