Leica Q3 vs D-Lux 8: Ultimate Showdown for Travel & Street Photography

In this episode, we dive into a comprehensive comparison between the Leica Q3 and the newly released Leica D-Lux 8. If you're torn between these two cameras, this video will help you decide which one suits your photography style best. We'll explore key aspects such as price, image quality, build quality, weather sealing, and suitability for travel and street photography. Discover the strengths of each camera and how they fit into different photographic scenarios. Plus, hear about our experience using these cameras in real-world settings.
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[@Bloggerky]

I have a D-Lux 8 on order. Previously I have used a Fuji X100*, and also the Ricoh GR series as an every day carry / travel camera. Let’s see if the combination of zoom, EVF, and Leica ergonomics and UX win the day. Thanks for the helpful and candid video.

[@simonbnyc]

Great comparison. When I was shopping for a new camera, the final two on my shortlist were the Q2 and the D-Lux 7. The deal breaker for me wasn't price but the weather sealing so I opted for the Q2. The fixed 28mm lens was indeed a struggle at first (in the past I'd always used a 50mm) but over time I got used to it and if I have to I'll crop. It's now been over two years and I've never once regretted my decision!

[@georgewidmeriv701]

I get it, nothing like a nifty fifty.

[@jimtong]

The Q is by and large on top of delux in terms of image quality but if I were to get the delux, it will be a casual family camera. Thanks for sharing Justin!

[@JohanKhoo]

I use the Q3 and M11 together - 28 on the Q3 and 50mm on the M11 - it’s a great combo without going with a zoom! Will bring a 90mm and 21mm sometimes also, and it will cover almost all bases for travel/street.

[@HPBurstyn]

@@JohanKhoo I’m a generation behind you. Your choice to great. I use a q2 and an M10-p will a 35mm or 50mm. My 90mm lives in my bag.

[@chrisbogart687]

I agonized about this very issue. In the end I found a solution that worked for me. I passed on the Q3 and went for a used Q2M for my serious work and had enough money left to get the DLUX 8 for my informal work. A great two-get deal.

[@AskMOTT]

That sounds like a great combo Chris.

[@steveoc64]

I still rock a DLux 6 in the studio for macro shots - it's really hard to beat for close ups. Lovely little Summilux 1.4 lens on it For travel - The old Leica X series (the XVario in my case), is uniquely wonderful, and you can still pick up a good one for well under 2k. The rendering is really unique

[@yawarlol]

Absolutely love that first shot you took on the dlux-8. The man with the Singaporean flag. Good stuff

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you, that was literally the first shot I took outside the store on my way back to my hotel :).

[@bugsybunny398]

Great comparison. Leica has created a new gateway drug to their system with the D-Lux 8. It is a realistic alternative to the Fuji x100 system when you consider the ridiculous used prices people are asking and getting for X100-type cameras.

[@AskMOTT]

I'm truly enjoying this little camera as I have so many use cases for it.

[@imprisonedone8054]

@@AskMOTT ur sponsored.

[@AskMOTT]

@@imprisonedone8054 I paid full price for this camera .

[@imprisonedone8054]

@@AskMOTT nvm. Sorry for my accusation. I deeply apologize.

[@AskMOTT]

@@imprisonedone8054 No worries, many people on KZbin give fake or paid reviews so I get it.

[@scottfarrellfoto]

Heading to NYC, taking my M10 and the baby Fuji XT5, the XT50.

[@AskMOTT]

Superb set up :)

[@markielinhart]

No contest - a Q with a fixed 28mm Summicron lens that’s croppable versus a camera with an ordinary fixed telescopic lens that pokes out! Sorry Justin…✌️

[@funbichons5215]

Still out of stock here in the east coast. B&H or Adorama not available, can’t wait to get DLUX 8. Great comparison reviews 👍

[@AskMOTT]

Hopefully you can get it soon, you’ll love it.

[@AitorITurbe]

Which would be better, the Ricoh Griiix or the D-LUX8?

[@AskMOTT]

Both great, so hard to say without knowing your work and style better. Basically comes down to if you want to use a zoom or not.

[@ArielTweeto]

hey, love your videos! could you do a video going more indepth on tips and recommended settings for the d-lux 8?

[@filterfreephotography]

The D-Lux 8 for biking is an awesome idea. I did not even think about it. I usually take my X100F. But since it lacks a zoom, I sometimes miss a wildlife shot. Got me thinking now. I have never been a fan of the Q because of the 28mm lens. Not sure I would do street with the D-Lux, either. The zoom lens poking out would make me feel awkward or stand out more than my M kit, IMO.

[@AskMOTT]

I stuff it in my jersey or in my tip tube bag, fits perfectly :).

[@filterfreephotography]

@@AskMOTT I would put mine in my top tube bag for sure.

[@stevendente9270]

So far I am loving the D-Lux 8 as a backup to my M11, and as "go to dinner" camera. I am going to the pool with family tomorrow and will only take the D0Lux 8.

[@AskMOTT]

Don’t jump in the pool with it.

[@kenmonahan9924]

Great vid Justin. Covering a lot of the dilemmas with these cameras. I just got the D-Lux 8 for my EDC, had a GRIIIX but needed the versatility of the zoom in the street. Don’t want to carry my Q3 every day it’s too expensive to maybe leave on the train to have it stolen in the pub……(London don’t ya know)….another use case, I have a 10k limit on my camera insurance if travelling, so can’t bring the Q3 and SL3 with lenses so now have the D-Lux and a back up for that…..took it to a gig the other evening, and have to say the Q3 would have done a better job (used it as a previous event) even with the fixed lens. The autofocus is pants in low light compared to Q3 and even with a crop the Q3 sharpness, quality and noise control is better. But it was easier to get past the security than the Q3 it took a bit of persuasion to get security to agree the Q3 was not a pro camera! Just a couple of thoughts and looking forward to using it in the street to see if it beats the GR, it’s great to have the same UI across all my cameras for settings etc…

[@stevemphoto]

I'm currently trying to make this decision. I have an M11 and an x100VI. I'm renting a Q3 right now. One thing you didn't mention is that there are crop modes on the Q3. Cropped at 35mm you are still getting 39 megapixels and 19 at 50mm (you can crop to 75 and 90 but....). As a 35mm shooter myself I find the 35mm digital zoom really nice. You see the 35mm frame lines in the viewfinder but can still see the whole frame...similar to an OVF on an M. So as far and framing your shot I find it very useful. The crop is on the raw file but when you select the crop tool in Lightroom you can see the full frame with the crop lines from the camera...so it's kinda like 'pre-cropping" your image. You could still reframe in post if need be...a little cheat code if you will. All in all the image quality is better than the Fuji. In my use case I need/want an autofocus/zoom lens camera. So if I go with the Q3 it will replace my M and X100IV and I'd buy a ff camera for zooms. But I plan on renting the D-Lux 8...if it's good enough it will just replace the X100VI. Cus ya know sometimes autofocus/zooms are needed...lol

[@AskMOTT]

I definitely see the advantage of cropping but for some reason I can't really work that way. I think for many people it can work well, personally for me I'm not a big cropper, maybe I'm old school or just different. Let me know how renting the D Lux 8 goes.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Nice video, well explained but I can't stand the 28mm moaning that everybody in general does. Just crop the image to your like (often not so much) when you can't get closer to your subject, there is 60 MP to play with and even on 36 MP, my choice of shooting, plenty of detail and enough for printing and as an extra benefit, you are cropping the weakest part of the image due to the lens output . Besides that the Q3 has the digital crop feature. And looking at the photos of the people complaining I often thing, well the 28mm is the less thing you have to worry about. Must say, your approach to photography is quite refreshing and challenging Thanks for sharing

[@jklphoto]

A mini-Q with weather sealing and a fixed 35mm equivalent lens would be perfect. But I guess that's what the APS-C Fuji X100 series is. At $2000-2500, Leica could sell like heck out of it!

[@eprohoda]

how’s everythin ggoing?! thank you,well uploading,Justin. 🤟

[@AskMOTT]

Things are going well, stuck in my house during this latest construction project but it's also making me more production on KZbin, how are you?

[@buffalo369]

Singapore, beautiful country

[@ubir9743]

Thanks for sharing. How would a sigma fp paired with a nice side grip, evf, and compact leica m glass or else, compare to these? Feels like great compact option

[@Koenig1to1]

In simple terms I'll take the German made Q3 over the Chinese made Panasonic with a Leica logo on it.

[@HPBurstyn]

I've got a d-lux 109. Is the dlux 8 a significant upgrade?

[@AskMOTT]

Not sure as I’ve never used the 109 :(

[@HPBurstyn]

Thanks

[@jeffscott2246]

Didn't recognize you without the hat!

[@AskMOTT]

Ha ha yeah it’s my alter ego :).

[@icdeadpixels2]

I recently purchased the Leica D-Lux 8 and had to return it. Despite its reputation, this camera relies on outdated technology from around eight years ago. It lacks phase-detect autofocus and relies solely on contrast detection, which makes focusing quite frustrating. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD screen are both disappointingly dim in bright daylight, with the EVF failing to match the colours of the LCD or the real world. Additionally, the menu system is sluggish, and the overall focusing performance is subpar. It’s disheartening to see reviews that don’t address these significant issues, potentially misleading buyers and allowing Leica to market outdated technology at inflated prices. Honest reviews could help prevent such misunderstandings and encourage manufacturers to improve their offerings. While I adore my Leica Q3, the D-Lux 8 is overpriced and falls short, diminishing the company's otherwise excellent reputation.

[@AskMOTT]

Sorry to hear you aren't happy with it. My reviews are genuine but I'm not a dedicated camera reviewer that compares to other brands and my channel is focused on what I care about and don't care about in a camera. For me, the things you mentioned aren't an issue for me but lack of weather sealing and no flip up screen disappointed me but weren't enough to stop me from buying it. I'm genuinely happy with this camera for how I use it. I think other channels are great at going through every feature and comparing and contrasting all use cases but that isn't what my channel is about or where my interest are for this platform. I totally understand your complaints about the camera, to each their own, but nothing is misleading about my reviews as I like to think consumers are savvy enough to go to multiple sources to hear differences of opinions. I only review equipment I own or have a strong interest in owning.