Favorite compact camera - LEICA D-Lux 7 Longterm Review

Favorite compact camera - LEICA D-Lux 7 Longterm Review
In this video, I return with an update on my uses of the Leica D-Lux 7 and why I’m still enjoying and keeping it. This has become a camera that is easy to take anywhere and capture excellent images straight out of camera. So far I have no regrets and don’t miss the Sony RX100 at all. I also share my thoughts about the value of having a compact camera.
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[@dgutie8]

I really appreciate your videos! I have the D-Lux 8 on order..well back order, can’t wait!

[@frank1672]

I am in my 70's now and been a snapper for most of that time I just don't get how clean and spotless these cameras look after being used. I shot 35mm with Olympus, Cannon and Nikon for over 40 years until digital came in I still have my trusty Nikon F3 HP which is well worn ( like me ) My point is do these guy's and girls seem only have these as trophies as he said 'Nurds' A camera is a tool albeit a rather expensive one and worrying to much about it's cosmetic condition can lead to missing the money shot. The review is informative so I applaud you for that. There that's my beef.

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching! Totally get your points. I assume some out there do have them just because they are popular and they end up like trophies. In my case I love using the tools and use them as much as possible, that’s what makes any investment truly worth it.

[@afiqahtajuddin5695]

i bought after watched your prev video. i agree with all your opinion. best decision ever

[@Thejs1234a]

Thanks for this helpful review, with your honest opinion on this camera. It’s helpful for me because there aren’t any “complete” reviews of the D-LUX 8 which isn’t out yet. This video gives a good baseline for the D-LUX 7 and D-LUX 8 cameras !

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks I did my best to use it as much as possible to think about how it fit with my needs

[@nietdoorsnee]

Thank you! Useful !

[@rosvw3517]

Really good review. I’ve had my dL7 for just over a year and love it. I sold my Fujifilm X-T30II four days ago as I never used it much. There’s just something about this Leica that made me reach for it over the Fuji.

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching! Yeah this little camera packs a punch and is so easy to take anywhere.

[@ag4eng]

Some of my best pictures were on a Panasonic M4/3 using a Leica prime lens. Lots of fun

[@Brightsparks1960]

Great video and very useful analysis to illustrate why this is still a fantastic 'photographer's camera'. Whilst I love using the Q2 and Sony RX1R, you do not have as much flexibility with the fixed lens (even with the crop options). The LX100 just satisfies the photographer with all of the creative controls in a compact package. The RX100xx's are also great, small travel cameras but the very compact size does not allow for controls and the interaction as part of the image taking process. The LX100ii is a great compromise of size, flexibility and quality of output.

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching! That’s right there are always other cameras to use but this little camera can get up through in a compact set up with a decent sized sensor. I do love the Q2 and I think it plays a different part for me because if the prime, mentally I know I’m looking for entire scenes not being able to isolate like with the zoom capability

[@hedydd2]

There’s no reason why you can’t get award winning images on this camera. That is down to the user and almost never the camera. I’m lucky enough to have the 007 special edition to match my Q2 007 and while not my everyday cameras they are just oh-so satisfying to hold, use and even just to have the privilege of owning them. They are almost works of art in their own right and are capable of helping create stellar images with the best user interfaces of any cameras made.

[@theodoremann1461]

A fully articulated screen cover would make this camera absolutely perfect!

[@MACROMARVIN]

That is a great idea! They should make a new updated version it’s been a while

[@BruunMedia]

I have the Ray Barbie Special Edition. Have it less than a year but I find the zoom button sticks sometimes, not sure why, its never been near sand/beach or I cannot think of anytime its been near lots of dust and grit. Anyone else have this problem/solution?

[@shaunnaruto]

I have a Leica d Lux 6. I love that 6 has a pop up flash Eventhough it doesn’t have a view finder.

[@MACROMARVIN]

That’s neat I would’ve wished this version kept the pop up flash! It’s useful in many situations

[@NetvoTV]

Thanks for the advice! Yeah I do thought about MFT because I not a bokeh but story and creativity driven person but then MFT like G9 ii are same size and weight as full frame and overall package are not much smaller too hence better go with A7RV with its unique 4 ways screen that only have another body has it which is the even more expensive A9 iii, but I not sure if full frame still better in low light with a F4 lens compare to MFT F1.7 lens. I want to have as minimal gears as possible that I will actually use and don't need to have too much things to take care of, after some more research, I not sure I will get all of them at near time period but I think I will get Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder, Sony A7RV with 16-35mm, audio gears will be Sennheiser MKE 440, MKE 600, Line Audio CM4 and Deity HD-TX, do you think these are good setup? By the way, do you think A7RV are something fun to shoot with and you will actually take out as hobby shoot and not just get client work done tool which some say these type of camera are mainly for that and not much for heart?

[@MACROMARVIN]

Totally get it! I have used MFT for video work and from my perspective unless you have controlled lighting environments the MFT will get noisy pretty quick. The A7RV has a lot of megapixel density but the sensor being larger and backside illuminated helps in reducing noise when it’s less than ideal. I would recommend trying to see high iso test videos for both cameras to make your decision. Shooting in controlled lighting is very different because almost any camera will look great, it’s more of what about the situations it’s not ideal where the high iso performance and dynamic range matter. Sony cameras are enjoyable to shoot with so definite win in my opinion aside from thinking about the work products. When shooting for fun you’d probably anticipate a more compact lens to enjoy shooting for fun where the larger lenses will make it more intimidating. Depends how you feel about the lens size and bulk of like a 16-35mm vs like a compact F1.4, F1.8 or F2 prime

[@rolloffilm1996]

Want to try

[@hannahroigicalde101]

Thanks for this video! What settings did you use on your shots?

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching! I shot everything in aperture priority and just adjusted the exposure compensation based on my scene brightness. I keep the camera autofocus on macro to infinity range so it’s easy to do close ups without fidgeting with the controls. I use single af with a flexible (touch screen moveable) autofocus point, since this is a contrast detect focus camera I found it’s better than the continuous autofocus

[@danieloherrick6332]

Have a D-Lux 8 on order.😄

[@NetvoTV]

If I'm going to get Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder for video, should I get Sony A7RV with 16-35mm F4 PZ and 70-200mm F4 OSS G MACRO II with 2X tele or RX100 VII/VIIA or D Lux 7 for photo? I do like to explore ultramacro and is there such adaptor or way for RX100 and D Lux 7? I will use for personal use like document life, travel, KZbin and personal works and projects

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching! I’m not familiar with the camcorder for video but from my perspective if you are really into doing both video and photo and you’ve got the budget for all these lenses and camera options you mentioned, dang I would instantly pick A7RV with the lenses because you’re gonna be able to get full frame video quality and photo side is just impressive autofocus and image quality. Whole different level from the smaller sensor camcorder (big difference in size) and image capabilities. I would say the rx100 or Dlux cameras are more for the compact camera person who want a one and done not get into the details and investments. Or for the person who has already invested in the larger format cameras that was a stealth option without the hassle of bigger lenses and editing. If you are thinking KZbin, personal, travel and projects and you’ve got the funds, get the Sony full frame and lenses and get the most out of it. Just really hard to get the same level with a smaller sensor.

[@jurekjerry7274]

Re: Your comparison to the Sony A7C Yes but how far out does the lens on the Deluxe extend when in full telephoto mode?

[@MACROMARVIN]

I think it extends to about 3 inches fully zoomed to 75, but I still think it’s versatile because it retracts when you’re at shorter lengths or off. Few apsc and ff lenses do that. I’d say that A7C with the kit lens that retracts would be a good alternative for not too much more, differences would be thickness of camera and more weight but definitely a worthy alternative to this camera.

[@jiaschapters]

hi! new to photography here and i've never seen the dlux 7 in person, but are you able to put a uv filter on the lens?

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching, yes it takes 43mm filters

[@gerryphillipson]

Thanks for this useful overview. Can you please help. When I press the shutter of my D-Lux 7 more than one photo is taken. Bracketing and stacking are turned off. The longer I press the shutter the greater number of photos are taken. I can find no solution and the problem is tempting me to sell the camera. I'm probably missing something. Gratefully Gerry

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching! Maybe the drive is on high speed shooting. You’ll want to be sure it’s on single shot. The symbol for drive is typically a rectangle. Hope that’s the solution!

[@MACROMARVIN]

Was trying to find a screen shot found this hope it’s useful. Go to the drive modes section, should be set to single instead of burst. Older version but still same settings control www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/leica-dlux-typ-109-review/shooting-modes.html

[@gerryphillipson]

Thanks to you both but I can't find the relevant section of the menu ie for "burst".

[@gerryphillipson]

@@MACROMARVIN Many thanks. The screen shot really helped but has not solved the problem even though single shot was selected. When the shutter is half pressed the LCD screen shows r36 which I believe is the maximum numbers of RAW files that can be taken when the shutter is held down. In the shots just taken 9 , 5, and 3 shots were taken on a single press of the button, presumably different numbers according the pressure/time the shutter was depressed. I'm reluctant to take up more of your time.

[@BargenMusic]

It looks EXACTLY like my lx100. What are the differences?

[@jurgenfocke2126]

That is a good question. It seems to be alnost neglectable . The Leica looks a bit differently, it Supports the Leica App for Phone and the warranty is said to be better. Finally I got myself a used Panasonic and I am really happy with it as it feels like a traditional camera. Manual settings are easy, i like to use this camera a lot. The Corners are a bit soft in my case, maybe Leica has a better adjustment of the lens?

[@nikolasisaafi8444]

Can you mount filters onto it?

[@MACROMARVIN]

Yeah fits 43mm

[@Woli8183]

Co to za zegarek w 4:27 minucie - jeśli można zapytać 😁

[@simon359]

I’m confused, why didn’t Leica make an APC instead?

[@MACROMARVIN]

Not sure why they abandoned apsc, I would be interested in seeing them return to it now that they have partnered with Panasonic

[@ALWH1314]

It’s a LUMIX with red dot and demands a premium price. I bought a Bashing Ape x Stash version, not expecting too much use but just want to have one. In comparison, Sony A7C with a kit zoom lens is about the same price and size, it’s a full frame and more feature, but it doesn’t have the red dot, lol.

[@Kvazar-oo8wv]

The only difference between ALL other cameras and Leica is LENSES. They beat any other even full frame cameras the hell out. Extreme sharpness and clearness. No comparison. Even those LUMIX with supposedly Leica lenses are not the same as lenses on original Leica cameras - I don’t know why but it does make difference.

[@isnogod]

Prices for used dlux7 and lx100ii are pretty the same now. You can’t compare Compact to system camera. The lense is tiny on the dlux and has a f1.7. Good luck finding the same on a fullframe for an affordable price

[@game2572]

used prices are hire than the new one. Are you getting the new one

[@SimonRobeyns]

higher*

[@Thejs1234a]

Are the sample photos edited ?

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching, they are JPEGs with minor or no tweaks

[@Thejs1234a]

@@MACROMARVIN They are very sharp ! For a sensor this size with only 17MP used it’s impressive !

[@fabrezee1]

Where do you buy the leather grip?

[@MACROMARVIN]

They have a lot of options www.ebay.com/itm/125769840201?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=rtjlgMmxQBK&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=dor0erUtRve&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@rosvw3517]

I bought mine on Amazon. It’s brown leather and fits beautifully.

[@MiladJP]

"it will not get you award winning images!" --- my friend I have to highly disagree with that. I have gotten an award for my iPhone picture while my Leica M10 image was shit...it's the subject, the composition and many other things, but not the camera....I've just preordere the new D-Lux 8. It was also the form factor, the new DNG files connected to the new App, the 24-75 range, the fact that I still get the evf and really the perfect fit for my situations. I wish only it was weather sealed and the focus would be faster. Let's see how it will be.

[@shaunnaruto]

Well nowadays, people have iPhone which is compact and good resolution

[@MACROMARVIN]

I agree, these cameras aren’t for everyone and it depends on what each persons preference is. For some it’s enough for others; it’s about looking for the next level of image quality

[@roderickma]

17 megapixels ???? APSC ???

[@MACROMARVIN]

It’s micro four thirds, smaller than APSC bigger than 1inch

[@portlandreviewer2143]

You didn’t mention an important reason why you bought a Leica instead of opting for the less expensive Lumix version, and that is because you enjoy the look of the camera itself. Just as you didn’t buy an Omega watch just to tell time, since your phone already does that more accurately, you bought a Leica for its esthetics. An Omega is a relatively inexpensive luxury watch, just as the D-Lux 7 or new D-Lux 8 are relatively inexpensive luxury cameras. Cameras are fashion statements after all, so let us get that out in the open. I’m probably buying a D-Lux 8 despite the Fujifilm x100VI clearly being superior to it.

[@MACROMARVIN]

Thanks for watching! I did mention I prefer the Leica look of the camera. The aesthetic does matter in regards to usage or being encouraged to use it. It’s hard to ignore that you pick the Leica over the lumix because of name and look/vibe you get. For some it makes sense for others it doesn’t, it’s preference.

[@MACROMARVIN]

Dlux 8 will be a great camera!

[@longnguyendotcom]

My experience with this camera is different from you. The autofocus on this D-Lux 7 is poor comparing to the Sony RX100M7. I feel the D-Lux 7 has a focus accuracy of around 60% and the Sony is more like 90%. Zooming in and out is also quite slow for the D-lux 7. The display option would always default back to original when you turn it off and back on after setting it to the way you want. The macro function works great on this D-Lux 7 comparing to the Sony. The Sony RX100M7 is truly a pocket camera that you can put in your shirt or pants pockets. The D-Lux 7...you cannot. I will use the D-Lux 7 as a backup compact camera and use the Sony RX100M7 more.

[@EricKpro9]

Do you think it's still worth it to buy rx100m7?

[@longnguyendotcom]

@@EricKpro9 It's been a while (several years) since Sony released the last RX100. Some people suspect that a new model may come out. But who knows if Sony will discontinue the RX100 line. If you are truly looking for a pocket camera now (emphasis on "now"), the Sony RX100M7 is an excellent choice for reasons above and more. In my opinion, only two cameras come close is Ricoh GR III. But the Ricoh feels cheap with a lot of plastics, fixed lens at 28mm, and battery life slightly worse than the RX100. If you do get the RX100, I would recommend getting a side grip that can be attached to the camera. This makes it better to hold the camera because it's so small.

[@longnguyendotcom]

The other camera is Leica D-Lux 7. It's a good and solid camera, but the Sony RX100M7 is a better camera (my opinion) for reasons above.

[@EricKpro9]

@@longnguyendotcom i see thanks so much for your opinion. I just found one rx100m7 for about 1050 sgd (original price is 1565 sgd) which equates to 750 usd with the case, extra batteries and 512gb sd card. The owner barely used it for 1 week and he's selling it due to impulse purchase. Do you think it's a good deal?

[@longnguyendotcom]

@@EricKpro9 It's hard to say because it really depends on how much $750 USD means to you? If that's just spare/extra money to you, yes, I think for a RX100M7 slightly used, it's a good price. If $750 means skipping out on rent to pay for this camera, no it's not worth it. I also want to add. When you use these compact point-and-shoot type camera, don't rely too much on the LCD screen to judge if the images are good. They are just too small to judge. You can use the screen to compose the image. To really see how good the images, you need to download the images to your computer/tablet to see the details. On the camera LCD screen, the images will always look muddy and either over-exposed or under-exposed. The is the same for both the Sony and Leica cameras.

[@zemunboy]

It’s a Panny with a sprinkle of secret German color science. And datz dat 🎉😂😢

[@squidwerd1981]

not a real Leica

[@jurgenfocke2126]

What is a real Leica?

[@rosvw3517]

Who forced Leica to put their name on it?? Scandalous! Do they know? 😎

[@nvdolcevita1717]

Video stabilisation is awful and embarrassing for 2024 and that price