For photography gatekeepers and the overly tech-conscious, Leica has always represented a defined legacy of top-notch image quality and remarkable design, albeit at a less-than-affordable price point. The brand usually caters to professionals and serious hobbyists, however, its D-Lux series has found its own spot, giving a high-end point-and-shoot experience for those who want something a bit special. The German premium manufacturer introduced the first D-Lux all the way back in 2003, and now, eight generations and numerous special editions later, the D-Lux 8 is here, the newest member of this respected lineup, ready to carry on the tradition with a fresh, modern feel.
As more camera brands enter the entry-level mirrorless market with hybrids, Leica has revived its D-Lux series with the latest D-Lux 8, promising to bring “the quintessential Leica experience into a more compact and accessible form.” This compact digital camera appeals to those who want more than the usual smartphone photography, offering the perfect blend of premium design and practicality, making high-quality photography accessible to a broader audience.
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Leica’s newest entry-level point-and-shoot camera packs some impressive upgrades. While it might look like the 2018 D-Lux 7’s twin, there’s more than meets the eye. The new compact camera now has an all-black finish and luxurious leathery wrap from the high-end Q series, while the user experience has been streamlined with fewer buttons and unlabeled controls with a simplified dial layout. The mechanical on/off switch is also gone now, reflecting a shift towards a more minimalist design.
Under the hood, the new D-Lux 8 features a non-detachable Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 ASPH. lens (equivalent to 24-75mm on a 35mm camera) and a 21-megapixel 4/3” CMOS sensor. Thanks to the Panasonic-sourced image sensor, you can also expect the same 4K/30p video recording capabilities. One of the biggest changes is the software interface, now inspired by Leica’s premium Q line. It finally supports the versatile DNG format and RAW file capture for the first time in the D-Lux series.
In the box, you’ll still find a handy flash attachment, just like with the D-Lux 7. Leica is also selling a bunch of new accessories for the D-Lux 8, including a hand grip, carrying straps, wrist straps, and leather protectors, all available in multiple colours. As per Leica, “Additional accessories such as an automatic lens cap, soft release buttons, and a selection of bags, including a hip bag, crossbody bag, and equipment bag, expand the camera’s portfolio.”
If you’re a fan of Leica’s top-notch image quality and passion for photography, you can register via the brand’s official website to get a heads-up when the D-Lux 8 hits the shelves. As of writing, Australian pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but in the UK, it’s priced at £1,450 (approximately AUD$2,800). We’ll update this article with the official Australian pricing once Leica makes the announcement.
