I recently picked up a (barely) used Leica D-Lux 8 to supplement/replace my D-Lux 6 which is generally quite a joy to use. My reasons for doing so, revolved mostly around ISO and low light performance limitations of the D-Lux 6, which is fairly old at this point. I’ve been using the camera for about a week now and - to cut to the chase - it is exactly what I wanted it to be and am very happy with it.
I wanted this camera as a fun, capable, small and simple everyday shooter that I can casually always have with me and know that I can get 95% of the shots that pop up without too many limitations. This is exactly what the camera excels at. Although on paper it’s a pretty “mid” and boring spec sheet, I have to agree with the Leica fans, that’s not necessarily the point. The experience is.
As the Brits say, I’m not going to waffle on too much into details already available on the internet, but in short it is very simple to use with minimal detracting controls or features. It has everything you need for quick captures of most scenes and produces completely usable files and has a customizable layout to meet your specific needs. The build quality is nice and robust, the photo quality is great, the lens is fantastic. The price sucks. That’s pretty much the Leica bargain across the board. And for the record, no it is not German made and the only reason that matters is purely an ego issue, grow up and stop gate-keeping. It’s a well built and great little compact camera, even if a Panasonic factory in China manufactured it.
This camera may not be the camera for you, but for the needs I was trying to fulfill (a powerhouse pocket sized point and shoot), it’s the cats pyjamas… and it looks great. If it is within your budget range, I think it’s a great contender and it will probably be my “A” camera going forward. Sorry Fuji X-T4.
Sample images from the D-Lux 8 gallery below:
