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Leica D-LUX 6 Comparison Review

The Leica D-LUX 6 is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in September 2012 and is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 10 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica D-LUX 6 a good camera? The D-LUX 6 has a Camera Elo of 1555. This rating puts the D-LUX 6 below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the D-LUX 6 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Leica D-LUX 6 is more than 12 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2012.

Headline Specifications
Leica D-LUX 6
Fixed lens compact camera
24-90mm f/1.4-2.3
10 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
1080/60p Video
ISO 80 - 6 400 (80 - 12 800)
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second
330 shots per battery charge
111 x 68 x 46 mm, 298 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Leica D-LUX 6 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica D-LUX 6 vs credit card front
D-LUX 6 versus credit card top view
D-LUX 6 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica D-LUX 6 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 118 mm 66 mm 55 mm 405 g 300 n Sep 2014 US$ 1 195ebay.com
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 II 102 mm 58 mm 38 mm 281 g 350 n Jun 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica D-LUX 6 was launched in the US market at a price of $699. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Leica D-LUX 6 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 4.65. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica D-LUX 6 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Leica D-LUX 6 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
2.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
3.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
4.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.412.160767
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
7.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
8.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
9.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
10.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
11.
 
Sony RX100 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.512.448367
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The D-LUX 6 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the D-LUX 6 can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica D-LUX 6 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 1092764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony RX100 IIoptional n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One convenient feature of the D-LUX 6 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica D-LUX 6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
11.
 
Sony RX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

The D-LUX 6 has a zoom lens built in (4.7-17.7mm f/1.4-2.3), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 90mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the D-LUX 6 can be found in the free online Leica D-LUX 6 Manual or on the Leica support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D-LUX 6. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 1 195ebay.com
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
10.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX100 II5/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Leica D-LUX 6 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D-LUX 6.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Leica D-LUX 6?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica D-LUX 6?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400.

Can the Leica D-LUX 6 be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Leica provides the Visoflex (Typ 020) as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

How do I find the shutter count on my Leica D-LUX 6?

Leica embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your D-LUX 6 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Leica D-LUX 6 shutter count page.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica D-LUX 6?

No, the Leica D-LUX 6 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Does the Leica D-LUX 6 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Leica D-LUX 6 use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC10 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica D-LUX 6
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-90mm f/1.4-2.3
    Launch Date September 2012
    Launch Price USD 699
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.44 x 5.58 mm
    Sensor Area 42 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.3 mm
    Crop Factor 4.65x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 648 x 2 736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.05 μm
    Pixel Density 24.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 6 400 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12 800 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC10 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 111 x 68 x 46 mm
    (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.8 in)
    Camera Weight 298 g (10.5 oz)

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