Leica D-Lux 8 100 Years of Leica Digital Camera

Marking a century of Leica innovation, the D-Lux 8 100 Years Edition refines compact photography with a 17MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor and fast 24-75mm equivalent f1.7-2.8 zoom lens. The D-Lux 8 supports DNG RAW, 4K 30p video, and wireless control via the FOTOS app. An OLED EVF and high-res LCD complete the premium experience. Unique to this model is a minimalistic redesign featuring M11-style armouring, a nickel-coloured finish, and a “100” logo hot shoe cover.

Leica D-Lux 8 100 Years of Leica Digital Camera Key Features:

• Compact digital camera with premium optics and unique anniversary design
• 17MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor for high-quality stills and 4K video
• Leica DC Vario-Summilux 24-75mm equivalent f1.7-2.8 zoom lens
• DNG RAW file support for flexible post-processing
• UHD 4K 30p and Full HD 60p internal video recording
• OLED electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million dots
• 3” fixed LCD with 1.84 million-dot resolution
• Nickel-coloured finish on lens, lens cap and controls
• Armouring with M11-style texture for refined handling
• UHS-II SD card support for faster media handling
• Hot shoe-mounted compact flash unit included
• Supports aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2, 4:3 and 16:9
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity with the Leica FOTOS app

Sensor and Lens

The Leica D-Lux 8 features a 17MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor paired with a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f1.7-2.8 ASPH lens, offering a 24–75mm full-frame equivalent zoom range. This combination enables excellent low-light performance and depth of field control, while maintaining sharpness across the entire frame. The integrated optical image stabilisation in the lens further supports handheld shooting in varied lighting conditions.

Image and Video Recording

This camera is the first D-Lux model to support DNG RAW capture, providing photographers with greater flexibility in post-processing without compromising image quality. Video recording is available in UHD 4K at up to 30p and Full HD at up to 60p, utilising 8-bit 4:2:0 H.264 compression. Footage is stored via a UHS-II SD card slot, allowing for faster transfer and responsive in-camera processing.

Display and Viewfinder

A 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF delivers high contrast and real-time feedback for composing shots in bright environments, while a fixed 3-inch LCD with 1.84-million-dot resolution supports accurate image review and intuitive touch operation. An automatic eye sensor switches seamlessly between LCD and EVF, streamlining the shooting experience in dynamic situations.

Design and Controls

The camera body features redesigned ergonomics and a button layout inspired by the Leica Q-series, offering quick access to core settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and zoom. A dedicated USB-C port supports charging and connectivity, while Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi integration allow pairing with the Leica FOTOS app for remote control, image transfer, and firmware updates.

Accessories and Build

This D-Lux 8 kit includes a hot shoe-mountable compact flash unit, enabling better performance in low light and providing creative lighting control, such as second-curtain sync. The camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC media, as well as 43mm filters, and includes a BP-DC15 lithium-ion battery. With a magnesium alloy body weighing just 397g, including the battery, it’s both portable and robust enough for daily shooting.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Leica D-Lux 8 100 Years of Leica Digital Camera
• 1 X Flash Unit
• 1 X Lens Cap With Safety Tie
• 1 X Wrist Strap
• 1 X Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Leica BP-DC15
• 1 x Quick Start Guide

FAQs:

What video recording formats does the Leica D-Lux 8 support?

The Leica D-Lux 8 records video internally using H.264 8-bit 4:2:0 compression. It supports UHD 4K at up to 30 fps and Full HD at up to 60 fps, with additional options at 720p. Video files are saved in MP4 format with 2-channel AAC audio, making them easy to share or edit straight from the camera.

Does the Leica D-Lux 8 have internal memory?

No, the Leica D-Lux 8 does not include internal storage. Instead, it uses a single SD card slot that supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, including high-speed UHS-II media. This enables faster write speeds when shooting RAW or recording high-resolution video.

Can the Leica D-Lux 8 be used with external microphones?

The D-Lux 8 does not have a dedicated 3.5mm audio input for external microphones. Audio records via the built-in stereo microphone, which is suitable for casual video use. For more controlled audio environments, external recorders may be required.

How does the Leica D-Lux 8 handle GPS data?

While the D-Lux 8 doesn’t have built-in GPS, it can access geolocation data via the Leica FOTOS app when paired with a smartphone. This feature allows users to embed GPS metadata into image files for location tracking. It's a valuable feature for travel or documentary photographers who need to organise their shots by location.

Does the Leica D-Lux 8 support continuous shooting?

The D-Lux 8 supports continuous shooting at up to 11 frames per second. Users can capture up to 12 RAW files or 100 JPEG images in a single burst. These settings make it suitable for photographing short bursts of action or fleeting moments.