NEW Leica D-Lux 7 Limited 007 Edition (James Bond)

[@yuidfbse]

This is the best small compact camera ever made (I do have a Sony RX1R and RX1RII and those cameras are a world apart on their own and nothing that can compare with them by their own merit, uniqueness and IQ). But as an all-in-one zoom compact camera, D-Lux 7 is the Rolls-Royce of this category and nothing comes close to it. This is also already an instant classic because its the end of a generation and camera type that Leica/Panasonic will never again or follow-up with. And for those who dismiss this camera as just a Panasonic, don't be fooled. The build quality, finish and design of the D-Lux 7 is a different league as well as the quality of the files and color science that you can get out of this. Being considered by many as just a small physical and software upgrade to the Panasonic version, I can validate that this camera stands it's own and is a real Leica. One of my favorite cameras ever and only the ones that actual own and use one will understand what I am talking about. Thanks for the video :)

[@CrueLoaf]

the Sony RX100 is way better imo and I'm a Leica fan. The Sony has a full sized sensor for starters.

[@hedydd2]

@@CrueLoaf While the RX100 is a super little camera its sensor is actually considerable smaller than the Leica D-Lux 7, although the Leica and the Panasonic version do utilise an unique [as far as I know] multi-aspect ratio facility that does crop the image, depending on the aspect ratio chosen, to little more than the RX100’s and cuts the full 21mp sensor files down to use as little as 17mp of the 21.

[@yuidfbse]

@@CrueLoaf I'm sorry, but I believe you are very confused. Certainly the RX100 can take wonderful photos but I'm not sure what is your notion of having a "full sized sensor". The RX100 has a 1-inch sensor that is about half the size of the M43 sensor in the Leica D-Lux 7.

[@CrueLoaf]

@@yuidfbse Last time I looked, the Leica had a 17MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor And the Sony a 20MP - 1″ Stacked BSI-CMOS Sensor. The Leica is NOT a full frame camera. Well, my D-Lux certainly isn't.

[@yuidfbse]

​@@CrueLoaf As I clearly said, the D-Lux 7 has a M43 sensor, certainly not full frame, and it's actually 21.7MP multi-aspect ratio. And by the way there is actually no such thing as a 1" sensor in the real world, they are much smaller than that. The name 1" is just nomenclature BS. The RX100 is surely a great camera, enjoy it.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Thanks for a nice review of a great little camera.

[@mathphotographer]

My pleasure!

[@sromrell]

I wish I had ordered the Daniel Craig Q2, that camera was stunning. Thanks for showing us this 007 version, it’s pretty sharp too.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks! Clearly you are right: the Q2 Limited 007 Camera is fantastic!

[@jjcalvert]

I totally missed that it was possible to adjust the holster to accommodate the grip when mine arrived, so thanks!

[@mathphotographer]

Pleasure :) I found out myself when experimenting with the holster, its not an obvious but super convenient feature :)

[@xchangemusic]

@@mathphotographer OMG I have been trying to figure this out for the past few days! Don't know why these details are not anywhere in the manual (at least that I could find...)

[@darkknight8139]

This unboxing is great! The set is as complete as it can get for the D-LUX 7. I own the "normal" D-LUX 7, it is a fantastic little camera. I mainly use it when I cannot or do not want to take my big Lumix S1 + Leica 24-90 with me. Someone stated that this D-LUX 7 is not good for professional use, I tend to disagree. Of course the Leica SL2 is better, but it depends on the job you want it to do. The lens is plenty sharp, and 17 MP is mostly all you ever need. Especially during the day, the image quality and color rendering is superb. And even at low light, the fast lens gives surprisingly good results. There are only three (big) disadvantages for this camera, this 007 set solves one of them. One: it is really expensive, and so are all the accessories. For instance, the Lumix LX100 battery fits in this camera and costs half of the same battery if Leica is written on it. The LX100 lens cover costs half of the Leica lens cover. Also, I think that the grip and the lens cover should have been included as standard. In this box all accessories are included, but for the normal D-LUX 7 it is not. There isn't even a charger included. Second disadvantage: there is no microphone input. The image quality for video is really great, but sound quality is not. And last but certainly not least: it is not weather sealed. The original Lumix LX100 (and Leica D-LUX) had a massive problem with dust on the sensor. I cleaned the sensor of my old LX100 a while ago by disassembling the whole camera. That was not easy. Otherwise, I think that this camera is fantastic, it is a niche of its own. I see it as a mini Leica from the old days, but then digital. Just don't forget to cover it when going out in the rain, and use a separate microphone for video...

[@NetvoTV]

If use a recorded to record the audio desperately and sync up later, would you get something like Sony PCM-A10, Zoom H1n, DJI Mic 2 or something else? 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. Does it make sense to get a smaller D Lux 7 camera that can't put in pocket and still need to carry with a bag or hang on neck and not just get A7RV which still not that big and have better grip, EVF and performance?

[@darkknight8139]

@@NetvoTV I have a Zoom H2N recorder, that works great if I need better audio quality. Compared to a D-LUX 7, the Sony A7R5 is huge. It is a relatively small mirrorless camera body, but the lenses are relatively big. Of course the picture quality will be better, but the price differenfce is also huge. The D-LUX 7 offers great picture quality for its size, decent ergonomics and good value. I would say: if you want to have a workhorse that delivers the best quality where price and size don't matter as much, and if size matters you can't go wrong with either the D-LUX 7, Panasonic LX100 II or Sony RX100. The Leica/D-LUX 7 have way better ergonomics, a better viewfinder, smoother bokeh in pictures and a bigger sensor size, while the RX100 actually fits in your pocket, also offers great picture quality and has an built-in flash.

[@ronaldsand3000]

Very nice I like it much more than the previous version Hope you get much enjoyment using this handsome little camera

[@mathphotographer]

Thank you Ronald!

[@budocollin]

Hi, thank you for sharing. Please, what kind of screen protector use you? Thank you

[@Carolyne_games]

Having used both the Q2 and the d-lux 7, I really like both but I feel like the d-lux images come out a bit more natural. It doesn’t produce “technically” perfect images but handling is great for such a small camera and the feel of the images are great 😊 Wonderful job by Panasonic and Leica! Sadly I can’t get the 007 version, but I have the black version so all I need is some imagination 😇

[@NataliaAnderson-yv1nt]

Beautiful review, thank you. Makes me feel like a need that camera:)

[@mathphotographer]

:) Thanks for your kind feedback.

[@martinsmyth5580]

I just purchased this after watching this video. It was the only one left in the Leica store Amsterdam :)

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Dan heb je mazzel ;-)

[@hedydd2]

This edition seems to be selling even faster than the Q2 007 edition. They made far more but it is also far more affordable. I bought mine nine days ago on 23rd February and within two days nearly all Leica stores and Leica’s online store in the UK had sold out. Most list ‘awaiting new stock’ but I wonder whether any new stock is actually available by now?

[@martinsmyth5580]

@@hedydd2 Hi, I seriously doubt it. I can see the value of these going up

[@hedydd2]

@@martinsmyth5580 I agree.

[@mathphotographer]

Congrats - enjoy shooting with it :)

[@kolbjrnschjlberg7870]

Thanks for the nice review. Do you know if the 007 edition has the possibility for a screw-on adapter for digiscoping?

[@mathphotographer]

Not that I know of, good question. Maybe someone else here in the comments can answer this?

[@Dagonator]

Get the No time to die Omega Seamaster it fits perfectly to this camera.

[@mathphotographer]

Spot-on Martin :)

[@pgulysse1]

A great tool for street photography. Hope the D-Lux 9 (or D-Lux 7 mark II) will use the full M4/3 sensor size (with aspect ratio switch) for more MP, PDAF, same manual and retro controls (a Shutter Speed + ISO dial), a control dial & function button at the front if possible, a little bigger body to accommodate a tilt screen (not a fully articulated screen), IBIS if possible, Internal memory + SD card type II... Mic and headphones jacks if possible, ... A monochrome version, why not?

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing

[@aleksandar2161]

Hello Math, great video as usual! I know this question is not related to this video but which sd cards do you use with your m11 camera? I heard some people talking that certain cards caused issues to the camera like freezing it etc.

[@mathphotographer]

I like to use the Sony Tough SD cards with high transition rates, see e.g. here: www.sony.com/ug/electronics/sd-cards/sf-gt-series These cards are more expensive but super reliable, I really love them :)

[@aleksandar2161]

@@mathphotographer Thx for the info, I got my m11 a few days ago, and your videos helped me decide to get it.

[@asdcomasdcom]

Beautiful. How abt DLux8?

[@patrickvaughan9326]

How do I find to watch and download your excellent full guide to setting up the Hasselblad Xd2-100c PV

[@ericm215]

It is beautiful!

[@RobustArid379]

Is it weather season camping cameras

[@ThePurple1968]

you missed the unique grip leatherette. IMHO it is worth the price of admission along. It soft subtle and much easier to grip then the standard version, which is shiny and smooth

[@mathphotographer]

Good catch, thanks for pointing out!

[@judem429]

I ordered this camera. Do you know what the little door on the bottom by the battery compartment is for? It's not in the book.

[@hedydd2]

There is a small door in the actual battery door and I believe that this is for a dummy battery cable so that the camera can be run for, for instance, very long Timelapse sequences using a mains transformer. Whether anyone does use this is up to them and I think the whole door is shared with Lumix cameras which use the same battery, such as the GX80 and LX100 MkII.

[@judem429]

@@hedydd2 Thank you so much. That makes sense.

[@antonomaseapophasis5142]

04:54 Why is this grip not incorporated in Leica cameras? Is it to preserve the rangefinder form?

[@mathphotographer]

Because Leica gives you the flex to decide yourself: want a leaner camera body or prefer better grip.

[@martinsmyth5580]

Hi Math, I just got the Leica d-lux 7 007 beautiful camera, just one thing in full manual mode. I don't have a live view of my exposure. The screen and evf change its exposure automatically when you go from a bright place to a dark. I prefer a live view of my exposure. Is there a setting somewhere I could change? It's only when I half press the shutter it shows me a preview of my actual exposure. I can't find anything on this in the manual, but every mirrorless camera has a live view, so it's something I am doing wrong. I hope you can help or someone here. Thank you

[@mathphotographer]

Hi Martin, go to page 187 in the manual and switch on [Constant Preview], the manual says the following: "This mode allows you to check the effects of the chosen aperture and shutter speed on the recording screen in manual exposure mode." I hope this helps, enjoy your D-Lux 7 007 :)

[@RudyMareel]

I've been following your videos with great interest, and while this question isn't related to your current video, I was hoping you or one of your followers could help me. I'm having trouble setting up my Leica SL2 for tethered shooting with LR Classic. I'm wondering if you can offer any guidance on setting it up with LR Classic. I upgraded both my SL2 and LR to the latest version as of March 2023, downloaded the tethered shooting plugin from the Leica website, installed it, and enabled it on my MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, LR closes after one shot, and I have to restart the program.

[@mathphotographer]

Hi Rudy, let me look into it. I will come back.

[@RudyMareel]

@@mathphotographer Thanks!

[@doctuppes2]

It‘s simple: unfortunately it doesn’t work. In contrast to Capture 1 where it works perfectly.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Nice camera Math. Did it came with an Aston Martin or is that a paid accessory, hehehe ? Since you are always interested in those rare edition I was wondering, did you buy the very rare Leica M Monochrome Jim Marshall Edition in 2017 ? Have lotsa fun with this new purchase. Wishing you a great weekend ! Rob

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks RS, the Marshall passed by without hitting my collection, unfortunately … have a nice Sunday and thanks for your comment and feedback like always :)

[@dummatube]

I wonder what serial number 0007/1962 is worth? I bet the factory kept that one!

[@mathphotographer]

Haha likely :)

[@hedydd2]

I have number 764 in West Wales, UK. My phone number ends in 007. I also have the Q2 007 edition. The camera operation is very familiar to me because I also own a Lumix GX80 and three batteries which also fit the Leica. Yes, this is an expensive camera but it is also a luxury item that anyone will or should be proud to own and use, especially if they are not exactly rich.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Huw, and I fully agree, as said in the video: it’s a very small very capable camera with a very nice design and will be sold out in no time or while we chat already!

[@CrueLoaf]

its an old camera now surely?! Needs to be a one inch sensor. It's basically a rebranded Panasonic. I have one and it's pretty poor in low light situations and gigs.

[@janfrosty3392]

Why would anyone be proud to own rebranded Panasonic made in China?

[@hedydd2]

@@janfrosty3392 In this case although the basics are Panasonic, there are significant cosmetic and firmware differences, not least being the purchase and presentation experience. This particular limited edition is already sold out at most retailers, so there must be a ‘limited’ market for such luxury products. If you could not care less, that is your prerogative. Others may delight in such things and many others that you might not. I’m very proud to own every one of my Panasonic cameras. They are excellent quality and technically superb. I should mention that I also own modern mirrorless hybrid cameras, including several full frame, of several other brands and in many cases several of their respective models.

[@hedydd2]

“Needs to be a 1” sensor”. Really? You do know that one inch sensor is quite a bit smaller than a Micro Micro 4/3 sensor? However, Sony make 1” sensor advanced compact cameras and they are very good also but rather slippery to hold.

[@CrueLoaf]

@@hedydd2 that is illogical captain!

[@yohan2437]

@@janfrosty3392 Because China/Japan make better cameras in this class than Germany or US? Would you rather settle for inferiority just in the name of blind loyalty to country?

[@sishazu]

i was hoping that you do video on the newly released SL's Summicron as compared to this.

[@mathphotographer]

Not a fair comparison, the SL system is way off superior to the D-Lux 7.

[@mathphotographer]

But there will be a bunch of SL videos in the course of the year on my channel :)

[@sishazu]

Not as comparison, just lens reviews.… u always early when it comes to lens reviews, so far no one has made any reviews on these lenses, and i’m sure many like me who’s curious.

[@mathphotographer]

@@sishazu Sorry, I misunderstood but now I get it :) You refer to the two new Summicron-SL lenses Leica just brought to market, the new 35mm and 50mm, correct? These have less weight, are much cheaper and have fast autofocus performance. The reason why I did not look into these two lenses yet although I discussed them with my friends at Leica Switzerland is that I own the Apo-Summicron-SL 35 and 50 lenses, these are better in sharpness and generally image quality although more expensive and heavier. Their autofocus performance is also super fast. So for our work and studio we will likely not work with the new Summicrons, we will stick to the Apo-Summicrons which are better in quality. Apo-Summicrons in the SL and M systems are the best lenses Leica offers :) And there is a significant difference between a Summicron and an Apo-Summicron that's why the new Summicrons are so much cheaper and have lower weight. Having said that, for all Leica-SL shooters who need to keep an eye on budget, the new Summicrons will be a great and well performing alternative to the Apo-Summicrons which are in market for some years already.

[@CharlezRichard]

Does it do video?

[@mathphotographer]

Yes it does, on the Leica website it says the following: "When life is moving too fast for a single picture, the D-Lux 7 video function will definitely do the trick. With 4K resolution - four times higher than Full HD - and up to 30p in MP4-format, the D-Lux 7 is destined to capture moving images in glorious detail. Accompanying the video function, the 4K-photo function can be used to extract and save still pictures directly from video footage at a resolution of up to 8 megapixels."

[@Abdel725]

are you willing to sell it ?

[@NikCan66]

Another tour de force and maybe Leica have a goldfinger version.

[@tomaszbejnarowicz]

how much for that iphone looking pictures? :D

[@CrueLoaf]

iPhone technology has caught up with this camera imo.

[@mathphotographer]

I think it is around $2k … a bit more capable than an iPhone when it comes to photography :)

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@CrueLoafit really depends on your photography skills. Someone who knows what they’re doing and maybe with the help of some lighting will be able to destroy a smartphone - although many smartphones have stabilisation combined with ai colour and denoise algorithms, but as a result the smartphone manufacturers have recently started to skimp in quality lens optics - the smartphones lenses are basically plastic composite elements which is where the lx100 will be miles better. One of the reasons why smartphone images are so over sharpened is because they are trying to hide that underwater plastic lens look.

[@ericpmoss]

When will they do a Prisoner edition? I want Number 6. But to be a bit of a turd in the punch bowl, isn’t this a bit like Montblanc doing all these pens that are just some fancy trim on the same old same old?

[@mathphotographer]

Ha! :) Indeed Montblanc is also bringing limited special editions of pens regularly, different design, different scheme but always a pen :)

[@kiwipics]

Now I'm wondering why you'd pay the Leica price over the Panasonic / Lumix LX100 mk2, as apart from the lack of a built in grip ( the LX100 has one ), there isn't any difference between them .... Oh yeah, the $$$$$ logo.

[@mathphotographer]

"The $$$$$ logo", liked that comment :) There is a difference indeed, hardware-side these cameras are kind of the same but Leica calibrates their cameras differently when it comes to colour science etc.

[@yohan2437]

@@mathphotographer Where is proof of this? I have read the opposite where there is no difference in colour science. Who to believe when no one backs this up with any proof?

[@cariza5]

This Leica is made in China and is a re badged Panasonic, I will just get the Panasonic version as it has the same image Qaulity.

[@mathphotographer]

Same hardware but different calibration when it comes to colors, tones, etc.

[@benp9211]

Love the video. thank you for the unboxing. Too bad this camera is made in China.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for watching!

[@nelsonclub7722]

Oh you just know they have a warehouse full of D-Lux's they can't shift - Marketing dept "I have an idea...."

[@enf2587]

A Made in China Leica?

[@mathphotographer]

Guess so but a lot I own and use is made in China, including my iPhone :) I actually don't mind.

[@kkkk2525able]

Dee

[@mathphotographer]

Dee indeed :)