Leica D-Lux 8 OWNER Review - Compact Perfection

Is the gorgeous Leica D-Lux 8 worth the price? After considering the Ricoh GR and Sony RX 100 VII, I've chosen the Leica, and this video explains why. In it, I share many images taken with the D-Lux 8, plus why I bought it, how I use it, what I like, what I don't, and why it might be the perfect compact camera for you.

00:00 Why watch this video?
00:23 Why did I buy it?
08:17 Camera specs
10:08 What do I use it for?
12:39 How do I use it?
16:41 Accessories
18:51 Likes
22:57 Dislikes
25:20 Who should buy it?
27:44 Isn't it just a posh Panasonic?
29:04 One More Thing

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[peterfritzphoto]

*Folks, I’ve made a mistake in this video. Using the image crop feature on the lens barrel bakes the crop into BOTH the JPEG and DNG file. If you shoot mono images, though, you do still get the full colour version in the DNG file. Sorry for this cock-up. It seems I confused the X2D’s functionality (a camera I often use alongside the Leica) with the D-Lux when I prepared this video. Thanks go to Bill Green for pointing this out. Also, many have asked about the Bellroy pouch, which is the Lite Sling (not the Mini). 👍

[TheoTheodorou]

Sold my Q3 and M6 after buying the D-Lux 8. As hobbyist its taken me a long time to realise this is all you need, great review.

[Jaykay]

This is one of the best reviews of any camera that I have seen on YouTube.

[davidbell]

One of the best camera reviews on YT. To the point. No BS. Thanks.

[chrism]

This is the most practical and useful camera review I have ever seen. Peter is articulate and eloquent and he has a very practical common sense approach to photography. He cuts through all of the hype about megapixels and extraneous software features and concentrates on the things that really matter to the photographer. Extremely well done, thanks!

[daviddaw]

I have owned a D-Lux 8 since late October 2023 and the reasons that I purchased it are very much aligned with yours. I have a full-frame mirrorless camera and I wanted an EDC camera and something that I could use when on holiday abroad. That last factor is really important for me: I usually travel on budget airlines where taking my 'real' camera is just a pain, and I also do not want photography to dominate the days I spend with my partner when we are away from home together.

I am really smitten with the little Leica for all the reasons that you like it. I have just returned from a week in Malta and I am blown away by the image quality and sheer flexibility of the Leica. Incidentally, I used a Bellray sling when away; it's a larger 10 litre version, so that I can carry all my travel necessities with me.

I cannot see me buying into the more expensive Leicas, but this is the perfect EDC camera for me, and I am so pleased with my purchase.

Thanks for encapsulating my thoughts on the D-Lux 8 so comprehensively.

[hellotoddsky]

Fantastic review! Thank you so much for taking the time to create this video! 🙏

[DebraHepburn]

All of the reasons I bought this camera and now I get palpitations if I leave it behind. My favourite camera of all time because, as you so succinctly say, it fits my life with no stress. I have loved it even more after watching your review (many times!)

[foveacreative]

Best review ever! I love the honesty and lack of hype. You ticked all the boxes that most people would have when researching a camera.

[GuillaumeRobak]

Best camera review I’ve seen thank you ! Very useful for newbies (like me) because most of the YT reviews are full of very technical specs etc.. but you just brought something human and personal ! Thank you

[juanitakelly]

Very interesting, comprehensive and honest review Peter. Rather than comment about the camera, I'd just like to mention the production quality of the video itself that was smooth, well-paced and kept my attention. Being interspersed with clear illustrations and practical examples kept it from getting boring like some gear review videos can be! I'm sure all your years of doing corporate presentations fed into that. MIC for the win on this one!!

[MikeBear]

Thanks for this great review! I own a D-Lux 8 for months now, and your observations are spot on.

[pedromedina]

by far one of the best (if not the best) reviews of the LEICA D-Lux 8. Good Work..!!!

[muzishian]

I found you through signing up on Hugh’s page earlier today, and I must say that both of you are excellent at providing useful, accurate and meaningful information on photography and gear. I just finished watching this video and hats off, job well done. The best part was the spontaneous guffaw I let out when you mentioned your wife was also made in China.

[Brightsparks]

Super comprehensive and balanced review that details the rational behind the DLUX 8. I also purchased the DLUX8 despite owning the Panasonic LX100ii, which was later sold. I also have many other full frame and MFT cameras but love the simplicity of the DLUX8 and will often pickup this camera for travel and street photography. I wish Leica would add back the 'step zoom' and 'remember last focal length' functions that were on the LX00ii.

[chriskulczycki]

Your review is spot on! I was in the same situation as you, was a pro years ago who now wanted a camera with only the features I actually needed for travel and hiking. The D-Lux 8 is perfect; I very much enjoy using it. And the menu system is the best I've ever experianced.

[gabrieljosue]

I wish I could like a video 7 times. Thanks for this amazing camera review!

[rayclarke]

A great review, thank you. You mentioned how this camera makes you feel whilst using it. I agree that this is important. I couldn’t help thinking about how I feel when driving my Boxster. Very intrigued to discover you have a 981..! (Mine’s a 718s)

[forhadrahman]

This is honestly such a good review. I wanted to go for a camera that kind of just spoke to me - a "forever" camera as a hobbyist and this one just might be it. Really appreciate the review, got yourself a subscriber!

[nick_]

fantastic detailed review Peter. I've had my D Lux 8 for a couple of months now and loving getting to know its features. Not disappointed despite the price of £1500 in the UK.