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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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$ 699 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G16 | 109 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 356 g | 360 | n | Aug 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X10 | 117 mm | 70 mm | 57 mm | 350 g | 270 | n | Sep 2011 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X20 | 117 mm | 70 mm | 57 mm | 353 g | 270 | n | Jan 2013 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | 118 mm | 66 mm | 55 mm | 405 g | 300 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 195 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica D-LUX 5 | 110 mm | 65 mm | 43 mm | 271 g | 400 | n | Sep 2010 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X2 | 124 mm | 69 mm | 52 mm | 345 g | 450 | n | May 2012 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 125 mm | 87 mm | 110 mm | 588 g | 540 | n | Jul 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic LX7 | 111 mm | 68 mm | 46 mm | 298 g | 330 | n | Jul 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Ricoh GR | 117 mm | 61 mm | 35 mm | 245 g | 290 | n | Apr 2013 | US$ 799 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony RX100 II | 102 mm | 58 mm | 38 mm | 281 g | 350 | n | Jun 2013 | US$ 749 | ebay.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.
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.
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.
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 | 2736 | 1080/60p | 19.8 | 10.8 | -303 | 43 | |
2. | Canon G16 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.0 | 11.7 | 230 | 54 | |
3. | Fujifilm X10 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/30p | 20.5 | 11.3 | 245 | 50 | |
4. | Fujifilm X20 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.1 | 10.9 | -462 | 46 | |
5. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | Four Thirds | 12.7 | 4112 | 3088 | 4K/30p | 22.4 | 12.1 | 607 | 67 | |
6. | Leica D-LUX 5 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 720/60p | 19.5 | 10.4 | -583 | 39 | |
7. | Leica X2 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | none | 23.2 | 12.4 | 1275 | 74 | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.1 | 10.8 | 114 | 37 | |
9. | Panasonic LX7 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 1080/60p | 20.7 | 11.7 | 147 | 50 | |
10. | Ricoh GR | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 13.5 | 972 | 78 | |
11. | Sony RX100 II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 22.5 | 12.4 | 483 | 67 | |
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.
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 6 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Canon G16 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Fujifilm X10 | optical | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Fujifilm X20 | optical | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | 2764 | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
6. | Leica D-LUX 5 | optional | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Leica X2 | optional | n | 2.7 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1312 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Panasonic LX7 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Ricoh GR | optional | n | 3.0 / 1230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Sony RX100 II | optional | n | 3.0 / 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.
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.
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 6 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Canon G16 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
3. | Fujifilm X10 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Fujifilm X20 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
6. | Leica D-LUX 5 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Leica X2 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Panasonic LX7 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Ricoh GR | Y | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Sony RX100 II | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - |
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.
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]).
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 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2012 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G16 | 4/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X10 | .. | .. | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2011 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X20 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2013 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 195 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica D-LUX 5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2010 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X2 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3/5 | 4/5 | May 2012 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ200 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic LX7 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Ricoh GR | 5/5 | .. | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | US$ 799 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony RX100 II | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | US$ 749 | ebay.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.
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.
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Leica D-LUX 6
- Canon 550D vs Leica D-LUX 6
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Leica D-LUX 6
- Canon M10 vs Leica D-LUX 6
- Canon M100 vs Leica D-LUX 6
- Canon SX740 vs Leica D-LUX 6
- Leica D-LUX 6 vs Leica TL2
- Leica D-LUX 6 vs Nikon D3S
- Leica D-LUX 6 vs Nikon D600
- Leica D-LUX 6 vs Nikon L840
- Leica D-LUX 6 vs Panasonic GX1
- Leica D-LUX 6 vs Sony A99
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 Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 11 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | Intervalometer 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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