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
* AF Macro (wide): 3 cm to infinity
* AF Macro (tele): 30 cm to infinity
* Manual and snapshot: Same as AF Macro

 Shake Reduction Yes, in-lens stabilization
Movie Mode
Video Modes, NTSC Model

* 4K, 30/24 fps
* Full HD (1080p): 60/30 fps
* HD (720p): 30 fps
* VGA: 30 fps

Video Modes, PAL Model

* 4K, 25/24 fps
* Full HD (1080p): 50/25 fps
* HD (720p): 25 fps
* VGA: 25 fps

Video Sound

* Built-in stereo microphone
* Manual four step volume control with VU meter

Manual Video Controls Shutter speed, aperture, and EV compensation
AF During Video

* Continuous
* Fixed at start of recording
* Manual

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.


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