The Baby Leica You've Never Heard of

This is the Lumix Lx100ii, a four-year-old camera that you can buy used for under $1,000. I got mine from MPB.com, but you can also find them on Ebay. Not to be confused with the Fujifilm X100V, it's a camera with a similar name and a similar purpose. This camera has less resolution but captures beautifully dynamic raw images and has a bunch of features to be excited about, including a very sharp Leica zoom lens, great ergonomics, and a portability that's hard to beat. For those reasons, you can consider this camera like a baby Leica; yet it's something you can afford to use on a daily basis and take everywhere you go. For street photographers, this is an awesome, fun, and impressive camera. If you can get around the old, low-quality EVF, and some frustrations around Panasonic's touch screen, there's a lot to love! Especially as Fujifilm cameras are becoming incredibly hard to get your hands on, alternatives like this are surely going to make a resurgence.
Website: www.BrendanGrantDP.com
Instagram: @BScottyG

[@hedydd2]

As for touch autofocus touch setting, contrary to your claim, it can specifically be turned off while other touch functions can be active or not, your choice. Just navigate to the menu section ‘Touch Settings’ then 'Touch Pad AF ‘ and choose from ‘exact, offset or OFF’. Your pet hate is now resolved once and for all. You do not need to turn all touch functionality off to benefit from non-touch focus box location. You can quickly move and size the box manually using the control pad/wheel. Just quickly press left then down, assuming the control is already on single point in the menu shown, which will be remembered if you set it there, then just use the pad as a joystick. Use it once or twice and it becomes second nature.

[@NBPT428]

I have the LX100 II and love it. It's my grab and go camera when I don't want to carry a Fuji X-T3 and lenses. So many people and videos pick the Ricoh GR and the Fuji X100 as the ideal point and shoots. While they are great cameras, this one has so many advantages. Excellent fast lens, zoom lens instead of fixed, excellent RAW files, excellent touch screen and menus.The viewfinder is a letdown but it's still indisposable when it's a bright day outside. It's definitely a winner.

[@ianyorke2617]

You can definitely turn off touch autofocus. If you activate the Touch Tab (2nd menu option in Touch Settings) you can have touch auto focusing, auto focusing and shutter release, and OFF. You access the Touch Tab on the rear screen once you have made it active. As well as remembering lens focal length you can enable step zoom which means the lens jumps between set focal lengths eg 24, 35, 50mm etc all displayed in the viewfinder/screen. A fast way to set a certain focal length, Don't forget the Custom modes to set up the camera for certain types of photography. I use the AF/AE lock button configured as effectively back button focus so that I can focus for a set distance and then simply fire the shutter button without having to worry about focus shifting due to autofocus. Basically manual focus that can be overridden at any time by pressing the AF/AE lock button again.

[@ShrimpMommy]

This is very seriously the most underrated camera. When I leave the house, I more often pick up this camera than my Fuji simply for the small form factor and amazing images.

[@scottfineshriber5051]

I’ve had the LX100 II for a couple years and I’m still amazed at what a sophisticated little camera it is. There are few stills features in my G9 that aren’t included in the LX100 II and the images are beautiful. It’s also a beautiful little piece of camera design.

[@joewithatrademark]

I really enjoyed this video mate. I find myself always interested in photography, but I really want a camera with character. I'm not interested in mega pricey or super technical, but a camera that gives its photos undoubtable personality. I'm also a musician, which means I'm broke. Loved the video man!

[@Brendan-Grant]

Thanks so much for the kind words, I appreciate it! So glad the video helped you out! That's what it's all about :)

[@tinacatswhiskers]

The shallow depth of field is beautiful on this cam at full zoom and f2.8 as are the macro capabilities and the raynox close up adapters screw straight on! I use mine with the automatic lens cap,I also have a generic flip up screen hood for the back lcd that works great to view the lcd in sunlight.Lots of good info ,great vid/review 😊

[@lgude]

I decided to go GX85 and use it with the 14&20 mm pancakes for night street and the 12-32 zoom in the day. Pancakes make the camera quite pocketable. And versatile if you happen to have some m4/3 pancakes. Even the larger 25 and 42 mm Olys are still pocketable. It’s just another approach, nothing against the lX-100. Great if you want more at the telephoto end and a fixed lens.

[@hedydd2]

I love the touchscreen, especially to instantly move the focus box. It can be set back to centre instantly by pressing the Disp button. Yes, just very occasionally I lose the focus box to the side but easily sorted and there are plenty of alternative focus options available by pressing the left hand side of the control pad dial. I have a couple of Leica, in fact the LX100 MkII version I havee is the customised Leica D-Lux7 which is nicely different but the same enough as the Lumix. It’s not one of my workhorse cameras but is certainly one of my favourites. While the EVF is small to fit a compact camera, I have no issues with it whatsoever and actually prefer it to the EVF on my Sony A7III. I also have a Lumix GX80 with a similar EVF and again, while some people have an issue with it, I think its just fine for this kind of camera and have no issues using it.

[@basilkiwan8922]

I have an LX100II and love it, though I don’t use it much. It is my travel camera, and also my diving camera (I have a Nauticam scuba housing for it). This camera is amazing. One thing to be aware of - this camera has a leaf shutter which means there really is no flash synch speed. This opens up some cool possibilities for outdoor portraiture, and also for macro photography.

[@DavidMBanes]

I was almost ready to get one of these then a Fujifilm X-M1 popped up 'as new' for 2/3rds the price and it takes my X Mount lenses from my Fujifilm X-E4. I take it out with the 15-45mm tiny zoom or TTartisan 27mm. Still on my list to get at some point though.

[@jasonnewton9889]

Great review! The Lumix LX series are fantastic little cameras with amazing Leica optics. My $90 LX7 has a Leica 24-90mm f1.4-2.3 lens that shoots like a prime lens. There are bargain Lumix LX cameras that are pocket rockets! As a Lumix G9 user, there is a simple solution to focus points remaining in the center. Use Custom Multi to set focus on a cluster of points in the center of the viewfinder. I use a small 3x3 box pattern. Once this is set, whenever you switch to Custom Multi focus, you can select this preset. It keeps focus fixed in the center. Works great for video too! Great tip, by the way, on setting zoom focal length so the camera start at your favorite focal length. 👍

[@JohnDoesThings]

I’ve been using this camera for a little while now. Can definitely say that it is a surprisingly powerful little camera. It’s almost become my daily workhorse. It can do traditional portraits, street, landscape, day, night, whatever your want, with little issue. Great piece of gear.

[@OldGrowthRedwood]

I have the camera , thanks for the Tiffen filter tip, can’t wait to try.

[@barrymayes6712]

Great review. Very insightful. For me the f1.8 lens is a great advantage for blurring backgrounds for flower shots and extra light for evening street photography. I’m also interested in c-lux for huge zoom and 1 inch sensor. Thanks again. I owned the Fuji x-100v and didn’t get on with it cos I like wider lenses.

[@martingreenberg870]

The touch to focus and then shoot is one of my favorite features. This feature is great for street photography. Just touch the screen and take the picture without touching the shutter. People don’t know you took a photograph. As mentioned, you can turn off the touch to focus and then shoot without turning off the rest of touch functions. Disagree about the EVF. It isn’t great but I like it for framing the image using the EVF. The PL lens on the LX 100ii is a great all around lens. These are the focal lengths I primarily use for street photography. This lens is a major reason for purchasing this body. I just purchased the GX9 with the kit 12-60mm lens for $600. I think that is a fair price. I gave up the fast PL lens on the LX100ii for interchangeable lens choice and longer depth of field. I have the LX100 and it is a nice older camera with the same lens. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@claudetaiwan]

I had a Rollei 35 years ago. It was the most useful camera I ever had.

[@Zobeid]

Lately I've been using what I guess must be one of the most under-appreciated cameras ever: the Pentax K-S1. Yes, the very same model that TheCameraStoreTV named as "number one worst camera of the year" in 2014. Well, well… It's quirky, yeah, but it's also one of the smallest DSLRs, and it has a 100% coverage pentaprism viewfinder, and a good sensor for the time when it was made. It's a great match with those extra-small Pentax-DA Limited series lenses.

[@dedclownsRfunny]

I enjoyed my K-S1 as well until the solenoid issue happened 🙄

[@Zobeid]

@@dedclownsRfunnyThat solenoid can be replaced with a more reliable part, and it doesn't seem like a very hard repair. The K-S1 that I got was from a seller who claimed-in the listing, without being prompted-that it already had its solenoid replaced. The other thing I've heard is that the back panel buttons can sometimes fail, so I guess I'll try to go easy on those and hope for the best. Also, I see that I made a mistake, it wasn't DPReview that named K-S1 the worst camera. It was The Camera Store TV channel when Chris and Jordan were there in 2014.

[@korteksvisceralzen2694]

I also have the lx100m2 and loving it. Is my first m43. I will say i am having some regrets not greeting something with an interchangeable lens, like gx85 or gx9. That said, still having fun with this great camera!

[@PackFan2323]

Excellent review! I started many years ago with film cameras SRT101, OM-1, etc, and then digitals. Always had a fascination with Leicas, but out of my range. You’ve piqued my interest in Panasonic/Leica model digital cameras. Will be actively looking for this and similar models!

[@TheUrbandilema]

awesome video and camera...may be u shud try the panaosnic gx80 also thats a beast for the similair price

[@tomlew55]

I own the original LX-100 and found it to be enjoyable to shoot for street photography but the fixed lens use is limited. I picked up the GX85 which isn't much larger and to me is a definite upgrade, being able to switch lenses. They can't compare to my high-resolution full frame gear, but they certainly have their place, especially when trying to maintain a low profile.

[@hedydd2]

Yes, the GX80/85 is a better featured camera with interchangeable lenses and a tilting screen but there’s something very satisfying about using the better controls of the LX100 MkII or D-Lux 7

[@hugomartinsphoto]

This was great, Brendan! This camera looks awesome!

[@Brendan-Grant]

Thanks Hugo! Just checked out your channel and love your work. Keep it up! Subscribed!

[@hugomartinsphoto]

@@Brendan-Grant my pleasure! and thank you for the support! really kind of you! All the best 🍻🔥🙌

[@karimlahlou132]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Could you write down the reference of the filter you use, especially for this great glow look in highlights?

[@robertmeyerson1618]

Thanks for your video. I have the ZS100. I use it a lot.

[@zi0cat]

I wonder if you'd like the original LX100 instead.

[@LadyBovine]

You're more than fine for billboards too. They're not printed to look sharp up close. the only good reason for super high megapixel count is cropping/zooming flexibility.

[@MarkMclennon]

Had one but gave it to my son but i loved it

[@pgulysse1]

Hope #Leica, #Lumix, #Panasonic will continue with this product, a #LX100III and a #DLux9. The camera is small enough, I am used with DSLR, no reason for people to complain about size. I would make it a little bigger (GX9 size) to accommodate IBIS, new M4/3 sensor, full size no aspect ratio switch, PADF. A screen like the X100VI. to make it more vintage, ISO dial like the X100VI or like the Leica M11. The B&W of the Z F is a good idea. Internal memory and enough room for picture control or User personal JPG Recipes.

[@Cthames123]

The photo samples are stunning! My question as a Sony ZV1 owner…Why not just go with that model? It’s smaller, cheaper, still good photos and really good 4k videos quality.

[@m12011m]

Larger sensor, ability to zoom would be mine.

[@Cthames123]

@@m12011m thanks for the reply….Try to convince me. With $1000 I could get myself a used Sony A7C, (full frame camera), on ebay or this guy. The A7C is newer, (2021), offers a larger sensor, better dynamic range, 4K tricks, (60 fps), nice color science, ability to switch lenses, better auto focus, has more mega pixels to work with (24M vs 17M), and for someone who already has a few full frame lenses will allow me to get more milage out of my lens investments. Whereas this one is more compact making it an even more suitable every day carry, and with a fixed lens has no additional lenses to buy making it a overall cheaper total investment if I want it to be. I really like the Lumix LX100 II, but I’m having a hard to justify the value fir the price. The ZV-1 is not a full frame camera but comparing price ( about 1/2 used) seems like a better value.

[@solitarysea]

​@@Cthames123$1000 is I guess overpriced. I got this in pretty much mint condition for about $620. At that price the cost value is insanely good, I think.

[@SurajBoddu]

Incredible photos!!

[@Brendan-Grant]

Ah thanks man! Much appreciated!!

[@photo1416]

What is the patch on the trigger button?

[@alt-gj7xn]

compared to the gx80/gx85, which would you recommend for a starter in photography as a hobby?

[@CZOV]

Canon R8 w/28mm is the answer, but old Pani GX9/GX80 will do too. As for the Touch AF - well, READ THE MENU at 5:18, it says TOUCH AF - Select OFF and u done.

[@hedydd2]

Better clean that dust off, unless it’s too late now. Keep this camera clean and lint free, especially when powering up, or dust will be sucked into the interior and settle on the sensor and possibly the lens glass. Since the lens is fixed, it is a professional and expensive job to clean the sensor. Probably not viable on a three year old plus camera. It’s a lovely camera and long lasting with some basic precautions. It is not waterproof either, but not many are in this class of camera, removable lens or not.

[@rosetzu_nagasawa]

Hope LX100 II OLIVE will come out soon. There is an awful boat load of suckers waiting. also a "stealth no logo" version.

[@chrismassa5891]

I have Leica D Lux 7 for my small carry. works great.

[@JoseMarquez-oo7sl]

Same pictures with my Nikon D200 with 40mm 2.8

[@mingg.__.u]

Man how did you install soft shutter button??.. I didn’t know it can fit it😢

[@UrdnotAkongo]

5:00 touch screen is definitely annoying. I've dug through the setting but maybe I missed something, but if I hold the EVF up to my eyes and my nose touches the screen (in EVF mode, the backscreen is off), my nose will still activate the touch points and shift my focus box! Like what was Lumix thinking?? It's stupid stuff like this that makes me question whether Panasonic actually uses their own products.

[@chestnutleaf]

Everything in this camera is great except the sensor. It needs heavy editing to deliver normal or good photos. I was lucky that I immediately sold it and bought 100v.

[@moykumir]

I see in menu "touch af" and "touch pad af". did you turn off it?

[@JjohnnyS1]

Are the vsco presets only available for the pro version?

[@jigggro]

Can someone educate me best on the Panasonic and Leica collab please ? All are built by Panasonic with a leica lens, is that correct ? For reference, im looking at a leica v lux and trying to see if i can get the Panasonic equivalent for half the price.

[@NetvoTV]

Personally, I realised there is not much point to get a camera that is between an actual pocketable and a full size camera, if you want portable, go actual pocketable like Sony RX100, if you want bigger with more capabilities, get a proper size because the smaller won't have the proper size grip, big EVF and screen yet you still need a bag and hang on your neck, just get a proper size camera with a small lens and you still have best of both world isn't it? That is why I thought to get Sony A7RV for that one and only 4 ways screen and just use the standard Yellow iPhone 15 for casual and pocket camera and computer.

[@NetvoTV]

Althought I still love LX100 / D Lux lineups, it's like a good complete camera to learn photography before step into and invest more into a system, but I know I shoot quite enough on phone and learn quite enough to get the A7RV and grow from there, I hope I will have the money soon for it!

[@taimurjamil4790]

How did you attach the soft shutter release button?

[@AdamNevins]

I was wondering that too...

[@dgillphotos]

Nikon FG20 - small and light.

[@vicentvanmole]

Perhaps a 1" sensor phone may be better ,just my sense .

[@flakkaserneludwigsburg]

Where can I buy the red Button?

[@knab2831]

this!

[@szechunglai]

What apps do u used for film stimulation?

[@Brendan-Grant]

I use an app called Dehancer, and I actually have a coupon code as well for it. You can use my code Brendan10 for 10% off :)

[@terrybojax456]

You CAN disable that. Turn off Touchpad AF.

[@Brendan-Grant]

Unfortunately that doesn't work. That does turn off the autofocus itself, but not moving where the focus box is which is the annoying part haha

[@stayuntilforever]

My Sony rx100 iii takes better images somehow. My Lumixlx100ii is in a box. I try to take it out once in a while but the lens on the Rx100 iii is better and it's smaller. On A3 prints I can't see any major differences.

[@kerc]

"The mark 1's JPGs are terrible". Oh boy, you are *so wrong* about that.

[@BuckyFSO3]

I hate touch screen as i hate finger prints on the screen.

[@neilattuk]

You must live in a rarified environment if you’ve never heard of this camera. It isn’t a Leica, it’s a Panasonic with a Leica lens - like many other Panasonic cameras.

[@jimbimedia]

The Leica D Lux is practically the same camera

[@neilattuk]

@@jimbimediayes, we know, but he is using a Panasonic. Also, you can turn off the touch pad autofocus, as you can see in the video. Doesn’t know much about photography, does he? Don’t reply, stopping this contributor.

[@sayhowling]

nobody talks about panasonic shit. i wont blame anyone for not hearing about it

[@JamieFurlong]

​@@sayhowlinganyone who writes off Panasonic ain't worth listening to.

[@reflux043]

​@@neilattuk You need to stop being so pedantic and vitriolic! This channel obviously knows its not the leica! The title is just clickbait, but technically it is a baby/budget leica d-lux 7. The leica d-lux typ 109 is almost identical to the panasonic lx100 (without touchscreen) and the d-lux 7 is almost identical to the panasonic lx100ii (with touchscreen). The leica d-lux 6 is a different camera and doesn't have an evf.

[@Thraxounet]

Those are aging very badly with dust issues

[@hedydd2]

Only if you keep them or use them in dusty places. Keep it clean and it will be fine. That means using a snug camera bag or clean jacket pocket rather than a cloth pocket. Bit of a nuisance? For some people more than others in all probability.

[@seano12]

@@hedydd2 Shine a small flashlight in the air at night in your home or outdoors. There is tons of dust everywhere. I owned my lx100ii for only 2 months and had 2 specs of dust and 1 fiber on the sensor. Luckily I was able to get it off pretty quickly with the vacuum trick. Best word of advice I think is to only turn it on when you are taking photos.

[@blazerbarrel2]

Don’t buy old technology . True , need and affordability are reality . Think , File format , ergonomics , image quality , your skill level .

[@hedydd2]

Yes, go for a new Sony A9 MkII with its state of the art full frame global shutter and detect-everything autofocus. You know it makes sense. Until it becomes ‘old technology’ again.

[@raywu6787]

Why did your video colors are so terrible?

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Never heard of? How pretentious of you. I’ve owned the lx 100 II since launch.