Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Review

Conclusion

The Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) is a solid performer with excellent image quality for a compact camera. We see it as a worthy DSLR companion as long as you can accept the limited low light/high ISO performance associated with a sensor less than half the size of an APS-C sensor.

Autofocus is very fast and accurate, white balance is spot-on in most cases and exposure is accurate, though perhaps with a tendency towards a slight underexposure. The zoom action is precise and makes it easy to achieve the desired framing.

The responsive, high-resolution electronic viewfinder is excellent and, we believe, not outdone by any other enthusiast compact cameras. The viewfinder alone may be a reason to pick this camera over, say, a RICOH GR or Nikon A, and you then get a zoom lens as a bonus.

The many buttons and dials make it easy to change settings in the field and the camera can be customized in a multitude of ways.

Shown here with the lens retracted (click to enlarge)

The D-Lux has no built-in flash, but a small external flash is included and mounts in the hot shoe.

The camera's responsiveness combined with the very short lag time in the view finder allow for even action shooting. The only thing to watch out for is tracking autofocus, which may lock on to the wrong subject and significant time (and shooting opportunity) is then lost in recovering from the situation.

The movie quality is very good and drops to good in low light or if the digital zoom is used. Manual control is available in movie mode. The 4K movie format is supported.

If you find the price tag of $1195 on the steep side you can get a Panasonix Lumix DMC-LX100 for $897 - it is essentially the same camera. While the Panasonic lacks the attractive and clean Leica design and doesn't come with Adobe Lightroom, it makes up for it with a small grip on the front - this improves handling significantly.

Pros

• Excellent high-resolution electronic viewfinder
• Very good image quality
• High-quality lens, fast, sharp and hardly any optical flaws
• Autofocus is fast and accurate and manual focus easy to do with accuracy
• Macro mode with very good image quality edge to edge
• The zoom allows for precise framing (no overshooting of zoom action)
• Plenty of customization options, both regading image quality and how the camera is set up and used
• Excellent build quality and user interface (layout of quick menu needs improvement though)
• Shake reduction (lens-shift)
• Fast maximum shutter speed of 1/16000 s and flash sync possible even at the fastest speed
• Hot shoe for external flash

Cons

• Handling could be better. The front is slippery and lacks a grip
• Optical zoom range a tad short (24-75 mm eqv.)
• Image quality quickly takes a nose dive with the digital zoom, also in movie mode
• Auto white balance struggles in mixed light
• Wireless tethering doesn't provide for setting shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation (but otherwise works well)
• Noisy images and movies at ISO 6400 and above
• Short battery life

Rating

Perhaps $300 is a small price to pay for getting Leica bragging rights, but in all honesty we must rate the Leica somewhat low on value given that essentially the same camera is available in the Panasonic brand for significantly less money. Disregarding that, the D-Lux would be an excellent choice for those looking for an all-in-one supplement to their DSLR!

Buy Now (USA)

As of January, 2015, the Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) is available at B&H Photo for $1195.