Leica D-Lux 8 Compact Digital Camera

Leica D-Lux 8 Compact Digital Camera Summary

The Leica D-Lux 8 Compact Digital Camera brings a host of refined upgrades, further elevating the high-performance compact Leica lineup. At its core is a 17 megapixel micro four-thirds MOS sensor, perfect for capturing up to 4K 30p video, which is paired with an enhanced OLED EVF with 2.4 million dots for a crystal clear viewing experience.

The rear panel LCD has also seen improvements, complementing the newly designed top, back, and front panels, all bearing the unmistakable elegance of Leica. The 3.1x DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 ASPH. zoom lens provides a full-frame equivalent range of 24-75mm, making it highly versatile for a variety of content styles, from travel and street photography to portraits, landscapes and everyday snapshots.

With an updated interface derived from the Leica Q3, and easy-to-operate controls, the new D-Lux 8 is ideal for experienced creators, as well as newcomers to photography who want to enjoy the creative freedom which the D-Lux 8 provides.

Leica FOTOS has been updated to seamlessly integrate with the D-Lux 8 camera. This offers DNG downloads for the first time, easy video transfer, optical zoom during remote camera control, and firmware updates through the app, ensuring effortless convenience for on-the-go photographers and creators.

In the Leica D-Lux 8, form and function converge harmoniously, in an updated compact camera that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of discerning photographers.

Key Leica D-Lux 8 Features

• Distinctively refined Leica camera design, exuding timeless elegance
• Micro Four Thirds sensor with 17 megapixels for superior image quality
• Record up to 4K 30p video
• Versatile Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 ASPH. zoom lens (24-75mm full-frame equivalent)
• Improved high-resolution OLED EVF with 2.4 million dots
• The first D-Lux that features the versatile DNG format RAW files
• Upgraded 3” rear LCD display with 1.84 million dots
• Modern USB-C 3.1 charging for convenience
• Unique Leica interface, inspired by the legendary Leica Q3
• On-camera flash included
• 43mm filter thread
• A series of Leica accessories will be available at launch including handgrip, leather camera case; carrying straps, wrist straps, leather half cases (multiple colours)

Leica D-Lux 8 in More Detail

Combining legendary design with an enjoyable user experience

The Leica D-Lux 8 incorporates the same elements, which make larger Leica cameras so immersive. Leica has updated several elements, including the camera interface, which features clear menu separation between stills and video. The body is also refined, with fewer buttons and controls to worry about on the rear, creating an authentic experience with physical controls, positive clicks from dials, and greater user enjoyment.

The upgrades not only streamline the user experience, but make it easier to customise the camera through customisable buttons, which include the navigational control pad, while providing better control via the responsive touch menu or Leica FOTOS app.

Whether you are new to Leica cameras or already enjoy the ecosystem, the D-Lux 8 will be familiar and intuitive to learn, and offers an enjoyable way to continue your photographic storytelling journey.

Upgraded EVF

With a higher resolution electronic viewfinder users can preview the scene and review images more clearly, even in bright conditions. When composing through the viewfinder distractions are also eliminated, allowing you to concentrate on the scene and immerse yourself into telling the story of the subject.

The Viewfinder resolution is 2,360,000dots, with 60fps, 0.74x magnification, and features an exit pupil position of 20mm, with a setting range -4/+4dpt. The eye sensor provides automatic switchover between viewfinder and LCD panel, with a time delay of just 0.005s.

The LCD touch panel is a 3” TFT LCD, with approx. 1,843,200dots, 384ppi, aspect ratio 3:2.

Excellent image quality

Whichever content you like to create the D-Lux 8 delivers beautifully, with a significant step up from smartphone content creation from a camera which still fits in your pocket. This is due to the large Micro Four Thirds sensor and bright variable aperture f/1.7 to f/2.8 zoom lens, which render excellent detail, accurate colours and natural bokeh.

Impressive detail is apparent regardless of lighting conditions, with the Leica lens able to gather light and render fine details such as eyelashes, animal fur and leaves on a tree, during the day and in low light situations.

Skin tones are reproduced very naturally, while the flash which comes with the camera and sits in the hotshoe offers excellent illumination for night shots and more. Chromatic aberrations are well controlled, particularly around backlit and contrasty areas in the image. Macro mode is also available for detailed close-ups, and you can expect brilliant details right into the corners of the frame, even when shooting close-up.

Real bokeh and smooth backgrounds are created by the bright f/1.7 zoom lens, which is able to optically render excellent detail, natural colours and blurry backgrounds. Unlike a phone which may use digital crop to get closer, the D-Lux 8 maintains image quality even when zooming in optically, ensuring distant subjects remain as sharp as closer subjects.

The addition of DNG RAW files to this camera generation allows for greater post processing latitude, in order to draw out richer areas of shading, texture and colours when you want to get the most out of your images.

The 3.1x optical zoom lens features 50cm to infinity focusing with a macro setting from 3cm (wide), to 30cm (zoom).

Up to 11fps burst shooting

Despite its compact size the D-Lux 8 is capable of capturing 11fps in RAW DNG files for just over 1 second. You can also shoot in JPG for longer bursts of images, where you don’t want to miss any of the action over a prolonged time. The buffer memory is outlined in the table below.

4K Video for creators

Capturing video for Youtube, FB or any other  social channel is no problem with 4K 30p available in  4K 4:2:0 / 8bit using H.264, L.GOP at up to 100Mbps. The camera records movies in manual and automatic modes with ISO speeds of between ISO 100–ISO 6400, catering to everything from dimly lit venues to bright daylight conditions. You can also add a 49mm ND filter to slow the shutter when shooting in brighter conditions.

Durable and desirable

With a full metal housing made from die-cast magnesium and a leatherette covering, the D-Lux 8 camera is robust and built for content creation. Leica cameras can last for years if maintained well, and this compact is capable of performing in conditions from 0C to +40C.

Included flashgun

The included flash features a Guide Number of 10/7 (at ISO 200/100) and connects to the camera via the accessory shoe. A range of new and existing accessories are also optionally available, which we outline below.

D-Lux 8 accessories

Leica isn’t only known for their understated camera designs, but also for accompanying accessories, which enhance usability and complement the camera. The D-Lux 8 is compatible with a variety of new accessories, some from the previous generation D-Lux 7, and those from other models in the range, which include a USB-C cable, Q3 Soft Release Button Brass Blasted Finish and the Leica Crossbody Bag SOFORT Medium Black.

A choice of new half cases and a full case are available for customers, including the D-Lux 8  Leather Half Case Cognac, and full D-Lux 8 Leather Camera Case Black, both of which offer protection with a dash of style. You can add a D-Lux 8 Handgrip Black, for greater hold on the camera, along with a spare Leica BP-DC 15 Rechargeable Battery Pack, which is always recommended.

What’s in the box

• Leica D-Lux 8 Compact Digital Camera
• Compact flash unit
• Lens cover and string
• Hand strap