So I bought a new camera - LEICA D-LUX 8 - thoughts and first impressions

[@黃小太陽]

Searching for info of D-lux 8, and the algorithm introduced your video. After watching this, makes me want that camera even more, although I know it’s hard to purchase one right now. Also, this video makes me want to visit Berlin❤

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi 黃小太陽! Glad you found the video and decided to click! Glad it was helpful for you! Definitely come visit in the Summer! It’s a super fun city. Appreciate your time!

[@marcinszarmach3582]

Stumbled across your video whilst reading about this camera, great work sir. I honestly don’t understand why people are even concerned about megapixels in modern cameras nowadays. Besides any editing software can now upscale the resolution and for every days user these cameras are more than capable of capturing fantastic images that can be printed in very decent print sizes.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Nailed it!! Totally agree. Thanks for leaving your comment and appreciate you watching the video while doing your research!

[@OpenDGuitar]

I think we do fall victim to the megapixel desire. I’m a Q2 user, and I like that Leica made an affordable Q-like camera.

[@cameraz99]

Great video. I've had my D-Lux 8 for 2 weeks now, and I'm lovin' it. Will I use it for paid jobs? No, I'll use my Nikon Z6 III. But for everything else, it's the DL8. It's the camera you'll want to have with you all the time. Btw, you forgot to mention that the DL8's EVF is an OLED screen, which attributes to its brightness and clarity.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey Cameraz99! Appreciate you watchung. Thank for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree. Having said that. Maybe there are some social only content jobs that will fit the output of the D-Lux 8. Depending on the creative style. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I definitely missed saying OLED among a few other things. Thanks for pointing it out. Cheers

[@daviddaw999]

I have already ordered a D-Lux 8 and watching all the videos I can about it in order to learn as much as possible. I found your video to have that little bit extra over most of the ones I have seen, so well done for that. Berlin is also on my list of places to visit, so knowing about Fotografieska and Magic John's will make my visit better - thanks.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi David. Thanks for your insightful comment. Appreciate it. I hope you get your D-Lux 8 soon and that it fits your needs.. It is certainly a beautiful and really fun as the everyday camera. Berlin will certainly have fun things for you to photograph and experience when you make it here!

[@grjlynch]

Love the content and the way you shoot and edit your videos. I have the D-Lux 8 and a Q3, love them both.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Grjlynch. Thank you so much for comment. Appreciate you watching the video. You have a beautiful camera pairing. I’m eyeing the Q3. Ow as well!

[@butchfajardo8832]

Thanks for this review for the D-Lux 8. This is just precisely what I want. I small camera that I can bring anywhere and produces great photos.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Glad it could help! Thanks for watching. Appreciate your time

[@butchfajardo8832]

@@MichaelNgvyen , the pleasure is all mine!

[@tdalton854]

Very nicely done vid. I’m renting one now and can echo many of your thoughts. Easy to get going with it, love the menus, love the extra buttons. Really love how it feels and how much fun it is. Thanks.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Tim! Your comment sums up perfectly what I tried to do in my 17min video LOL.. Thanks for watching it! cheers!

[@Wai.so.serious]

Bought a D-Lux 8 after watching your video!

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Amazing Wai! Enjoy! It’s a fun little camera!

[@TopshelfJunior]

Love the way the camera strap hangs.. Feel like that length / position is perfect for being on the move with a camera and being able to shoot quickly.

[@TopshelfJunior]

Oh yeah, SUBSCRIBED !

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey topshelf! Thanks man! Appreciate it. Yes. It is the perfect length and sits right on the sternum and very comfy and out of the way. I plan on talking about the strap in more depth in a different video. But it’s a strap from Studio JA. Their instagram is @studio_j_a. Im not associated with them at all but thought id share. Cheers!

[@bernhardlueckeberlin]

This is a great video. Your reminiscence of the book at the beginning, the scenic transitions with music pauses, excellent. You get a nice impression of the camera and quickly sense whether you can use it yourself. I like the reflections you make repeatedly. - I would love to take a stroll through my city with you, your dlux and another L sometime. :)

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Brenrhad! Thank you! I appreciate your thoughts , sentiments and noticing the nuances. I lobe a good stroll through a city exploring with a camera. Thanks for your time.

[@Footski1]

Excellent video. Thank you. Really looking forward to your Andalucia trip, having lived there for 22 years before returning to England.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Footski! Thank you for watching! Wow! 22 years? Hopefully I capture and do the region justice! And survive the heat! If you have any tips, let us know. Cheers!🍻

[@Footski1]

@MichaelNgvyen Hi Michael. Andalusia is very beautiful, but at tye end of August it will be a challenge due to the long dry summers. You will see little greenery and many of the rivers will have virtually dried up. That said the cities, towns and villages will provide lots of interest for your skills. We lived east of Malaga, away from the tourist traps, which we loved.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

@@Footski1 We are very excited. We fly into Malaga then will head east and do a loop route of the region to end back in Malaga. Thanks so much for the info!

[@Footski1]

@@MichaelNgvyen A pleasure. We lived in La Vinuela by Mount Maroma...enjoy the trip..

[@marionavilaros7324]

Hey Michael, thanks so much for the video. It really helped me made the decision and finally got myself one. Can’t wait to start creating and documenting with it. May I ask what camera strap do you carry it with? It’s so sleek and minimal. Looking for recommendations. Thanks!

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Marion. Amazing! It’s a lovely camera to take everywhere and the JPGS right out of camera and wonderful! I’ve been super happy with the video from it also if you shoot video. The strap is from Studio J A. Hand made short strap. I love it. instagram.com/studio_j_a?igsh=MW9uemZwdjhybmRvMA== Arch appearance makes great ones with many different lengths.

[@ianbrown704]

Nice video, just got mine yesterday and so far enjoying it. IU have the SL2 so its nice to have a very similar menu and control system. It has its limitation but its going to be a great travel/casual camera, but also a camera that will be fun to sue. Thanks for your first impressions.👌

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Ian! You have a nice little 1 , 2 combo. I looked at the SL3 when picking up my DLux. And was tempted to switch my Sony for that lol. Pumped you got yours and I agree it been fun having the camera everywhere. Limitations are for sure there, but I am enjoying the challenge. Thanks for leaving your insights. Appreciate your time!

[@tuftufclub159]

Thanks Michael for this very intresting video ! You explain very well ! As I am very curious to hear and to see from you what will follow I subscribed to your channel. By the way, I have ordered one, patience is the word . . . Greatings, take care, Roger.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Greeting Roger! Thank you for watching, and subscribing. Appreciate your time for leaving a comment as well. Definitely more follow up videos with content from this camera. I hope yours arrives soon! Cheers

[@chochi_69]

Nice video, thanks. It seems the perfect camera for travel and photos. I hope in the future you can go deep in how the autofocus work, specially the eye/face detection. Regards

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi chochi! Yes I think this might become my favourite everyday travel camera. I definitely plan to make a more in depth video but just wanted a lot more time with the camera. I already have thoughts about the autofocus modes. Very different from what I am used to but if you know how to use it well. It can be really good. Appreciate your feedback and thanks for watching the video! Cheers!

[@ChrisBrogan]

Rubin's book is so good. Congrats on the D-Lux 8. How fun!

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Yes. It’s very inspiring. Unexpected the way it is written. Thank you for watching. Appreciate your time Chris!

[@ajblitzstein7628]

Excellent video. Being now a subscriber will return to see more footage on this camera. I have the D-Lux 8 on order but here in Canada the demand has made it difficult to obtain.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi AJ! Honestly it’s on a 3-6 month back order here in Germany as well. I got lucky when they got 1 in shortly after my pre order. Thanks for watching man. Hope you get yours soon. It really is fun to use. Cheers! 🍻

[@Democratiser]

@@MichaelNgvyenWOW. That is crazy! How much more evidence do the camera companies need showing that there is a huge demand for high quality/ specification compact form cameras. One of my favourite cameras is a little Fujifilm X10. It is only 12mp.

[@bjon.andrei]

Watching from the Philippines! Been watching you for days now and I'm glad you uploaded about leica lol

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi andreitubice! Can’t wait to visit the Philippines one day! Now I’m craving good Adobo! Appreciate your time for watching the videos! Tagay!

[@bjon.andrei]

@@MichaelNgvyen Yo! Can't wait to see a Philippines tour from you man! Adobo and sinigang is life brotha!

[@Joe-kw8hq]

Type 109 was my last digicam before becoming addicted to smartphones. The image quantity was way above other small digicams of its time, but it had a very slow and frustrating response, so I sold it after two years. Just got my new D-Lux 8. I can confidently say that the build quality is noticeably better than type 109. The OLED viewfinder, the touch LCD, and the USB-C charging all made it a much better camera. Initial testing also showed a faster general response. I am unhappy that they removed the in-camera panorama and step zoom. Maybe they can be added by firmware updates. There are many people commenting about the price, simple, if you think it is expensive, it is not for you.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Nailed it! Couldn’t have said it better myself! Appreciate your time for writing your thoughts. Thanks for watching Joe!

[@Youknowthebo]

Cool to see another creator in Germany. I shortly thought you were in Hamburg too. 😅 Keep up the good work. I first found you because of your pocket 3 video. Love that camera

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey what’s Bo! I love Hamburg! Only other place I would live in Germany. Appreciate the comment. We should definitely link for a beer or something when I’m up in Hamburg or vice versa.

[@Youknowthebo]

@@MichaelNgvyen for sure. Would love to. But just to be sure: in which city do you live?

[@MichaelNgvyen]

@@Youknowthebo Berlin 😁

[@Youknowthebo]

@@MichaelNgvyen I noticed some of the area, but I was never aware of the "hamburger Bahnhof" 😅 next time I am in Berlin, I will let you know

[@mjcatto]

Loved this. I am a Leica user and have been for about 16 years. I don’t have your model but look fwd to getting my hands on one. I keep a Leica camera specific travel photography blog called walkacrossitall. Lots of Leica bodies and lenses used over the years. Most have galleries on the blog. I look forward to keeping up with your channel. All the best. Mark.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Mark! Thank you! I’ve been playing with Leica’s over the years and this is my first. I can see why you have such a long love for them. Will definitely check out your blog! Thanks for sharing. I have a fun opportunity to make a Leica M’s video coming up soon on the channel. Appreciate your time. Cheers! 🍻

[@mjcatto]

@@MichaelNgvyen you will see some of everything on my blog. M10-R and M6. I was given an M11 and 50 APO for a week a couple of weeks ago. Because I have the SL3 and Q3 I didn’t see the reason to upgrade. APO 50 is unreal though.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

@@mjcatto wow. What a setup you have. I am eyeing the Q3 right now actually. I tested the SL3 in store but really want to move towards a compact kit. Though I loved the SL3 so hoping the Q3 can fit my needs for a bit of the higher end video specs that the DLux is lacking.

[@mjcatto]

@@MichaelNgvyen the q3 is the best all round travel cam I’ve owned. But the colours of the Q-P and M10-R are my favourites.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

@@mjcatto I just looked at your blog. What a wonderful blog and resource! Loved your story and journey of photography. Again thanks for sharing. I also think I am in big trouble now after looking at your Q3 gallery.

[@hedydd2]

Super camera! I find the zoom to be great with its step-zoom feature and that is resets to the last used focal length and it has a zoom, which is more than can be said of rivals. No tilt screen though, which they could have included for the price.

[@simonb700]

The point is that this camera does NOT have stepped zoom. Its predecessor did have it but Leica decided not to include it. That’s why I sent it back, I found I’d want to be working with a specific focal length for sessions where I might turn the camera on and off and it always starts back up at the widest focal length.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Hedydd2! It's a fun little camera for sure. I think its slots in nicely with many of the other great options our there.. Lots of options for people to choose from, which is great!

[@hedydd2]

@@simonb700 Oh dear. That is a shame. I assumed that they would not delete nice features that are in the DL7.

[@tgrunnet9050]

4K funktions are also missing from Lx100 ii.

[@john3Lee]

Looks like a great camera - I don't like the way the zoom lens comes out so far, as mechanically there is side to side movement which must effect optical performance !!

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi John. Honestly I don’t love how far it zooms out either especially at 75mm. But as far as side to side movement you mentioned. There is almost none. That is one thing I will say. The build quality is really really good. If you ever have used a Sony RX100, the lens zooms out a lot as well but not built anywhere as good. Imo. Thanks for watching the video and taking time to leave a comment.

[@john3Lee]

@@MichaelNgvyen Thats okay then.... I have subscribed as I'm looking forward to your road trip - best wishes

[@MichaelNgvyen]

@@john3Leethanks John. Same to you as well.

[@nickthaskater]

Has Leica said anything about improving dust resistance over the 7?

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Unfortunately nothing I could find. Hoping that the significant boost in the build quality helps. Guess only time will tell. Thanks for taking time to leave the comment.

[@MikeStevens]

Such a tempting little thing, especially when I think of how plasticky my GRIIIx is - but honestly my priority for this type of camera is the most compact possible body, so the GR is definitely the one for me! And thankfully it's cheaper too, haha. Gotta get myself down to Fotografiska, thanks for the reco!

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey Mike! I was so tempted to bring up the GR but it definitely sits in a category of its own. For the price, compactness and quality of photos that camera produces, it’s pretty unbeatable. I do agree. I wish the build quality was a touch higher end on the GR. If you get a chance to play with the D Lux 8, definitely do it. It feels so good in the hands. Thanks for your comment. Really appreciate your insight.

[@MikeStevens]

@@MichaelNgvyen Agreed, definitely a different buyer focus between these two - the Leica is a work of art, that's for sure!

[@mariapinho9601]

Hey!! Iam pretty new to photography and there is soo many cameras to choose from. For a teen girl who wants to take mainly selfies and close photos of me and my friends, would you recommend the Leica D-LUX 8 or the Canon g7x mark ii?

[@GrandadsReviews]

Neither just keep using your phone as the Leica doesn’t have a flip screen so useless for selfies

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I agree. Definitely not the D-LUX 8. The phone is probably best. But if you really wanted a camera. The canon g7x ii is good but also look at the Sony ZV e10. Hope that helps.

[@davidcantu5923]

Excellent perspective. Now I’m curious enough to go check this camera out. Thank you 📸

[@MichaelNgvyen]

@@davidcantu5923 Hi David, Thanks for the comment and your time to watching the video. For the right person, the camera is joy to use.

[@RonScibilia]

I think what people were hoping for was a reborn CL with a fixed zoom lens, APS-C sensor (24MP), and the Maestro II sensor even if at a higher ticket (say, $1999). Why Leica chose not produce that is the question.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Ron! If I’m being honest. I agree. I was hoping for something similar to what you mentioned. But I do think why they chose to go with the D LUX 8 is because. What you and I were hoping for still lens towards the ultra hobbyists and enthusiasts. Plus there is a lot more competition in that range. I think they chose to go with this model because it kind of differentiates them and still sits in the compact camera category. Anyways, here’s hoping to a reimagined CL. Thanks for your thoughts and input. Appreciate you watching the video.

[@mistermaroon]

Nice video! What strap are you using?

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Thank you! Mistermaroon! It’s from Studio JA. @studio_j_a on instagram. Appreciate you watching the video. 🙏🏽

[@RouvenKasten]

I had the D-Lux 7 when it was launched in November 2014. Unfortunately, the Leica D-Lux 8 is a little disappointing compared to the D-Lux 7. You would have expected more technical advances, but the new features are hardly worth mentioning. Instead of real improvements, it seems as if a few steps have been taken backwards. Too bad, I had hoped for a real upgrade! And I can't see paying €600 more for it. You'd be better off looking for a Lumix 100 II. It can do the same. The only plus point would be the new “Leica Like” menu.

[@DAVCOHPHO]

I came to very similar conclusions on my channel. I love your style and will return for more. Subscribed. 😀

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hey Davecopho! Love the username! Thanks for the comment!! I will have to head over to check out your video as well! Appreciate it man!

[@christianmarcelly3179]

hi, whats neck strap u use? Thanks

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Christian . It is a short strap from Studio JA. You can find them on instagram @studio_j_a

[@greysuit17]

I want to get this for my edc camera

[@MichaelNgvyen]

It’s so easy to carry everywhere and fun! If should definitely look into it further. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers!

[@malcomjhy]

So much fun

[@MichaelNgvyen]

😊

[@Theytoldmetodoit1]

Is it just a rebadge Lumix LX100 II? There only the very minor of tweaks being a couple years younger.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I would say the LX100ii is the D-lux 7. so if you just look at the sensor and lens then sure, might not dazzle. But the tweaks some minor but some are a big change. The EVF now ending OLED is a big improvement same with the much better LCD. The UI and new processor running it makes the camera much more snappy. It helps with the AF of the camera.. Lots of under the hood improvements that make it a fun experience to use. Definitely not for everyone but the price aligns with the 2024 inflation of things and does compete with the x100. Good thing is slots alongside many similar, some better some worst cameras. But at least there plenty options for people to choose from. anyways thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment.

[@leetmango]

Looks exactly the same as my dlux7 not seeing the difference here other than the Q2 appearance copy for the body

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Sure, you could minimize it down to just that, and if you're just shooting JPEGs then you are probably right, very similar. But the camera now uses DNG and those files and colours are much better to work with the RWL format. The camera operates much faster with a new processor and the new menu system is a big improvement. The old menu system reminds of the old terrible Sony menus. The EVF is now OLED with better magnification. The DLux 7 EVF often caused a weird rainbow effect in bright conditions. I think these under the hood changes make for a much better experience. However your DLux 7 seems to work for you and thats all that matters.

[@haeuk]

D-LUX 7's most big problem is dust sucking zoom lens that will fail funcion of the zoom lever comparted with super high maintenance fee from Leica. It wouldn't be expensive to keep if you owned Panasonic's twin. I hardly think this is fixed on the eight.

[@kaisilva7154]

Wasn't the Panasonic version had same issue because it was not sealed either

[@haeuk]

@@kaisilva7154 I bet they also share problems ;)

[@JTC1979]

How much does Leica charge for it.

[@haeuk]

@JTC1979 Leica Korea service center around 400 USD.

[@JTC1979]

@@haeuk thanks , that’s a lot , half price of the lx100 … I just got the dlux 8 , I ll try the vacuum cleaner method before sending it to Leica then 😅

[@ManuelOrbeaOtaola]

17MP? My god

[@wss327]

A big part for me is fit for purpose. I’m not a collector and photography is no longer my hobby. I do minimum PP. My main subjects are family, friends, events and vacations and then I post to family and friends for viewing on the phone, iPad and computer. I want a small size camera with a nice, simple and logical menu and easy sync to my phone for upload. I shoot mostly aperture priority and often times use fill-in flash and I want an easy way to change picture format. I don’t care about huge megapixels or a massive zoom and honestly, I don’t care about the 🔴, nice to have but not a deal maker or breaker. The D Lux 8, for all its inadequacies mentioned by many, is the near perfect camera for my needs and… it’s available, here in Europe at least. Now, back when I was 30 and if I had the money back then, I would get the new Q3/43, which is perfect for a growing family and capture those beautiful moments when your kids are still young and innocent…

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks sharing your thoughts. Appreciate your time!

[@geoffwatson]

Super

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Thanks for watching Geoff! Appreciate it

[@CharlezRichard]

Just subscribed... 😊

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Hi Charlez! Appreciate it. Thanks for your time. 🍻

[@Buffalo69-march]

The problem with d lux series is -- it is made in china. Not a true German breed. I rather buy Japan true breed Lumix series. And save money to buy Q3, a true German boy. 😊

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I agree the Q3 is a great camera. But the new Lumix S9 is also made in china. So is my crazy expensive M3 Max MacBook pro. And probably the device you used to type your comment. An argument could be made in the past about made in China. But not so much these days. It wasn’t addressed to my video because it’s not a problem. But the good thing is you don’t have to buy it if you feel it is and that’s totally OK also.

[@fincrattanaka4633]

panasonic is amazing

[@rigobertomorales6092]

Don’t forget to ta😢a lot of pictures, forget about the review ke

[@MichaelNgvyen]

Lol. Underrated comment. Will definitely take lots of pictures. Thanks for the comment! And watching.

[@robrobyte]

A nice video, but the camera is a refurbished Lumix LX100 II with the same problematic lens and the small sensor. Very bad in low light in the evening and indoors. It needs much light for good photos. I sold my Lumix, because of this. Working only from 9 am to 5 pm. 😂 And without the name "Leica", no one would buy this ovepriced lifestyle cam today. Poor little camera.😢

[@jonwalker3299]

I think the current reviews disagree with your comments

[@MichaelNgvyen]

I think the low light concert shot samples are pretty useable IMO, the video also. The ones in the video are really compressed due to YT but the raw DNG's are clean enough. Clearly the Lumix is not for you and that is ok. Many other camera options to choose from to fit your needs.

[@tgrunnet9050]

It works very well in low light. In rare situations you could use DXO PURERAW or Topaz