1bwana1 wrote:
Exactly, it looks like a very fun camera. The ergos, and interfaces should provide a good bit of that leica shooting experience I enjoy so much. Mine arrives on Monday!
I enjoy the output on my two Ricoh GRIIIs, but really miss a viewfinder. This may fill that spot.
I picked up my D-Lux 8 from the local Leica dealer this afternoon. It is a very nicely built camera while still being very small and lite. The camera fits comfortably in my shirt pocket! It seems reasonably fast and responsive. It is very Q3 like in it's design, interface, and workflow. Everything is also very similar to my M11 in menus and interface design.
This is my first time using a Leica with AF. Instantly apparent how far Leica trails my Sony A1 in AF reliability, and workflow. Hopefully, I can learn the AF system and improve its results.
I have only loaded a couple of random shots into LR so far. I will do my normal tests this evening and tomorrow. The images are nice, and the exposures/colors are really good. But, I can already say that the files are not up to M11 standards. Visibly less detail, and much more noise when the ISO climbs. I did expect that though so not disappointed there. Like AF I am sure once I understand the sensor's limitations i will be able to work with IQ.
Lots to learn about this new camera. I will keep the thread updated with my progress.
1bwana1 wrote:
I picked up my D-Lux 8 from the local Leica dealer this afternoon. It is a very nicely built camera while still being very small and lite. The camera fits comfortably in my shirt pocket! It seems reasonably fast and responsive. It is very Q3 like in it's design, interface, and workflow. Everything is also very similar to my M11 in menus and interface design.
This is my first time using a Leica with AF. Instantly apparent how far Leica trails my Sony A1 in AF reliability, and workflow. Hopefully, I can learn the AF system and improve its results.
I have only loaded a couple of random shots into LR so far. I will do my normal tests this evening and tomorrow. The images are nice, and the exposures/colors are really good. But, I can already say that the files are not up to M11 standards. Visibly less detail, and much more noise when the ISO climbs. I did expect that though so not disappointed there. Like AF I am sure once I understand the sensor's limitations i will be able to work with IQ.
Lots to learn about this new camera. I will keep the thread updated with my progress....Show more →
Interested in your thoughts on it- I have a pre-order in and really wondering how it performs. Please post some pictures and your honest opinion. Would love to see it
RustyRus wrote:
Interested in your thoughts on it- I have a pre-order in and really wondering how it performs. Please post some pictures and your honest opinion. Would love to see it
Rusty,
I have started a new topic to share images, and discuss my experiences as I learn this camera. Here is a link.
I posted this in another D-Lux 8 thread, but figured this may be a better place to put it:
I'm torn about this camera. I shoot the SL3 with the APO Summicron-SL lenses (21, 35, 50, 75) and the 50mm Summilux-SL. I had the Q3, but I don't like 28mm and it's not exactly a small enough camera to be considered a true pocketable/every day carry. I ordered the X100VI to be my camera I just throw in the car or carry around with me and it should be here in a month or so given how my local shop has been receiving units. FWIW, I've never used a X100 series camera. The D-Lux 8 has me thinking that it may be an alternative to the X100VI.
Then all the drivers/updates etc. There isn't anything proprietary in the code- Its all basic off the shelf stuff.
Leica then takes the Linux 3 distro, and builds it, hardens it, gets it to run on the camera etc. None of that code is included;
Yes, it turned out to be different from what we expected. Peter from Leicarumors shared an update on this:
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Updates:
“This appears to just be open source software that Leica is using whose license terms require them to provide publicly. It does not include the custom, proprietary software that actually makes up the important parts of the camera’s firmware. It’s to Leica’s credit that they’re releasing this, since many manufacturers don’t (in violation of licenses), but I don’t think it opens up any particular possibilities for community customization of D-Lux 8 firmware.” (thanks Thrasher)
“When you use software under the GNU General Public License (GPL) in a product, you are required to make the source code available because the GPL is a copyleft license. This means that any derivative work based on GPL-licensed software must also be released under the same GPL terms. This requires Leica to provide all used software.” (Thanks Martin)
serhan_ wrote:
PCMag: The compact Leica D-Lux 8 pairs a decently large sensor with a versatile bright zoom lens, but the camera's focus and video tech feel dated.
Good, I posted there too... I owned LX100 & LX100 II shortly and currently have D-Lux 7, but I hardly use it.... Here is Chris Niccolls @ Petapixel review, Deja Vu All Over Again:
It’s all about Fun!
Anxiously awaiting my Leica D-Lux 8!
I’m not a pixel peeper but I have to admit I appreciate
good quality. I am a Fuji XT5 user and I also own the Ricoh G3IIIx which I plan on giving to my wife when the Leica D-Lux 8 arrives. I’ve seen the reviews and debates on the new
Leica 8 at ad-nausiom.
To me the versatility of the 8 trumps the cards and the
viewfinder is a huge advantage of the fun experience
of taking images. I’ve owned many Sony and Nikon
cameras over the years but my priorities have changed
now that I have retired. I have mobility issues and that small
and compact features are a huge bonus.
Finally handled one for a bit today at the London Leica Store. Lovely people. Great exhibition currently and got to meet the artist. This was art, as well.
Might be a reskinned DLux 7 but feels radically different. Actually, a Q3 lite. EVF upgrade is massive. Feels sensational in the hand. Backordered up the wazoo.
Not for me but definitely felt the Leica pull.... Must resist.
I've been sorely tempted by many fixed lens compact cameras including the Leica D-Lux 8, the Fujifilm X100VI and the Ricoh GR111 and x. My ultimate rejection has been due to the difficulty of isolating subjects. Focus is simply too deep to meet my needs unless very close to the subject. I've even resisted the temptation of the Leica Q2 and Q3 for the same reason.
A Leica Q50 Lux could see me reaching for my wallet.
KLaban wrote:
I've been sorely tempted by many fixed lens compact cameras including the Leica D-Lux 8, the Fujifilm X100VI and the Ricoh GR111 and x. My ultimate rejection has been due to the difficulty of isolating subjects. Focus is simply too deep to meet my needs unless very close to the subject. I've even resisted the temptation of the Leica Q2 and Q3 for the same reason.
A Leica Q50 Lux could see me reaching for my wallet.
A Q3 50 would be unobtanium for years...
Have you thought about a Fuji XT50 with the 56mm 1.2? A bit longer but absolutely stellar optically.
flash wrote:
A Q3 50 would be unobtanium for years...
Have you thought about a Fuji XT50 with the 56mm 1.2? A bit longer but absolutely stellar optically.
Gordon
Gordon, thanks, and yes the XT50 has been on my radar. The Fuji isn't that much smaller than my Z7 bodies when combined with a small voigtlander or the Z40mm.
My immediate need is essentially for a compact, fixed lens camera with the emphasis primarily on absolute discretion when I'm shooting in Islamist locations. The nearest I can get is the Ricoh GR111x, but I'm all too aware that I'll still be missing shallow DOF and unfortunately a screen. That said I think it's about as near as I'm going to get.
But, come on Leica, give us a break, a Q3 50 Lux would at least be an unobtainable dream!
