Leica D-Lux 4 Digital Camera

September 18th, 2008 by Photo-John

Posted in 2008 Photokina, Camera and Photography News, Digital Camera Announcements, Leica Cameras, New Photography Products |Tags:D-Lux 4, DMC-LX3, leica, lumix, premium | 99546 visits|

33 Responses

1. 2008 Photokina Tradeshow Says:
   September 19th, 2008 at 9:07 am

   [...] 50mm f/0.95; and lots of new compact digital cameras, including the exciting Panasonic Lumix LX3 / Leica D-Lux 4. And that’s just what’s been announced to date (September 19th)! Photokina takes place [...]

2. ciro Says:
   September 25th, 2008 at 5:15 am

   if it is the son of M8, then it will be a fantastic camera in terms of image quality.
   wait some review

3. paul Says:
   October 8th, 2008 at 10:56 am

   I am thinking of pulling the trigger on this D Lux 4. I was also thinking of the Lumix LX3 version. The real question is if the Leica version is worth the extra coin. I hope somebody writes a review.

   I was also wondering the the red leica logo button was removeable.

4. Eric Says:
   October 15th, 2008 at 9:34 am

   The DMC-LX3 sells now for $450-500, whereas the D-Lux 4 is pre-ordering at $850++. However superior its JPEG processing may be–and however sexier its body!–I don’t see how Leica can justify doubling the Panasonic’s price. Heck, tha’ts entering DSLR territory! (where it’s image quality certainly cannot compete)

5. Lucky Says:
   October 25th, 2008 at 6:13 pm

   Well,

   I finally broke down and bought the D-Lux 4. I went to Photokina and everything I saw there fully supported the comments here on this blog. I even asked the representative at Leica the differences between the two cameras (I was quietly hoping he would say that the Leica has a slightly better lens, but nope, they are exactly the same except for the software and case).

   The new Lumix is great, a wonderful camera. But I’ve been wanting Leica as long as I can remember and have no regrets yet. Even better, the battery hasn’t changed and my Lumix FX50 battery works fine in the Leica - awesome!

   FYI, the leather case is not done yet, and the body of both make it tough to find a nice sleek case for it. I am hoping Acme Made makes one soon.

   Cheers.

6. James Greig Says:
   November 5th, 2008 at 3:12 am

   Throughout the last 45years I have had all sorts of cameras including professional Nikon kit (very heavy).
   5 weeks ago I purchased a Leica D lux 4. I have never been more pleased with a camera than this one. Its brought me back to my love of photography.

7. Keith Says:
   November 18th, 2008 at 10:23 am

   Got to disagree with Eric I’m afraid. I have seen some stunning images from this camera. It’s not a toy, but a serious piece of kit. I’m so impressed with it that I’m even considering selling my EOS 5D for this little camera. Much more suited to the street photography I do more of these days. It will knock the socks off many a DSLR in its price range and even some dearer cameras depending on what you are using it for. The ultimate digital street camera has to be the M8.2 of course, but who can afford one of those?

8. Photo-John Says:
   November 18th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

   Keith-
   Just gotta check here - you do know that aside from the JPEG processing, the two cameras are exactly the same? So there’s only going to be a difference if you’re shooting JPEGs. I think most photographers are interested in the Panasonic LX3 and Leica D-Lux 4 to shoot RAW, in which case, they will perform exactly the same. I haven’t been able to use either one yet. For me the question is speed. If the RAW shooting speed is good, then JPEG shooting won’t matter. If RAW shooting is slow, as it was with the previous generation of this camera, then the Leica’s superior JPEG processing will make it a better camera.

   I’m with you on the Lecia M8.2. It has no equal

9. doug Says:
   November 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 am

   so what’s the difference between the D-Lux 3 and 4.. I am planning of getting one for my wife, but I am not sure which one to get.. please advice..

   -Doug

10. Photo-John Says:
    November 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    Doug-
    There are a most notable differences between the two cameras are the sensor, the processor, and the lens. Although the D-Lux 3 and D-Lux 4 are both 10-megapixel cameras, the D-Lux 4 has a new sensor with more surface area and larger pixels. Bigger pixels mean better image quality. The new Panasonic processor means the D-Lux 4 will be faster than the D-Lux 3 - especially for RAW shooting. And the new lens is 4mm wider than D-Lux 3 lens. You give up a bit on the telephoto end of the zoom. But you get a lot more wide-angle coverage. There are a bunch of new exposure features in the D-Lux 4, as well. But the things that matter the most are the lens, the processor, and the new sensor. You may be able to save some money buying the D-ux 3. But it’s really an old camera with inferior image quality now. I would go with the D-Lux 4, if I were you.

11. Ian Ho Says:
    November 26th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

    I own both the D-Lux4 n LX3. I have noticed that the DLux4 has a better lens coating. Also, some1 pointed out that if u shoot in RAW there will be no differences. Not true. The RAW software that Panny n Leica provide r different. U cant just buy an LX3 n use the DLux4 software either. The DLux4 battery also has a slightly bigger capacity battery.

    I’ve done some preliminary shots with the LX3 n DLux4 for a comparison to see the differences in the JPEG. U can also see the different lens coatings in a picture I’ve posted there. I’ve also posted up a step by step guide + video on how to mod a Ricoh LC1 auto lens cap for the LX3/DLux4.

    http://ianho.blogspot.com/2008/11/panasonic-lx3-vs-leica-d-lux-4.html for the LX3 vs DL4 comparison pictures.
    http://ianho.blogspot.com/2008/11/ricoh-lc1-auto-lens-cap-on-leica-d-lux.html for the LC1 auto lens cap mod guide.

    I’ve since taken even more pics of LX3 vs DLux4. Will do another posting with even more comparo pics soon.

12. Ian Ho Says:
    November 30th, 2008 at 8:57 am

    Ok guys, I finally found the time to post up Part 2 of the DL4 vs LX3 comparison pics. All shot in JPEG with no tweaks.

    See it here- http://ianho.blogspot.com/2008/11/lx3-vs-dlux4-part-2.html

13. Buttebuff Says:
    December 8th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

    Why are the remaining new Leica D–Lux 3 cameras selling for $1995 when the new D-Lux i 4 is priced at under $900? Who woukd pay double for a camera replaced by an alleged better one?

14. Ian Ho Says:
    December 14th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

    I think the $1995 price u saw was for the Digilux 3.

15. EDU Says:
    December 17th, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    Hello all,

    I going to USA next month and I intend to buy a new camera.

    Which of these would you recommend and why ?

    - Canon G10
    - Leica D4
    - Panasonic LX3

    thank you

16. carmelo Says:
    December 27th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

    Hurry up and take advantage of the $150 rebate on the D-lux 4. Offer good thur dec.31st. I just bought mine and I love it!!! I only wish they would have kept it a single lug rather than the updated double lug for a neck strap…that’s only complaint, and I had to really stretch to find a fault from it’s older 3 version. I also just bought the V-lux for the extra zoom. Those are selling with a $250 rebate right now.

17. Subhrajit Says:
    January 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Is it possible to use the lumix lx3 viewfinder with d-lux 4 camera?

18. Kakibakar Says:
    January 4th, 2009 at 7:17 am

    All images in the http://www.flickr.com/photos/kakibakar/ was taken by Leica D-lux 4

19. serendipity Says:
    January 17th, 2009 at 9:49 am

    I nearly went for the panasonic instead of the D-Lux 4. But I read the detailed specifications for both, and there do seem to be some differences. Yes it is the same lens, but the most notable difference I remember is that the Leica has manual focus option (or was it manual exposure option?) and the panasonic doesn’t. I will definitely have to go for the Leica for this reason - more creative control options, plus a) build quality b) 3 year guarantee c) ergonomics and styling - it just looks like a proper camera and not a toy, and use of controls makes something a joy to use instead of a pain. I have always been a fixed focal length fan and don’t like zoom lenses, so this is a big compromise for me (selling my Contax G1 outfit to get the D-Lux 4), but I don’t want the expense and weight of an M8 and there is no equivalent rangefinder option or fixed focal length option except Ricoh which i believe just isn’t quite good enough quality-wise. So - based on pics from the D-Lux 4 and reviews - am going for it.

20. wk123 Says:
    January 18th, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    Hi,
    those, who have both of Dlux4 and lx3, could you please, comment on the build quality. Does Leica really feels more solid, well build and fit together than lx3?
    thanks

21. steve Says:
    February 1st, 2009 at 9:34 am

    sure it feels better, anytime you spend twice as much for something to get it with a better label it will feel better

22. prettysexy Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 7:14 am

    omg, went to see the leica D Lux 4 …it is so cool

    if compare with nikon D40
    which one would u get ?
    ignore the price factor !!

23. Simon Says:
    February 28th, 2009 at 5:41 am

    Prettysexy, this camera does not replace a DSLR like the Nikon D40. If I could only own one camera and it was a choice between this and a D40 then I’d get the D40 without hesitation.

    Be under no illusions about what this camera can do. At the end of the day it is still a compact. It’s better than most compacts but that is not saying much when you compare any compact to any DSLR. The ONLY advantage that this camera has over a Nikon D40 is that it is small enough to fit in your pocket or briefcase. The D40 will beat it in every other respect - speed, image quality, ease of handling, and flexibility.

    I bought a D-LUX 4 because I wanted a compact so that I can have a camera with me at times when I am not able to carry an SLR, in particular on business trips when I can’t clutter myself up with a DSLR kit but I would like to be able to take some photographs of the places I visit. I also looked at the Nikon P6000 and the Canon G10, these cameras (especially the G10) have just too much ’stuff’ on them for my liking and the important controls (focus, aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc) were too hard to get at with all the other clutter.

    Don’t pay attention to the higher megapixel count on the D-LUX 4 - even shooting raw at ISO 80, D-LUX 4 pictures look ‘mushy’ when viewed at 100%. That’s the inevitable result of trying to put too many pixels on too small a sensor with current technology, it’s a general problem with high megapixel compacts, not a particular flaw in the D-LUX.

24. Edmund Says:
    March 5th, 2009 at 2:51 am

    All the posts above are very helpful… I am, like most posters here, struggling with the decision (to be D-Lux4 or not to be, that’s the question).

    I read the review on dpreview and they summarized that LX3 built-in flash is underpower and white balance is not as good as Canon G10. I wonder if D-Lux 4 would have the same issue here since they are almost identical.

    In addition, what is your take on the stock lens? It seems to me that 24-60mm doesn’t quite take care of the job… what is your take on this issue?

    Lastly, I know it’s wrong to compare LX3/D-lux 4 with Lumix ZS-3… I do like what ZS-3 has to offer (it’s more like all-in-one package). Any thought about ZS-3?

    Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts in advance.

    Ed

25. John Says:
    March 22nd, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    The D-Lux 4 is a stunning camera. I write this honestly as a neophyte, having experimented years ago with Nikon FM’s and FE’s and Pentax. I had some brief experience with the Leica C-Lux 1 several years ago. Bur the D-Lux-4 is a permanent companion. It’s an amazing camera!

26. Bruno Says:
    April 28th, 2009 at 7:36 am

    I just went through the above comments. Serendipity wrote that the LX3 had no manual focus option and that the Dlux 4 had. No-one seems to have picked on that mistake. They really are identical cameras except for a few minor differences (far more common ground than differences) and the manual focus option is not one of them: they BOTH HAVE IT. On both (identical lenses) the command is on the left side of the camera (when standing behing it in a shooting position). The side of the lens shows 3 focusing options: AF, AF+macro, Manual Focus (MF).

27. Richie 23 Says:
    April 29th, 2009 at 4:45 am

    Just got Leica D-Lux4 ,the images are top quality , the features , Bracketing ,Raw etc are usualy only found on a decent SLR , the manual as usual is hard to follow , even when I managed to find the Bracketing mode , using the manual instructions I got lost . Overall this is the best compact I have had , and well worth the extra cost , like a little SLR wth a fixed lens .

28. John Z. Goriup Says:
    May 19th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    Bought the Leica D-Lux-4 a few days ago based on seeing 12 pages worth of photos from the Essen Classic automoblie show on the DDK website (UK). All shots were handheld, under artificial lighting, NO flash either on-board or attached. Simply incredible. Got my own unit and took it to Laguna Seca for the Grand-Am races in brilliant sun. The results are stunning. Sharp. color fidelity is outstanding, white balance and ISO is very easy to set and alter depending on prevailing comditions. Up to now I’ve used a G-9 ( which I will keep) but this is clearly superior.

    This is not a negative comment, but the camera really became what it should have been all along by the addtion of the grip and adapter., (both ordered from Lensmate) The grip allows very natural, convenient one-handed use and is far handier & cheaper than the Leica optional grip since you can access the battery and card slot without having to remove the grip. The adapter gives me a great deal of confidence to not damage the delicate lens-extension mechanism whem working in very close quarters. I keep a B+W 46 mm UV filter on it at all times, with a polarixer at hand.

    I will be getting the optional viewfinder as soon as my local dealer stocks it, since in bright daylight the LCD is not very visible, certainly not for critical composing and review ( get a 3″ Hoodman for reviewing your work)

    In summary, there no question that the Leica is demonstrably superior to the Panasonic version, It’s not the same thing with a red dot at all. Colors are much more brilliant, it has the fabled Leica smoothness, low-light performance is stunning, the black finish and the general builds quality is nothing less than you would expect from Leica, in short, superlative. Paid $ 699.00 at a premier dealer. Please don’t waste your life micro-analyzing the differences in features and cost between the D-Lux-4 and the Panasonic………just run out and buy it the Leica. You’ll be glad you did when you find yourself leaving your DSLRs at home and enjoying photgraphy again. Son of M8 indeed.

    Lest you think this has all been a paid endorsement, the instructions are worthless. They don’t instruct, they annoy.

    Get an extra battery and figure it out yourself. lufkin

    JZG

29. Ken Says:
    June 1st, 2009 at 11:25 am

    First of all, I wanted to thank everyone for the really informative reviews/comments.

    I have a Nikon D50 DSLR with 18-200mm AF VR lens. As some of you know, it doesn’t do super well in low light but otherwise is a good entry-level DSLR. I had been thinking of eventually upgrading this with a nicer Nikon in the next year.

    However, I ran into someone shooting with the Leica D-Lux 4 yesterday, and he showed me low-light photos that he took of a night-time outdoors dance performance that managed to capture the movement really well, with gorgeous colors. Very impressive.

    Now I’m actually considering getting the Leica to augment the Nikon D50 since it’d have the advantage of its small size and portability compared to lugging around the DSLR. Now, I’d eventually upgrade the Nikon anyway, but this may delay it for a while!!!!!

    Thanks again!!!

30. rosalind Says:
    June 9th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    shutter lag is not good. therefore not a street photographer’s camera. you will have lots of pictures of where the dog was.

31. Julius Says:
    June 22nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    I use both the Canon 1D Mark II and the 5D Mark II but my wife wanted a smaller camera. I bought the D-LUX4 two weeks ago and now I can’t pry it from her hands….it’s a great camera to have and is so unobstrusive when you are out taking pictures of people. The IQ although not as good as a DSLR is exceptional for a small camera. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a compact camera. The leather case is a great way to wrap up the entire package….it’s not a camera…it’s a LEICA

32. Richard Says:
    June 24th, 2009 at 6:46 am

    I disagree with Simon’s statement about the D-Lux 4 \even shooting raw at ISO 80, D-LUX 4 pictures look ‘mushy’ when viewed at 100%.\ As well as the D-Lux 4 I also use Nikon digital SLR’s and compared to them the results are clear and sharp - certainly are not \mushy\.

33. Birger Says:
    June 27th, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    Rosalind mention that shutter lag isn’t good. Has anyone else experienced similar problems?
    I’m very very tempted to go for the D-Lux 4, but wouldn’t like to discover it has any perceptible shutter lag.

Leave a Comment