Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) Review
Highlights and Specifications
The Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) is an enthusiast compact as evidenced by its sensor (which is large for a compact camera) its solid specifications and its high price tag. This D-Lux has a 16.8 MP four thirds sensor, but it only uses a part of the sensor surface as discussed later in the section on aspect ratio. The net result is that the effective sensor area of the Leica is less than half that of an APS-C sensor and untilizes about 12 MP (depending on the aspect ratio) of the 16.8 MP available.
The high resolution electronic viewfinder is a very strong point of the Leica D-Lux.
Sensor | |
Sensor Type | 16.8MP Four-Thirds MOS (17.3 x 13.0 mm) |
Effective Resolution | 12.7 MP (4:3) 12.2 MP (3:2) |
Effective Sensor Area | 15.0 x 11.3 mm (4:3) 15.6 x 10.5 mm (3:2) |
AA Filter | Yes |
ISO Range (expanded) | 100-25000 |
RAW Bit Depth | Not specified |
Lens | |
Focal Length/Aperture | 10.9-34 mm / F1.7-2.8 |
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) | 24-75 mm |
Digital Zoom | 4x |
Optics | 11 elements in 8 groups |
Image Capture | |
Shooting Modes | Snapshot, P, Av, Tv, M |
Shutter Speeds | 60 s - 1/16,000 s |
Meter Range | Data not available |
Metering Modes | * Multi-segment * Center weight * Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 3 EV in 1/3 EV steps |
Exposure Bracketing | Up to +/- 3 EV, 3, 5 or 7 frames |
Max Frame Rate | * 40 frames/s (electronic shutter only, no live view) * 7 frames/s (mechanical shutter with live view) |
File Formats | * Stills: JPG, RWL * Video: MP4 |
Focusing | |
AF System and Modes | Sensor based, contrast detect, Face/eye detection, tracking, 49-area, 1-area (flexible/scalable), custom multi point, pinpoint |
AF Sensitivity | Data not available |
Focus Peaking | Yes |
Focusing Range | * AF Normal: 50cm to infinity |
Shake Reduction | Yes, in-lens stabilization |
Movie Mode | |
Video Modes, NTSC Model | * 4K, 30/24 fps |
Video Modes, PAL Model | * 4K, 25/24 fps |
Video Sound | * Built-in stereo microphone |
Manual Video Controls | Shutter speed, aperture, and EV compensation |
AF During Video | * Continuous |
Flash | |
Built-in Flash | * No built-in flash, an external flash is included. * Range (wide): 0.6 m to 14 m * Range (tele): 0.3 m to 8.5 m * Max. range requires use of the max. ISO |
Flash Sync. | 1/16,000 s |
Hot Shoe | Yes |
Flash Modes | TTL auto, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, 2nd curtain sync. |
Flash Exposure Compensation | -3 to +3 EV |
General | |
Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.7 million dots, diopter adjustment |
Rear monitor | 3 inch, 921,000 dots |
Weather Sealed | No |
Battery | Li-Ion rechargeable |
Media Slot(s) | 1 SDXC / SDHC / SD, UHS-I compatible |
Built-in Wi Fi / Native Eye-fi Support | Yes / No |
Tethering | Yes, wireless with Wi-Fi controlled by a smart phone |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 117.8 x 66.2 x 55 mm 4.64 x 2.61 x 2.41 inch |
Weight w/ Battery | 405 g |
In the Box
The D-Lux delivery includes the following:
- Camera
- Lens Cap
- Neck Strap
- Lens Cap String with which to secure the lens cap to the body
- Rechargeable Battery
- Charger (country specific)
- External Flash CF D
- Pouch for the flash
- USB Cable
- Hot Shoe Cover
- Abbreviated Instruction Manual
- CD with full manual
- Warranty Card
A license for Adobe Lightroom is included as well. We couldn't find any information on it at first - it is buried on page 253 in the user's manual! It turns out that one must register the camera at Leica's web site in order to get the download instructions. The license key will then be sent by e-mail.