Leica Introduces the D-Lux 8
The German manufacturer updates their popular compact digital D-Lux camera
On a recent trip to Japan, Leica’s compact D-Lux 8 proved to be an ideal camera to go anywhere and capture everything. The body feels sturdy and lightweight—perfect to carry on an itinerary with cocktails in Tokyo, coffee in Kyoto, and on to Osaka to see the Chiharu Shiota exhibit at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art. A visit to the beautiful Katsuo-ji Temple outside of Osaka also feels enhanced by the D-Lux 8’s ability to capture the emotional expressions on the tiny darumas placed around the gardens.
Since 2003, the D-Lux has been the company’s focus for their digital compact camera category. Affordable by Leica standards, these cameras deliver Leica styling and quality for anyone who wants an accessible and user-friendly option. Through the years each iteration has added capabilities, modified the body shape and streamlined the interface. This summer, Leica debuted the eighth version, a new optimized D-Lux. With a few months of hands-on time, a colorful journey in Japan and a conversation with Mike Giannattasio (President of Leica Camera North Americ), we explore what’s new, what stayed the same and how the camera interacts with the Leica FOTOS app.
“The Leica D-Lux line offers durability, functionality and optical quality that the brand is known for, in the smallest package,” says Giannattasio. “This allows for the camera to be an everyday carry camera, providing an opportunity for creatives to explore and witness their environments with ease.” That ease comes from both the small size a packability of the camera that can be comfortably worn in their molded black leather case or stored in a handbag or tote.
Weighing about 14 ounces, the ergonomically redesigned body made of die-cast magnesium is inspired by the Leica Q System. The menu feels more intuitive featuring a new button layout and user interface, providing easier navigation and increased customizability. Regarding some of the significant updates Giannattasio explains, “The D-Lux 8 now has an OLED screen for better viewing in contrasty environments, a 48% in back screen resolution making details in images more visible, support for DNG files, UHS-II SD card support and the ability to transfer RAW images and video files from the camera to a mobile device through the Leica FOTOS app.”
With the new body design, the button layout offers the opportunity for user customization, while simplifying the layout of the camera. “Leica is continuously looking for opportunities to make the image creation process a fun and intuitive process,” adds Giannattasio. “Through its UI redesign, which is also inspired by the Leica Q system, Leica customers can comfortably view and adjust key settings with a single button click, allowing them to quickly return to the moment of capture.”
The camera can be fully personalized with a simple long press on any of the four function buttons. The user is able to assign a specific menu setting to each button, allowing for quick access to favorite settings. One of these settings can be Wi-Fi activation, to send full quality images and videos to a mobile device, through the Leica FOTOS app. The Leica FOTOS app also allows the user to control the camera from a distance, such as changing the zoom or camera settings and activating the shutter remotely. The D-Lux 8 has both JPEG and DNG formats for more post-processing flexibility and the ability to record 4K videos.
In addition to carrying a camera and taking photos, visiting Leica stores along the way adds to the Leica experience. Each store has knowledgeable staff to answer questions, accessories, and gallery exhibits. The Leica store in Kyoto is on Hanamikoji Street in the traditional Gion district in a 100-year-old, two-story Machi-ya townhouse. Currently at the Ginza store in Tokyo the gallery space upstairs is featuring Seiya Nakai’s exhibit “Scenic train rides with Leica.”
Each Leica Store and gallery becomes a gathering place for the photography community. Photo exhibit openings bring out large crowds at the Los Angeles location and many others around the world. It is common to see Leica photographers arrive proudly displaying their beloved cameras. “Brand loyalty to Leica is deeply rooted in a blend of quality, heritage and community, and is truly inspiring to see,” says Giannattasio. “At Leica events, seeing photographers proudly ‘wearing’ their cameras is a beautiful testament to their passion and dedication to their art form. Ultimately, it’s about being part of a vibrant community that shares a genuine appreciation for photography and the artistry that it embodies.”
Looking ahead to Spring 2025, Leica will be celebrating 100 years of the company with exhibits, experiences and collaborations. The company is committed to enriching their experience with exciting product launches, Akademie workshops and gallery events worldwide with Leica’s community of photography enthusiasts and professionals. “This centennial celebration will honor the significant impact Leica has had on photography and visual storytelling. From pioneering innovations to shaping how we capture and perceive the world, Leica has consistently led the way in photographic evolution,” says Giannattasio. The celebration will feature a series of events in NYC, highlighted by a vibrant block party on 13th Street, right in front of their flagship store and gallery. They are partnering with Photoville to create moments that encapsulate our 100-year journey and with the International Center of Photography (ICP) for a special exhibition commemorating this milestone.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with our community, share inspiring stories and celebrate the passion for photography that unites us all. Together, we will reflect on a century of achievements while looking forward to the next chapter of innovation and creativity at Leica,” says Giannattasio. “By actively listening to customer feedback on products like the compact D-Lux 8 and the Leica versatile SL3, Leica continually enhances its offerings while strengthening partnerships, such as those with Panasonic and Adobe.”
The D-Lux 8 embodies Leica’s dedication to fostering a supportive community that celebrates the art of photography for all skill levels. For traveling light with carry-on luggage, on and off trains, and to so many locations, the size and capabilities of the D-Lux 8 makes it an ideal travel companion.
What are your thoughts?