I can’t say I am a huge camera enthusiast (I am not; I am just drawn to gadgets) but even for an amateur like me, I felt like Leica may have given up on its compact camera line, the D-Lux which has not seen a follow-up for like forever, except collab models like BAPE x D-Lux 7. But guess what? D-Lux lives on.
Leica has recently announced the Leica D-Lux 8, a compact camera that aims to “bring the quintessential Leica experience into a more compact and accessible form.” Note: its “accessible form” is not more affordable, so let’s not go ga-ga over it now. More on the price in a second.
At a glance, it does look like the D-Lux 7 but it is not quite the same. It looks, well, a little on the minimal side. Perhaps due to the lesser buttons and minimal labeling. The reduced number of buttons is part of the enhanced user comfort which includes simplifying and ergonomically repositioning the controls.
Plus the new D-Lux compact snapper has a more user-friendly user interface inspired by the higher-end Leica Q-Cameras, and it now has Leica FOTOS app support, and support for DNG format—the first for the D-Lux line, by the way. Rounding up the design is an all-black with a la-Q series leathery wrap.
The D-Lux 8 is outfitted with a 22 MP (17 MP effective resolution) 4/3” CMOS sensor paired with the fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9–34 f1.7–2.8 ASPH lens (35mm camera equivalent to 24-75mm).
And yes, the camera does come with a flash. So it is one less accessory to buy and add to the €1,590 price tag. But if you are so inclined to spend more to enhance your experience with the camera, Leica also introduced a new range of accessories with the camera.
These include a hand grip, carrying straps, wrist straps, leather protectors available in multiple colors, an automatic lens cap, soft-release buttons, and a selection of bags.
The new Leica D-Lux 8 Compact Digital Camera will be available globally starting July 02, 2024, at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers.
Images: Leica.
