Leica D-Lux 4 Digital Camera

2008 Photokina Leica News

New: LEICA D-LUX 4
The first digital Leica compact camera with system character

The LEICA D-LUX 4, introduced by Leica Camera AG, Solms, is a compact digital camera with powerful optics and a comprehensive range of settings. Premiering with the camera is the wide range of accessories for additionally widening its photographic potential, offering the sophisticated user even more possibilities for creative photography. With its 1/1.63“ CCD image sensor, unusually large for this class of camera, the LEICA D-LUX 4 produces images of superior quality.

The LEICA D-LUX 4 sports a high-speed LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH. lens with a focal length range of 24 to 60 mm in 35 mm format. Apart from the particularly high speed, it is the ultra-short initial focal length of 24 mm that opens up new creative opportunities in a variety of situations, including landscape, architecture, travel and reportage photography. Its high speed also makes the LEICA D-LUX 4 ideal for available light exposures. Whether shooting in poor light or for selective use of field depth, the lens of the LEICA D-LUX 4 gives the photographer scope for highly individual picture composition. An integrated image stabilizer reliably protects against camera shake in all photographic situations, even in difficult light conditions.

The LEICA D-LUX 4 offers a wide range of optional accessories that extend the camera’s application potential: A black brilliant viewfinder with 24 mm brightline frame can be attached to the flash shoe of the D-Lux 4, enabling the photographer to view his subject without draining battery power. A slot-on compact flash unit LEICA CF 22 is also available for the LEICA D-LUX 4. Another option is an additional handgrip that makes the camera easier to hold. The camera is also prepared for photos in HDTV format: By connecting the camera’s HD port to an HD television set with optional component cable, image slides can be shown in high definition. The range of accessories is rounded off with the addition of high-quality leather cases in black and brown.

“With the add-on accessories, the high-speed optics and intelligent operation concept, the LEICA D-LUX 4 is a truly a “compact” system camera whose performance profile can definitely hold its own in comparison to a professional camera. The unlimited potential for creative photography, the ultra fast image processing and the compact, classic camera design give users of the LEICA D-LUX 4 extra high flexibility for capturing unique moments and unforgettable images,“ says Stefan Trippe, Vice President of Production and Engineering at Leica Camera AG.

The LEICA D-LUX 4 features a noticeably large CCD image sensor for a camera in this class. Measuring 1/1.63“ and offering 10.1 megapixel resolution, it is able to differentiate the finest details and faithfully reproduce tonal values. The new D-Lux 4 can take photos in all three formats (4:3/3:2/16:9) to suit the particular recording or playback situation, and is also capable of shooting in TIFF format. The larger sensor size makes it possible to retain the full 24 mm wide angle. The 460,000 pixel camera display has a wide viewing angle and creates an exceptionally brilliant image, enabling photographers to make a reliable and exact assessment of the picture composition both when taking the photo and when reviewing it. The additional possibility of adjusting the viewing angle ensures exceptional display viewing even for extreme camera perspectives.

The high-speed zoom lens LEICA DC VARIO- SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH. consists of eight elements (four of them aspherical) in six groups. The optics are individually matched to the camera sensor, working in harmony with the electronics and software to produce stunningly brilliant pictures in true-to-life colors. Regarding color matching, contrast and picture definition, Leica Camera AG has developed its own profile. This is consistent with the picture characteristics that are well known to Leica System Camera customers from their use in combination with professional film materials and specialist development laboratories. The reduction to the essentials and the LEICA D-LUX 4’s strikingly clear and concentrated design exemplify the camera’s typical Leica lineage. The ergonomic layout of the controls and intuitive operating concept make it a pleasure to handle. Focus, shutter speed, stops and exposure override can all be set manually with the joystick. For those who like photography to be less complicated, the camera integrates many improved automatic functions. When the various functions are switched on, the user simply has to press the shutter release button to obtain a perfectly exposed and focused picture. In automatic mode, the camera automatically combines many individual functions to suit the subject and the photographic conditions, controlling the O.I.S. image stabilizer, the automatic ISO control, face recognition, automatic contrast compensation and automatic choice of scene mode.

Like the C-LUX 3, the D-LUX 4 is capable of recording videos in high definition format at the very fast 30 fps (frames per second). This resolution allows the user to display the video captured in full HD on all compatible monitors and television screens. The only limitation to the length of video is the size of the SD card.

The LEICA D-LUX 4 is supplied with a battery charger, a powerful rechargeable battery and a comprehensive software package. A high-quality leather case with smart classic design is also available as an optional accessory.

The LEICA D-LUX 4 will be available in a black finish at authorized Leica dealers from 2008.

Related Content:
All Leica User Reviews
All Leica News
Leica D-Lux 3 Pro Review
Digital Cameras Forum
Leica Camera Web Site

Leica D-Lux 4

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About the author: Photo-John

Photo-John, a.k.a. John Shafer, is the managing editor of PhotographyREVIEW.com and has been since the site launched back in 1999. He's an avid outdoor enthusiast and spends as much time as possible on his mountain bike, hiking or skiing in the mountains. He's been taking pictures for ever and ever, and never goes anywhere without a camera.


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  • ciro says:

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

  • paul says:

    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.

  • Eric says:

    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)

  • Lucky says:

    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.

  • James Greig says:

    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.

  • Keith says:

    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?

  • Photo-John says:

    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 :-)

  • doug says:

    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

  • Photo-John says:

    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.

  • Ian Ho says:

    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.

  • Ian Ho says:

    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

  • Buttebuff says:

    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?

  • Ian Ho says:

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

  • EDU says:

    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

  • carmelo says:

    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.

  • Subhrajit says:

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

  • Kakibakar says:

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

  • serendipity says:

    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.

  • wk123 says:

    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

  • steve says:

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

  • prettysexy says:

    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 !!

  • Simon says:

    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.

  • Edmund says:

    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

  • John says:

    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!

  • Bruno says:

    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).

  • Richie 23 says:

    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 .

  • 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

  • Ken says:

    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!!!

  • rosalind says:

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

  • Julius says:

    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

  • Richard says:

    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\.

  • Birger says:

    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.

  • Peter says:

    I dont really care what people say about the DMC-LX3 i am sure its a fine camera but i bought the Leica D-Lux 4 it is sexy and a true Leica. A real son of M8 as Leica themselves say if you cannot afford it buy the panny but if you want a Leica and can afford it BUY IT – Its great.
    Also new software on Leica’s web site so update the version to 1.2 just s few tweats from the masters of photography.
    Thank you Leica for a real compact that amateurs can use and i expect professionals too.

  • Arizona Mike says:

    What a fabulous camera. My first brand new Leica of any kind, though since the 1960′s I owned several used Leicas of various models with Elmars and Summnicrons. Now that I’m a digital nut, I figured I’d pay the price and get the D-Lux 4—and am I glad I did! Though, I’ve had it only 3 eays, I’ve already taken over 500 shots both in color and using the b/w feature. For fun, I took some pics in color, then immediately reshot the same thing using the b/w feature. The color and resulotion are stunning. The resulution of the b/w photos knocks me over. The Summicron is even showing the tiniest of details, including teensy particles of sand.

    I’ve been seeking things to photograph that have lots of color and texture as an informal test. The results are mouth-watering. And am I ever having fun. I should have bought this camera sooner.

    Until now, I’ve used Sony p/s and their DSLR with a wide array of Minolta AF lenses from the 1980. Also, I love Zeiss Tessars. Though I love my Sonys, Tessars, and Minolta glass, I have a new girlfriend: the D-Lux 4.

    When I find something as good as this, I often buy a duplicate and store it. So, sometime this year, I will buy a second D-Lux 4. From my POV, it doesn’t get any better than this. Well, instead of saying more, I’m gonna turn off my computer, grab my D-Lux 4 and head out to have more fun.

  • Poet says:

    Bought a Leica D-Lux 4 a Harrogate. Haven’t told my wife yet as I am heavily into Nikon SLR system. Have tried it out indoors, without flash, the colours are true and everything is surprisingly sharp. The same applies around my garden. I must admit, sadly, I’m becoming increasingly sorry I’ve spent so much money on my Nikon equipment when, in many cases, the Leica surpasses it in image quality. This camera is a little gem.

  • Aman says:

    Interesting to read all the comments re: D-Lux4……….. I’m an ex D-Lux3 / Lx3 owner and have now tried a D-lux4…….There is the usual debate about IQ which may baffle some people considering this camera vs. a DSLR. The difference IMO is that whilst a DSLR will offer superior resolution under some (but not all) circumstances, where the D-Lux4 wins out is that under low light or high contrast situations it will usually come out with a beautifully “lit” image with the best colour reproduction I’ve seen on any camera. The resolution is not an issue in most cases because the overall balance of the image is often superior. I’ve used a bigger sensor camera alongside the D-lux4 and got frustrated with the poor sensitivity to contrast, dull colours, and weird colour temperature in low light. The D-lux4 is superb in this respect. Yes you can sometimes find limitations of ultimate resolution with the Leica, but also some images it has given me have had superb res when viewed on a large monitor, and if the image works at poster size then res is not an issue. It’s a great camera.

  • I’m interested, Aman – I have a D-Lux 3, and am disappointed by the performance in low light, so I don’t end up using it that much. Is the D-Lux 4 THAT much better? Will the D-Lux 4 fit into the D-Lux 3 case?

    I’m tempted to take the next step – I owe myself a treat of some kind or other, and that seems reasonable, particularly if I justify it by selling the D-Lux 3…

  • Bob Bofferding says:

    Thanks to all for the excellent info/opinions/discussions regarding the LX3 vs LUX 4 debate. I’ve been agonizing for days over which way to go and, of course, it’s the economy, stupid!! Well, Leica wins anyway…………….

  • James K says:

    At the end of the day, there is not much difference between the two units!Look ! D-Lux is made by the Japs so dont be fooled its German origin! Only the lenses signifies German.Both cameras are tools but you as a photographer will decide .One should never compare the D-LUX 4 as a baby M8 OR M9 AS THEY ARE A DIFFERENT SPECIES!
    There is no way its photos will be comparable to SLR cameras with bigger lenses . Yes ! there is quality but to the expert its to an extent!Both cameras will do an excellent job but the final choice is only quibbles for final swing!

  • Bob Bofferding says:

    I’ll chaulk it up to “attitude”. I’m 67, been shooting since I was 13 and thought I owed myself at least one camera that said “Leica” on it before I’m in the ground. I’ve been riding motorcycles since 1963 and finally bought a Harley-Davidson a couple of years ago. Called it my “last hurrah”. Now, I’m riding something else!

  • Katie says:

    I’m purchasing a new camera within the next couple of days…. I am having a hard time though. I have gotten advice to buy the Canon g10 over the new Olympus EP-1… How do those compare to the D-Lux 4. WHAT TO DO????

  • Aji says:

    Hi… I have some pictures that I took with Leica DL4. Mostly street photography around my town, Jakarta, Indonesia. May be this pict is not good enough to represent the quality of Leica DL4, but I love it very much because it’s so small and good for candid picture taking. The camera is very good in the low light condition. I am one of the happy photographer that using small compact camera from Leica.
    You can see the picts in my blog http://www.aji-photoblog.blogspot.com
    Regards,
    aji

  • ema says:

    Hi everyone,

    I was looking for a compact camera with Dslr features and after reading many highly reviewed Leica d lux4 I decided to get it. Also bought Nikon d5000 to compare and pick one of them.

    Well , for me like for many of you the image quality and the color are on the first place. The Leica is the best for sharp and great colors in outdoor shooting even in auto mode. As for indoors , the images are fine if there is a good day light , though as soon as it gets darker, the pictures will start getting visible noise, but worst thing is yellow-greenish tint on the pictures. Adjusting WB and other light corrections are not much of a help – the images are still tinted with that yellow cast.

    Night shots are sharp, but again the street lights and lit up streets don’t have true colors: the greenish tint is everywhere. In one word the colors in Leica are different from what you taking.

    Another big minus is flash: it’s too bright that makes everything washed out and gives a “dead” look.
    LCD gives a very bright, too saturated images and in sunny days you need to put some shields over it to see what you are shooting.

    There are other minor negatives but you can, probably, get used to them: slippery body, small to hold, even for my little woman’s hands, some of the menu features are awkward comparatively my Sony’s.

    Such a disappointment. My old P/S sony cybershot gives far better colors in lcd , pc and prints. The only problem is it doesn’t have an image stabilizer.

    As for D5000, the colors are great: what you see, that you get in the camera and prints. However, the sharpness is not as in the Leica dlux4 unless you use tripod or other support. Indoor pictures are very pleasing without any effort even in quite dark rooms. Manual mode gives even better results. White balance has a wide range, plus color correction which Leica lacks .

    Great images with flash.
    Easy to use menu not mentioning flexible LCD .

    A little bit big for me even though it’s lighter and smaller than Canon DSLRs .

    Now I am thinking to go back to Sony but with image stabilizer and decent sensor size for compact cameras.

    Ema

  • Photo-John says:

    ema-
    Thanks for your detailed post. It’s obvious a lot of thought and effort went into it. You should really post reviews for both cameras in our user review section. That’s the best place for review content:

    Leica D-Lux 4 User Reviews >>
    Nikon D5000 User Reviews >>

    I also need to point out that it’s not really fair to compare the Nikon D5000 and the Leica D-Lux 4. They are very different animals. The Leica is a very nice compact camera with a full range of controls. But it has a tiny sensor with tiny pixels. As far as image quality goes it can never compete with the Nikon D5000 or any other digital SLR. Big pixels will always win. You mentioned a green color problem with D-Lux 4 night shots. That sounds like correct white balance with certain types of street lights to me. A custom white balance or shooting RAW and adjusting in post-processing should take care of that issue.

    Thanks for commenting. I hope my reply helps you out. You might want to also post on our Digital SLR forum. There’s a lot more to a digital SLR than just changeable lenses. The larger sensor is the most important difference between a compact camera and a DSLR.

  • The optical viewfinder says:

    Hi,

    If you buy a Leica D-Lux 4, will the Lumix opticial viewfinder work with it or do you have to pay an extra £200 + for the Leica one?..
    Thanks

  • Juan says:

    Hi,
    I bought a Leica D lux 4 recently and I noticed that when I convert the raw images(which are very clean and sharp) into tiff or dng through the program Capture1(included with camera),these show up a bit blurred.Also the focus action in this program doesn´t seem to be very efficient.So once the picture converted I go to the focus filter in photoshop but I hardly get the same result than the raw image.Does anybody have the same issue?Do you know any better program to convert the Leica raw images ?
    Have a good day.Juan

  • Ted says:

    For all those who think the Leica is better than the Panasonic, my cousin works for Leica and say’s that lenses are identical. Leica built and sent to Panasonic. The body’s innards are made by Panasonic and sent to Leica where they produce their own outer wrap. He said for all intents and purposes the cameras are the same. Period. The differences are in the firmware. Leica produces slightly better jpegs and comes with the extra warranty and Phase One software. So, anyone thinking they see a better image in raw, it’s just hopeful wishing. BTW, got the D-Lux 4 only because he got it for me at the company discount.

  • Photo-John says:

    Ted-
    I can confirm everything your cousin told you. Aside from the slightly different styling, the Leica and the Panasonic are basically the same. I haven’t used the two new cameras but I compared the previous Leica/Panasonic and the Leica had noticeably better JPEGs. But since RAW is the data right off the sensor, the RAW image quality from both cameras will be exactly the same.

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  • Tom says:

    Hey Ted, with your cousin working at Leica I don’t suppose he knows if the d-lux 5 will be coming out in 201 or not?

    Im dead set to get a d-lux 4 asap but if they release the d-lux 5 this year I may feel like nipping down to Germany to hand out some free slaps :D

    If you could give me a heads up It would be gold dust mate, thanks

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  • Steve says:

    I’ve had a D-Lux 3 for a couple of years now. Just to say I have no complaints over the image quality. Recently an image shot on it (in JPEG mode too) was used on a 16 sheet poster on the London Underground (over 2m high).

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