Leica d-lux 8 review - A Playful Camera With Serious Versatility
MY THOUGHTS ON THE LEICA D-LUX AND WHY I BOUGHT ONE.
BY JUSTIN MOTT
Testing the DLux 8 during my street/travel photography workshop with Leica Singapore
The Leica D-Lux 8: A Practical Companion for Photographers
Today, I'm diving into the Leica D-Lux 8, a camera that may seem like just another rebranded Lumix, but don’t let that fool you. This little powerhouse is more than meets the eye, especially if you’re a Leica enthusiast or someone who appreciates a versatile, lightweight camera.
First off, let’s get the specs out of the way. The D-Lux 8 comes with a 10-34mm zoom lens, equivalent to 24-70mm on a full-frame camera, with an impressive f/1.7 aperture at the wide end. It also features a 2.36MP OLED EVF, a three-inch non-retractable LCD, and weighs in at just 397 grams. The price? A cool $1,600.
But I’m not here to bombard you with technical details. If that’s your thing, check out Leica’s website or B&H. I’m more interested in how this camera fits into my workflow and why I’m considering adding it to my lineup.
I’m primarily a Leica M user for my personal work and street photography, with an SL2-S for editorial and video projects. The D-Lux 8 doesn’t aim to replace either of these; instead, it serves as a complementary tool. Whether I’m using it as a better camera phone, a bike ride companion, or a transit camera, the D-Lux 8 offers versatility in situations where my other cameras might be too bulky or too specific in function.
One of the standout features for me is the camera’s size and weight. It’s small enough to carry everywhere, making it perfect for spontaneous shots around the house, on bike rides, or during transit. Its zoom range and macro capabilities fill gaps where my M10D or SL2-S might fall short, and it’s an ideal backup camera for professional shoots.
Of course, the D-Lux 8 isn’t without its flaws. The lack of weather sealing is a letdown, and the non-retractable screen means it’s not ideal for vlogging. Plus, at this price point, it’s definitely an investment.
However, if you’re like me and appreciate a tactile, beautifully designed camera that can adapt to various shooting situations, the D-Lux 8 might be worth the splurge. It’s a jack-of-all-trades camera that slots in nicely with my existing Leica lineup, offering flexibility and peace of mind when I’m out and about.
So, will I be adding the Leica D-Lux 8 to my collection? Absolutely. It’s the perfect sidekick to my M and SL cameras, and I can already think of multiple scenarios where it would shine. Stay tuned for a follow-up review after I’ve had more time to put it through its paces.
If you’re interested in seeing more of my gear reviews or learning about photography, check out my YouTube channel and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Also, I’ve got a few slots left in my Northern Vietnam photography workshop this December—grab yours while you can! All the details are in the description box below.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day. If you have any questions, ask me in the comments section.
Below I’ve got two full episodes breaking down the DLux8 and comparing it to the Q3. I’ve also added a sample gallery of images I shot during my workshop with Leica Singapore.
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LEICA DLUX IMAGE GALLERY
