LEICA D-LUX 8 COMPACT CAMERA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

By David Farkas, Leica Store Miami

Today, Leica is officially launching its long-awaited D-Lux 8 compact digital camera, after teasing some basic information at the end of May. We now have the full rundown of all the details on the new compact digital camera, and it looks incredible.

Featuring the same fast, high-performing Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 ASPH lens (24-75mm equiv.) as the D-Lux 7, along with a 21 megapixel Micro 4/3 CMOS sensor, image quality should be excellent. The latest D-Lux 8 departs from the proprietary RWL RAW format used in previous D-Lux models in favor of the more standard Adobe DNG used across all other Leica cameras. And, as we've come to expect, integration with the Leica FOTOS app is now a more seamless experience, especially with the update to 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 LE.

The D-Lux 8 definitely looks the part of a real Leica camera, with design elements inspired directly from the Q3. From the diamond pattern cladding to the minimalist button interface and intuitive exposure controls, Leica has done a great job updating the long-running and popular D-Lux to be consistent with the rest of its lineup. The redesigned die-cast magnesium body feels solid and super premium, yet is lightweight and compact enough to throw in a coat pocket.

With a familiar and minimalistic physical control layout, complete with assignable custom function buttons, a shutter speed dial on top, aperture ring on the lens, and thumb wheel, the D-Lux 8 offers intuitive operation, echoing the Q series. Even the UI menu system has been utilized from the Q, creating a consistent experience coming from any modern Leica camera.

The displays have gotten some major updates as well. The bright and clear EVF offers a larger view along with amazing clarity thanks to a new OLED panel. And the rear LCD touchscreen gets a big upgrade with an almost 50% increase in resolution. Rounding out the improvements, the D-Lux 8 now supports fast UHS-II SDXC cards and USB-C connectivity with in-camera charging.

All in all, this looks like a fantastic upgrade at an affordable price. If you have used any Leica digital camera in the last several years, the D-Lux 8 will feel immediately familiar and intuitive, while offering the flexibility and compact size we've come to enjoy in the many generations of D-Lux cameras.

Features

• Redesigned body made of magnesium die-cast with a new button layout, inspired by the Leica Q System
• New user interface, providing easier navigation and increased customizability
• Fast 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 (35mm equivalent) lens
• Powerful 4/3” 21 MP CMOS Sensor with 17 MP output
• 48% increase in rear screen resolution
• Unique Leica design and user interface, inspired by the acclaimed Leica Q-cameras
• Seamless connectivity with the Leica FOTOS App
• On-camera flash included
• The first D-Lux camera with an OLED viewfinder
• The first D-Lux camera to output DNG files
• The first D-Lux camera with UHS-II SD card support
• The first D-Lux camera to offer RAW and video file transfer ability to a mobile device, using the Leica FOTOS app

New Accessories

Naturally, Leica is also launching some new accessories to complement the D-Lux 8. The hot-shoe mounted flash is already included in the box, but you may want to add on the metal handgrip with matching leatherette, an extra BP-DC15 battery or the Auto Lens Cap.

Half cases are available in black, cognac and olive green, with corresponding smooth nylon carrying straps and wrist straps. There's also a full carry case, in black leather only. You can customize the D-Lux 8 even further with a soft release since its shutter button is now threaded just like the Q3.

The black straps are completely monochromatic, but the color options are a little more adventurous and playful. There's a petrol blue with cognac leather ends and a burgundy with olive green leather accents, each designed to match up with the cognac or olive cases.

Pricing, Availability and Ordering

The Leica D-Lux 8 starts shipping this week for a price of $1,595. As with any Leica camera launch, supply will be limited for a number of months. If you are interested in ordering the D-Lux 8, you can do so at Leica Store Miami by clicking the button below, calling 305-921-4433 or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com.

D-Lux 8 compared to D-Lux 7

	Leica D-Lux 8	Leica D-Lux 7
Sensor	4/3“ CMOS sensor, 21.77 MP/17 MP (total/effective)	4/3“ CMOS sensor, 21.77 MP/17 MP (total/effective)
Lens	Leica DC Vario-Summilux 1:1.7–2.8/10.9–34 ASPH, 35mm equivalent: 24–75mm, aperture range: 1.7–16/2.8– 16 (at 10.9/34mm)	Leica DC Vario-Summilux 1:1.7–2.8/10.9–34 ASPH, 35mm equivalent: 24–75mm, aperture range: 1.7–16/2.8– 16 (at 10.9/34mm)
LCD Screen	3” TFT LCD, approx. 1,843,200 dots	3.0“ TFT LCD, approx. 1,240,000 dots
EVF	OLED, 0.74x	LCD, 0.7x
DNG Format	Yes	No
UHS-II Support	Yes	No
Weight (w/battery)	397 grams	403 grams
USB-C	Yes	No
Bluetooth	5.0	4.2
Q-Style Interface	Yes	No
DNG + Video Transfer via FOTOS App	Yes	No
Accepts Soft Release	Yes	No

Tech Specs

Camera Type	Digital Micro Four Thirds compact camera
Type No.	3952A
Order No.	19191
Buffer memory	11 fps: 12 DNG, 12 DNG + JPG, 100 JPG 7 fps: 13 DNG, 13 DNG + JPG, 100 JPG 2 fps: 23 DNG, 14 DNG + JPG, 100 JPG
Storage medium	UHS-II (recommended), UHS-I, SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
Material	Full metal housing: magnesium die-cast, leatherette covering
Operating conditions	0°C to +40°C
Interfaces	ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts for Leica flash units, HDMI jack Type D, USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C
Tripod thread	A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base
Dimensions	130mm wide x 69mm high x 62mm deep
Weight	Approx. 397 g/357 g (with/without battery)
Sensor size	4/3“ CMOS sensor, 21.77 MP/17 MP (total/effective)
Sensor Filter	RGB color filter, UV/IR filter
File formats	Photo: DNG™ (raw data), DNG + JPG, JPG (DCF 2.0, Exif 2.31) Video: MP4, H.264, AAC stereo
Image resolution	16:9 (DNG / L-JPG): 5152 x 2904 (15 MP) 16:9 (M-JPG): 3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP) 16:9 (S-JPG): 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP) 3:2 (DNG / L-JPG): 4928 x 3288 (16.2 MP) 3:2 (M-JPG): 3504 x 2336 (8.2 MP) 3:2 (S-JPG): 2496 x 1664 (4.2 MP) 4:3 (DNG / L-JPG): 4736 x 3552 (16.8 MP) 4:3 (M-JPG): 3360 x 2520 (8.5 MP) 4:3 (S-JPG): 2368 x 1776 (4.2 MP) 1:1 (DNG / L-JPG): 3552 x 3552 (12.6 MP) 1:1 (M-JPG): 2528 x 2528 (6.4 MP) 1:1 (S-JPG): 1776 x 1776 (3.2 MP)
File size	DNG™: approx. 31 MB, depending on resolution and image content JPG: depending on resolution and image content Video: max. length: 29 min
Color depth	DNG™: 12 bit, JPG: 8 bit
Video Resolution	4K: 3840 x 2160 Full HD: 1920 x 1080 HD: 1280 x 720
Video frame rate/bit rate	4K 30p: 29.97 fps, 4K 4:2:0 / 8 bit, h.264, L-GOP, 100 Mbps 4K 24p: 23.98 fps, 4K 4:2:0 / 8 bit, h.264, L-GOP, 100 Mbps FHD 60p: 59.94 fps, FHD 4:2:0 / 8 Bit, h.264, L-GOP, 28 Mbps FHD 30p: 29.97 fps, FHD 4:2:0 / 8 Bit, h.264, L-GOP, 20 Mbps HD 30p: 29.97 fps, HD 4:2:0 / 8 Bit, h.264, L-GOP, 10 Mbps
Lens Designation	Leica DC Vario-Summilux 1:1.7–2.8/10.9–34 ASPH, 35mm equivalent: 24–75mm, aperture range: 1.7–16/2.8– 16 (at 10.9/34mm)
Lens filter thread	E43
Image stabilization	Visual compensation system for photos and video recordings
Aperture range	Depending on zoom level, F1.7 to F16 in 1⁄3 EV increments (wide angle) F1.7 to F16; (tele zoom) F2.8 to F16 in 1/3 EV increments
Viewfinder (EVF)	OLED, Resolution: 2,360,000 dots, 60 fps, magnification: 0.74x, at aspect ratio: 4:3, exit pupil position: 20mm, setting range -4/+4 dpt, with eye sensor for automatic switchover between viewfinder and LCD panel, time delay 0.005 s
LCD panel	3” TFT LCD, approx. 1,843,200 dots, 384 ppi, aspect ratio 3:2, touch panel
Shutter type	Mechanical central shutter or optional electronic shutter
Shutter speeds	Mechanical shutter: 60 s to 1⁄4000 s Electronic shutter function: 1 s to 1⁄16000 s
Shutter button	Two-stage (1st stage: Activation of the camera electronics including autofocus and exposure metering, 2nd stage: Taking the picture)
Self-timer	Delay time: 2 s or 12 s
Drive Mode	Single, Interval Shooting, Exposure Bracketing, Continuous Shooting – 2 fps, 12 bit, AF, Continuous Shooting – 7 fps, 10 bit, Continuous Shooting – 11 fps, 10 bit
Focus range	50cm to ∞, with macro setting: from 3cm (wide angle), from 30cm (tele zoom)
Focus mode	Automatic, Automatic (macro), or Manual
Autofocus system	Contrast detection
Autofocus modes	Intelligent AF (autonomously selects AFs and AFc), AFs, AFc
Autofocus metering methods	Spot (can be shifted), Field (can be shifted and scaled), Multi-Field, Zone (can be shifted), Eye / Face, Tracking
Autofocus metering fields	49
Exposure metering	TTL (exposure metering through the lens), with working aperture
Metering principle	Exposure metering is done by the image sensor for all exposure metering methods
Exposure metering methods	Spot, Center-Weighted, Multi-Field
Exposure modes	Program AE mode (P) Aperture-priority mode (A): manual aperture setting Shutter-priority mode (S): manual shutter-speed setting Manual (M): manual setting for shutter speed and aperture Various fully automatic variants (Scene Mode): Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Night Scenery, Miniature Effect, One Point Color, HDR
Exposure compensation	±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Automatic bracketing	3, 5 or 7 frames, graduations between shoots up to 1 EV, in 1⁄3 EV increments additional optional exposure compensation: up to ±3 EV
ISO sensitivity range	Auto ISO Photo: ISO 100–ISO 25,000 Manual ISO Photo: ISO 100–ISO 25,000 Auto ISO Video: ISO 100–ISO 6400 Manual ISO Video: ISO 100–ISO 6400
White balance	Automatic (Auto), default (Daylight, Cloudy, Shadow, Tungsten, Flash), manual metering (Gray Card), manual color temperature settings (Color Temperature, 2500 K to 10000 K)
Flash unit	Included in the delivery: Leica CF D
Flash angle	Aligned with the shortest focal length of the lens of 10.9mm
Guide number	10/7 (at ISO 200/100)
Flash range	Approx. 0.6–14.1m/0.3–8.5m (at shortest/longest focal length)
Flash unit connector	Via the accessory shoe
Flash sync time	1⁄4000 s, slower shutter speeds available
Flash exposure compensation	±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
WLAN	WLAN function for connecting to the Leica FOTOS app. The Leica app is available from the Apple App Store™ or the Google Play Store™. IEEE802.11b/g/n Channel 1–11 (2412–2462 MHz), maximum output (e.i.r.p.): 5.9 dBm, encryption method: WLAN-compatible WPA™/WPA2™
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0 LE: Channel 0–39 (2402–2480 MHz), maximum output (e.i.r.p.): 1.2 dBm
GPS	Not available everywhere due to country-specific legislation; can be added via the Leica FOTOS app. Data is written to Exif header of the picture files.
Menu languages	English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean
Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-DC15)	Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, rated voltage: 7.2 V (DC), capacity: 1025 mAh (min.), manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Made in China
Charging via USB	With camera switched off: 5 V/1500 mA (2.5 W or greater)
Rated values for input voltage/ power	7.2 V 0.9 A (battery), 5 V 1.0 A (USB)
Scope of delivery	Camera, compact flash unit. hand strap, lens cover with string, battery, hot shoe cover, lens protection ring, quick start guide
Country of manufacture	China

Press Release

New compact camera with zoom lens featuring iconic Leica design

Wetzlar, July 2nd 2024. Leica Camera AG presents the Leica D-Lux 8, a new compact camera that aligns perfectly with the brand’s philosophy of good design. The camera offers exceptional user comfort, not only in terms of its design but also in its operation. The intuitive controls, user interface, and optimized button layout, along with its ergonomically arranged controls, ensure a user-friendly experience.

The Leica D-Lux 8 offers all the essential functions for photography and video. Its manual and fully automatic modes give photographers the freedom to choose between quick snapshots and thoughtful compositions. The high-resolution touchscreen and new 2.4-megapixel OLED viewfinder with Live View function help frame the perfect shot. The camera delivers impressive results even in challenging lighting conditions thanks to a powerful 4/3” CMOS sensor with 21 MP (17 MP effective), a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7-2.8 4 ASPH. zoom lens (35mm equivalent of 24-75mm) and an attachable flash. The new Leica D-Lux 8 offers photography in both DNG and JPEG formats. The optical zoom and 4K video capability make the Leica D-Lux 8 a versatile, all-purpose camera, whilst its compact and lightweight size make it ideal for taking anywhere.

As a true all-rounder, the compact Leica D-Lux 8 seamlessly connects to the Leica FOTOS app, images can be downloaded, edited, and shared directly to a smartphone.The app also supports DNG files and video downloads as well as remote camera operation, including optical zoom. Camera firmware updates can also be managed directly within the Leica FOTOS app.

The sophisticated design of the Leica D-Lux 8 is complimented by matching accessories. These includes leather half cases in the colors black, cognac and olive. Matching carrying and wrist straps in the color combinations black, cognac/petrol and olive/burgundy, as well as an equipment bag and hip bag in black, completing the range of textile accessories. Technical accessories such as the auto lens cap and the new handgrip provide even more comfort when taking pictures and the screw-on soft release buttons in the colors black, brass and silver give the compact camera a unique touch.