I've had this camera for a month now and LOVE it. It's my first Leica and my first 4/3 system, coming from a Sony A7. It's a great travel camera because of the size but it's also great in low light. Update: Two years later the Typ 109 is my go-to camera. It is the best overall performer in any situation. I love my A7 and my Fuji x100F but if I had to choose one it would be this camera. I’m a stills shooter and it takes amazing pictures. For video it’s passable. I’ve not babied it at all usage wise and it takes quite a bit of abuse

Every reviewer should be as indepth and thorough as yourself. Thanks!

Thank you for the detailed review! I'm just amazed by the incredible Bokeh effect and sharpness from this compact point-and-shoot camera

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful and me too!!

This helped me SO much. I dug and dug through KZread’s algorithmic madness.

You're review was very helpful! Thank so much for the quality of your video too. Thumbs up!

Great video. I have had the Leica D Lux for a few years and it is my favourite for many of the reasons you point out. I also have a Sony A7m2, Panasonic G9 and a G7 so I get to compare. The Leica is the camera I have with me. The other system cameras I have to decide to lug or not. In saying that I am looking at the Sony RX100 as a travel camera so your video is informative.

This is the best review/ comparison video I have ever watched. Good on ya mate!

That review is great. Sad to see not too many ppl watched and liked that video. Since Sony showed me the middle finger when my Sony phone died after one year, I will not buy any Sony product anymore. Therefore very interested in that Leica D-Lux cam...

Bought this awesome camera based on your review, Jay. Thanks! Phil

the dlux looks amazing this a great comparison video thanks for sharing this with us! really enjoyed this

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind comments and I'm really glad you enjoyed the video!! :)

Spot on about the Sony Menu system. It is confusing! Also too many options! It's the reason I like Leicas...simple cameras and rely on lenses, light and you!

The lens on that camera is AMAZING!!

Thank you for such a detailed review. This is great....! Very thorough.

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Super interesting. Have subscribed now. Many thanks for such a careful and thorough presentation.

Super clear review. Thsnk you very much for posting.

Great review. You covered everything.... specs, test setups, in depth "parameter studies", real world, haptics, look and feel. That's how you do a review, KZread!

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Wow, Thank you very much!!

Thanks for the reminder of what can be done with this camera. I liked the use-based approach rather than just comparing numbers. Now it’s 2024 and the third version has just been released - although the the third version is more of a 2.1 version - which prompted me to pull out my old typ 109 again. I also had an RX100 (can’t remember which version) but I always found the handling of the D-Lux suited me better so I passed the RX100 on to my daughter. Not sure what my use of it might be - A1 is my go-to for most uses, with Q3 being my street and lightweight travel camera. My wife also likes her LX100, and the similarity means it’s easy for me to help her when she forgets how to use some of the features.

To be fair you have provided a balanced review, I have the Sony RX 100:VA and likely to add this Leica and sell a couple of my Fujinlenses which I no longer use and a Fuji body

Thanks for the review.. thinking between x100v and this

Simply and retro design. I have fun when I take it to learn and try. Light weight make me sure that I can travel with him.

I've had this device for 4 years. this is ideal for me, I am finally learning to take photos. if there is a next one I already have an idea I save…

Great thorough review, thanks!

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind comments :)

Hey, great video! What kind of green screen effect you use? Just some regular one or 3 party plug in? I like the quality

Thank you very much for all your infromation and your great comments here i ths reveue! Wow you help me very. Greetings from Swiss! Marcel

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Marcel :) All the best, Jay

An excellent, informative and well balanced review. Thank you.

@Jason_Hermann

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

This is a very competent review of this camera, probably the best I've seen on KZread. Very useful, especially the delineation with a Sony RX100 VA, whichI own too. I stumbled across this when I was looking for a review of the Leica D-Lux 7, which I bought a month ago for some of the same reasons you mentioned (manual focusing, more manual controls, smoother bokeh, etc.). I am not sure if the D-Lux 7 is the same as the D-Lux Type 109 or its successor, but I assume they are at least similar. I haven't quite figured out how to pick a single point somewhere in the frame and ask the camera to autofocus on that. If you happen to see this comment, kindly let me know how to do that. TIA, Roy

@royprasad

Жыл бұрын

@@MPD90 - Ha, that is correct. I accidentally figured that out a month after my comment above, by which time I had forgotten all about this KZread review. You are correct, just touch anything on the screen and it focuses on that area. But for precise focusing on a pinpoint subject, you can always use manual focusing as well.

Thanks for the comparison! Great info on the Leica

GREAT REVIEW! Thank you!

If you intend to keep the camera buy the Lumix... if you intend to eventually sell it buy the Leica.

Hi from Mexico! We post real videos about life here! Thank you for this great video! You do the best product analysis on photo equipment! I'm looking to buy either a D-lux, maybe a 109, and am also looking at a panasonic TZ95, as the TZ is the same price as a 4 year old 109, would be great if you could do a review maybe on the two?

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you for the kind words :) I have a lot on my plate as far as reviews go currently, but I'll see what I can do in the future! Thanks, Jay

I had the Panasonic LX 100 for the reason you state. But had to toss it due to common issue with dust getting into sensor from zoom ring. Very upset..This Leica is worth the extra $$. KEH used $650

Very well done video!! Many Thanks

@Jason_Hermann

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

very nice review as always

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

You get good pix with the Leica camera, the hands on layout looks good.

Great video thank you so much :)

Nice review !

I looked at both and found the Sony too small and the menu system horrible. I bought the leica but I would suggest either a handgrip or a leather case with one sewn in. It’s really a fun camera to use and the build quality is excellent. It also retains it’s value unlike the Sony. You could use the leica for four years and then sell it for close to the same price. One thing that I wish it would have is a tilt screen. A Hot Shoe bubble level helps a little but it’s still hard to get photos close to the ground.

“Okay?!” Okay

Excellent review, sir! I realize the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is the "same camera", but my question revolves around the lens and processor. WOuld the image sharpness and detail rendition be "better" (higher) on the Leica? In other words, is the LWENS different than that of the LX100 II? Thank you!

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I believe the optics are identical, but the colors render different for sure, so it's hard to say 100%. That special look appears to be more on the Leica, but I gather most people would have a hard time telling the difference.

Why is the strap attached upside-down?

brilliant review, thankyou

@Jason_Hermann

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

So I am still confused..pl help which one is your final verdict..I use Nikon DSLR and I am looking to buy a camera that I can carry with me most of the time...

QUALITY AND COLORS... LEICA EVERYTIME.

I just bought a secondhand LX100 for holidays which is essentially the same as this Leica. I wonder if there is some sort of filter on the market to get the RAWs and give them a Leica colour?

Leica is such an amazing camera! Amazing colors, built, and just quality overall of the photos... but man! The autofocus on video is pretty bad.. so I returned it today :( was hoping to use it for travel vlog and photography.. but I’m used to Sony’s better autofocus. But I may still buy the Leica again someday!

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

I totally agree and thanks for the comments!! The Leica AF is still contrast based and does not have the phase detection technology that the Sony's have, which is why it behaves as it does...

With a hot shoe, the D-Lux/D-Lux 7 could perform many other tasks. I use it to shoot fashion and models in a studio setting. This little camera packs a big punch with 4/3 sensor. Sync it with all types of studio lighting. Best of all, it's a leaf shutter camera. That means very high-speed flash sync is now at disposal with this little camera. The Sony RX100 VA is nice, but smaller sensor (1") than the Leica and it's just a point-and-shoot.

@Jason_Hermann

4 жыл бұрын

Great points James!

Is this really a re-badged Panasonic or has Leica really made an effort to improve the camera? The original Panasonic version is famous for dust problems on the sensor- strange as it's a sealed system.

Thanks! Could you please review the Leica D-Lux 7? Do you think it would be a good idea to add it to my travel gear even though I have a Sony a6300? (I am looking for that “leica look” -maybe I could not find it with this Leica- what do you think? Thanks!

Thankx!

Much thanks for the nice, detailed review! I have the RX100m5 - its somewhat hard to justify owning both, being fairly close in features! Can you plug in an external microphone on the Leica??

@Jason_Hermann

2 жыл бұрын

No external mic as far as I know...

@Pharesm

2 жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann Thank you! That's too bad... I suppose it doesn't support time code either then...

*I found the Leica faster and more precise than the Sony even on autofocus. It’s is much more versatile.* *There’s a big difference between the Panasonic LX100 and the Leica D-Lux, e.g., the make origin & materials. Otherwise, very nice review.*

@lescobrandon3047

5 жыл бұрын

SLAPSTICK2011 - Correct. Our Leicas are made in Japan and the Panasonic is made in China. That says a lot.

@oisin_o_boyle

2 жыл бұрын

@@lescobrandon3047 it just affects the selling price ;)

Very well done!!!!!!!!

You’re awesome thank you man!

I'm looking for a street camera with a zoom lens. I love the Ricoh GR III, but it has a fixed lens. This might be what I need.

Superbe review !

This camera is amazing, the quality of pictures is like nothing I've ever seen before come out of a camera this size. I had the previous version, the 219 model, 12MP and that was more than enough for all of my Instagram needs. The D-Lux 7 just takes everything to the next level, as well increase You will never get a bas shot with this camera.the resolution 50%. Grab this one if you thinking of getting the Sony RX100 VI, it's the same price so it's a no brainer.

Great review as usual. It will be interesting to see a Leica version of the Lumix LX100 mark 2 maybe next year. Also, not having a grip on a camera this size is probably not as acceptable as on RX100. I hold the tiny Sony like a smartphone because it is so small and light so I never really needed a grip. But this Leica is bigger so maybe it should be held in the traditional camera way.

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comments and I agree. I will just review the Panasonic next time and skip the Leica version I think ;)

@DonnieGQX

5 жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann LEICA D-LUX 7

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

I'm checking it out now ;)

@andreaskaphengst8121

2 жыл бұрын

I bought a leather half case which has a grip sewn in. It makes a difference when holding the camera.

good review

How to turn on the flash, I can't setting it up

Would anyone recommend getting this camera now? I found one for $650 and am wondering if it’s worth it

The summer lux lens is really great lens F1. 7 great images

Is this Leica model comparable to the Leica D-LUX 7? Thanks.

love it this camera

sick camera one of my favs!

Hi there . Any flash more good for this Leica ? I want to buy one but I don't know which one ? Thanks for your help .

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

I honestly don't know. I tried looking up compatible flashes and the only one that comes up is the Leica that is included with the camera. Have you tried reaching out to Leica directly?

What processing software are you using for the RAW conversion?

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

I'm currently using Adobe Lightroom, but Capture One is also an excellent program Mike!

Scored one for $220.00. It’s used but, man, what a steal!!

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

WOW! Killer deal for sure ;)

@Brandon-vy6uw

5 жыл бұрын

Jay SonyAlphaLab I know man. still can’t believe it lol.

When people say a lens is great and reference the brand but don't show images to prove the point, it sounds like marketing has won. Whether it's a good lens or not can only be seen by comparisons, not by someone repeating the brand name and not by a manufacturer printing the brand name on the camera or lens.

@dandan2077

3 жыл бұрын

You have the point but 1080p video is only 2mpix. There is simply no way to see the image quality of 12mpix camera while watching KZread compressed video. There are websites, where you can check actual image quality of most cameras and lenses.

Do you think it still holds up in 2023?

Basicy i need digital camera when i finish roll of film in my leica m4 ;/

How is the camera 4+ years later? Have firmware updates improved anything? I'm thinking about getting either a Leica D-Lux 7 or a Fujifilm x100v. How often does Leica refresh the D-Lux line?

@Jason_Hermann

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Cody, this is the only Lieca I ever reviewed and it was a very long time ago.. Unfortunately I have no idea about firmware update schedules and such from Leica. You can prolly find some stuff on their website or reach out to their tech support for some answers.

How much

Thank you so much . How to preview videos on your Leica ? It’s so confusing

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

I don't have the camera for some time now, but I believe in the playback area where the photos are stored you can watch the videos on the memory card.

Pana Leica, only real difference in jpeg files. It's for people who want to learn photography skills from ground up

Nice Video i am Sony User to but i think i Must try something different 👍🇩🇪✌️

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

I don't blame you and the fun factor of this camera is off the charts!! The Panasonic LX100 II I recently reviewed here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKCNmMyfodmuYLQ.html is also excellent and pretty much the same camera, but not quite the same build quality finish and color renditions as this Leica.

this guy likes the phrase 'butters out'

Is 10.9mm is ultra wide ?

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

No, it works out to an effective 24mm which is wide, but not ultra wide...

I've always took pictures using my smart phones but now that i'm starting to travel alot more i'm thinking of investing in a nice camera....is the sony rx100 vi worth the price tag? wha'ts the best camera i can get around the 1000 budget range?

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

It really depends on what you are looking for. There are many options in that price range. Are you looking to change lenses? Are you looking for an ultra compact? Do you want or need a lot of telephoto zoom?

@bobjohnson6131

5 жыл бұрын

I GUESS i'm looking for ease of use. Since i'm traveling alot i'd like to start small at first and if i start to learn more on how to properly edit pictures and stuff then i'd like to move up to the nicer camera setups with lenses. I guess as of now, a point and shoot is what im loooking for. Any competition vs the sony rx100 vi?

@slam5

5 жыл бұрын

Try the rx100 v. imo, it is a better camera. lower f-stop is more important to me. yes, vi has a much longer zoom and a touch screen. That is no interest to me as I've an A6500 if I need those features. What kind of traveling you are doing? If you go on safari and interested in wildlife individually, vi is definitely better. Here is a list of what is the difference. mirrorlesscomparison.com/preview/sony-rx100-v-vs-vi/

@CrueLoaf

5 жыл бұрын

I have a Sony RX100 II and a D-Lux. I found the Sony to be good quality, pocketable but fiddly and too many options and buttons. The Leica is simple and I believe takes better shots.

@mcnugger8305

5 жыл бұрын

If you have a good enough iPhone you should just get moments new 58mm lens it’s super good.

This is the new bokeh queen, yes really! It’s a Leica man!

Do you know what the minimum focus distance is at 75mm equiv?

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, it's 11.811" (30.00 cm)

ok

They should make a fixed 35mm or 28mm version where the lens doesn’t extend and it would be a much more appealing camera

@Jason_Hermann

Жыл бұрын

Have you seen the Sony RX1R Mark II? kzread.info/dash/bejne/rHZntrR8ic6oqps.html

@nickentros

Жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann I have that’s an awesome camera, just so pricy

Can I customise it for back button focus ?

@Jason_Hermann

4 жыл бұрын

Honestly I'm not sure. I have not had the camera in hand since I reviewed it, sorry Duncan.

@duncanrae7504

4 жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann OK thanks for reply ,will have to search a bit more then :-)

So you develop your camera skills this camera can grow with youb

OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK

@stulora3172

5 жыл бұрын

alright

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry about that, I'm working very hard to break that annoying habit thanks to your comment ;) I really appreciate the feedback and I got the message!!

@stulora3172

5 жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann I used to say "ehm" at least once per sentence (and still do too often. I used to do a lot of public lectures, talks etc.). A good exercise is to practice alone or with a friend and try to detect when you want to say your favourite word. Then instead of saying it, breath out. Or close your mouth consciously. Or simply make a short pause. Anyhow... the "ok's" and "alright's" are not a big deal. There are way more annoying ways to get on your audiences nerves ;)

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

@@stulora3172 I'm starting to break the habit, and thanks for the great tips!! It's like I want to confirm what I am saying to the listener to make sure they are getting the message, but obviously nobody is replying to me when recording. No big deal, just interesting, because I don't say that when talking normally, only when doing these type of videos. Thanks again, and good day!

@stulora3172

5 жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann ahh, that's interesting. I don't have experience making videos, only with "live" audience. I guess the mind is playing tricks on itself when you're alone in a room with the camera. Maybe (yet another tip, sorry....) it's helpful then to picture somebody you'd like to explain it to, to be in the room. Or imagine the camera is a living being that nods after every sentence (so no need for the affirmation). Talking and generally public appearance is mostly mind tricks. Just have to find the one that works for you. On a different note: I don't use Sony, but Pentax and formerly Canon. But as mentioned, I like your way of reviewing gear. So if I may, I'd like to request reviews on other brands.... or 3rd party lenses, or....

Can I know how to download the video that shoot from the camera?

@Jason_Hermann

2 жыл бұрын

You can connect the camera to a computer via the provided USB cable, or you can take the memory card out and connect that to your computer. All the video files are on the memory card.

@ainiidanialchiang6817

2 жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann is it possible if I want to download by using my phone only, or through the Leica apps

Man! :) Thank you but you made my choice even harder! :) I was considering x100f but somehow i remembered about leica and i saw this video... Oh! :) i am a7R3 user, with 35 1.4, 85 1.8 but i wanted something super small, to be with me... What would you do in this case?

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

I would go with the RX100 VA, because it's really and ultra compact camera, but you can't go wrong with the Leica or Panasonic LX100 either for that matter. Good luck with that decision ;)

@vpr5562

5 жыл бұрын

@@Jason_Hermann Appreciate it :). One friend of mine told me Ricoh GR III (3) is coming out and might be a winner, hm.

Is this discontinued?? what a shame :( looking for a compact camera with fixed lens...

@99oildrops

4 жыл бұрын

You can buy them on Amazon.

i can't decide between this guy or the x100v! i'm comming from a ricoh gr2..

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

This iOS more of a hands-on camera with Auto modes, the Sony is more of an ultra compact set the camera how you want it in the menu kind of camera. Both awesome, but very different user experience. I would say the Leica is more fun to use for somebody like myself, but the Sony offers better AF and other technology. The Leica has a larger sensor and faster lens which is better for close-up photography and background separation. I hope that helps, Jay

Okay.

got to have a viewfinder those LCD screens are arse in the sun

Do you think this is better than a A7RII?

@Jason_Hermann

5 жыл бұрын

No I don't, because they are way different cameras. The A7R II has a much larger full frame sensor and is 42MP which is way higher resolution. The A7R II also offers the ability to change lenses giving you endless optical possibilities. The Leica is really awesome, but an all-in-one point and shoot style camera in comparison. For your needs that might be a way better option though depending. I hope that helps, Jay

@datdudedeewill3941

5 жыл бұрын

Ok great thanks for the quick reply

Ok

Ok … Ok? Great review though.

@Jason_Hermann

3 жыл бұрын

lol, thanks... I fixed that crutch since this video ;)

Last

YOu cannot say that leicas lenses are as good as sony lenses. I would investigate a little more about leica and the quality of the optics. It would be better to say that sony lenses are good. but compare to leicas optics.... well it´s really hard.

The question with these Panasonic made cameras is this: what is the involvement of Leica? It is possible that it is a Leica design, but of course Leica is too small to make such a camera without charging $4000.

@Jason_Hermann

Жыл бұрын

I think they share technology and it makes sense for them to do projects like this. Honestly don't know anything for sure though...

@grandrapids57

8 ай бұрын

I researched this question quite a while ago, but as I understood, this is a Leica, and the partnership is the manufacturing. Part of that agreement is that Panasonic gets to brand one for themselves, and the differences lie in some small changes in the case, which require some different moldings, and in the color rendering with the software. The design, at least in my opinion, screams Leica and Leica's way and modes of thinking for the photographer. There is nothing else in the Panasonic catalog that resembles its Lumix version. I think if this was a name re-badged Panasonic, it would look and operate like their (generic) designs, but it doesn't, but it does operate like a Leica.

Oun

the sensor is simply twice as big, you can't compare it!!

No, the Leica isn't the same as the Panasonic. It's usability is quite different and has a big impact on how you use the camera day to day. To me that's really important and why I won't ever buy a Sony again as the menu structure and dials/placement is absolutely crap.

@Jason_Hermann

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comments Mike, and reviewing both the Panasonic and Leica I found the usability almost identical, although I did prefer the Leica image quality better as far as the color renderings. If you don't mind, can you explain more as to what is different in regards to the usability of the Leica over the Panasonic?