Leica Launches New D-Lux 8 Compact Digital Camera

Written by Adorama
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Updated on July 2, 2024
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TAGS: Leica
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Leica is famous for its high-quality hand-crafted cameras and continues to add to its storied lineup: the D-Lux series. Originally announced in May 2024, the now-available Leica D-Lux 8 brings the coveted Leica camera experience in a more compact and accessible form.

D-Lux 8 builds upon features of the previously-announced D-Lux 7 and provides an enhanced user experience with simplified ergonomic controls. Leica has also refined the user interface, inspired by its popular Q-Cameras series, to ensure further ease of use.

Leica D-Lux 8 camera
Image via Leica
Leica D-Lux 8 camera
Image via Leica

Key Features of the Leica D-Lux 8:

  • Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7-2.8 ASPH. lens (35mm equivalent to 24-75 mm)
  • 21MP 4/3″ CMOS sensor (17MP effective)
  • Leica FOTOS app connectivity
  • DNG™ and JPG format
  • On-camera flash

Features You’ll Love in the D-Lux 8

Quality Lens, Sensor, and Sharing

Internally, the D-Lux 8 boasts a 4/3″ CMOS sensor offering 21 MP total (effective 17 MP) and is paired with the fast L DC Vario-Summilux 10.9–34 mm f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. lens (equivalent to 24-75 mm in the 35mm format). This powerful combination further ensures image quality and versatility. The camera also seamlessly connects with Leica’s FOTOS app, allowing for easy image sharing.

Leica D-Lux 8 camera
Image via Leica
Leica D-Lux 8 camera
Image via Leica

Superior Viewfinder and Display

This above-exceptional camera has a high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder that offers a view with 2.36 million dots and shows off with smooth motion capture at 60 fps. It has 0.74x magnification for a detailed look and easily switches to the LCD panel thanks to an eye sensor, so you’ll never miss a shot.

The D-Lux 8 also has a 3-inch touch screen LCD with sharp resolution and vibrant colors. Nothing less for when you want to review your photos and videos.

Versatile Video Options

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Photo of the Leica-D-Lux-8 camera by Cristina Santelises

Shoot in breathtaking 4K for detail and clarity that is perfect for high-definition viewing on phones, tablets, and TVs. If you’re searching for a balance of quality and file size, try Leica’s Full HD or opt for HD. Such is great for filming everyday moments.

The D-Lux 8 also offers flexible frame rates: 4K at 30p or 24p for a cinematic touch, Full HD at 60p for super-smooth action shots, and HD at 30p for clear, steady videos. With these options, beginners can easily create high-quality videos for any occasion.

12-bit DNG and 8-bit JPG

Experience the Leica D-Lux 8 camera’s superior color depth with its versatile image formats: DNG™ at 12-bit and JPG at 8-bit. With DNG™’s 12-bit depth, every shot captures an impressive range of colors and fine details, perfect for those who love to edit and enhance their photos professionally. This means each color channel can represent up to 4096 shades, offering rich and vibrant images.

On the other hand, the 8-bit JPG format simplifies sharing and storage, maintaining good quality with up to 256 shades per color channel.

A Generous Accessory Bundle

Alongside the camera, Leica introduces accessories to complement the D-Lux 8. Today’s announcement includes a hand grip, carrying straps, wrist straps, and leather protectors available in multiple colors. Other accessories, such as an automatic lens cap, soft release buttons, and bags (hip bag, crossbody bag, and equipment bag), give creators even more options.

Who Would Benefit from This Camera?

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Photo of the Leica-D-Lux-8 camera by Cristina Santelises

The D-Lux 8 is perfect for hobbyists who love capturing everyday moments, travel enthusiasts wanting to document their adventures, and vloggers looking to create high-quality content.

It’s also great for parents wanting to take beautiful photos and videos of their kids and for anyone new to photography who wants an easy-to-use camera with advanced features. With its simple controls and versatile options, the D-Lux 8 makes it easy for beginners to take stunning photos and videos

The D-Lux 7 vs. D-Lux 8

FeatureD-Lux 7D-Lux 8
Image resolution17 MP 4/3 CMOS Sensor21 MP 4/3 CMOS Sensor (17 MP Effective)
Frame rates4K/30p/24p at 100Mbps, FHD/60p at 28Mbps, FHD/30p at 20Mbps, HD/30p at 10 MbpsUHD 4K/30p/24p at 100Mbps in MP4, Full HD 1080p60 in MP4 and AVCHD
ViewfinderEVF, 2,760,000 dots, 60 fpsOLED EVF, 2,360,000 dots, 60 fps
Touchscreen?YesYes
Magnification0.7x0/74x
LCD Panel3″ TFT LCD, 1,240,000 dots3″ TFT LCD, 1,843,200 dots, 384 ppi
Comparison table between Leica D-Lux 7 and Leica D-Lux 8.

Comparable Leica Cameras

A recent Leica camera that’s similar to the D-Lux 8 is the Leica Q2. The Q2 offers amazing photo quality with its high-resolution sensor and also lets you shoot stunning 4K videos.

It’s designed to be easy to use, featuring a clear electronic viewfinder and a touchscreen, much like the D-Lux 8. The Q2 gives you plenty of options for capturing and recording, making it perfect for both beginners and more experienced photographers.

Another Step Forward for Leica

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Photo of the Leica D-Lux 8 Camera by Cristina Santelises

The D-Lux 8 camera makes capturing stunning photos and videos easy for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Its versatile features, like 4K video, high-resolution images, and a user-friendly viewfinder and display, are designed to enhance your creative journey.

Whether want to casually snap everyday moments or create cinematic masterpieces, the D-Lux 8 has everything you need to bring your vision to life. Elevate your creative portfolio and explore endless possibilities with the D-Lux 8.

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