Leica D-LUX 7 Comparison Review
The Leica D-LUX 7 is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in November 2018 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.8 megapixel.
Is the Leica D-LUX 7 a good camera? The D-LUX 7 has a Camera Elo of 2509. This rating puts the D-LUX 7 among the top 10 percent of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the D-LUX 7 ranks among the top 30 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4.5-star performance rating.
Leica D-LUX 7 |
---|
Fixed lens compact camera |
24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 |
16.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor |
4K/30p Video |
ISO 200 - 25 600 |
Electronic viewfinder (2764k dots) |
3.0 LCD, 1240k dots |
Fixed touchscreen |
11 shutter flaps per second |
300 shots per battery charge |
115 x 66 x 65 mm, 392 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
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Leica D-LUX 7 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica D-LUX 7 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 7 | 115 mm | 66 mm | 65 mm | 392 g | 300 | n | Nov 2018 | US$ 1 195 | ebay.com | |
2. | Fujifilm X100S | 127 mm | 74 mm | 54 mm | 445 g | 330 | n | Jan 2013 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X100T | 127 mm | 74 mm | 52 mm | 440 g | 330 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X100F | 127 mm | 75 mm | 52 mm | 469 g | 390 | n | Jan 2017 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica C-LUX | 113 mm | 67 mm | 46 mm | 340 g | 370 | n | Jun 2018 | US$ 1 049 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | 118 mm | 66 mm | 55 mm | 405 g | 300 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 195 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica D-LUX 8 | 130 mm | 69 mm | 62 mm | 397 g | 300 | n | Jul 2024 | US$ 1 599 | amazon.com | |
8. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | 137 mm | 99 mm | 131 mm | 830 g | 360 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 349 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 5 | 136 mm | 97 mm | 131 mm | 812 g | 350 | n | Jul 2019 | US$ 1 249 | amazon.com | |
10. | Panasonic LX100 II | 115 mm | 66 mm | 65 mm | 392 g | 300 | n | Aug 2018 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic ZS70 | 112 mm | 67 mm | 41 mm | 322 g | 380 | n | Apr 2017 | US$ 449 | 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 7 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,195. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the 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 7 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.2. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica D-LUX 7 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica D-LUX 7 | Four Thirds | 16.8 | 4736 | 3552 | 4K/30p | 22.9 | 12.8 | 1002 | 72 | |
2. | Fujifilm X100S | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.3 | 12.5 | 1329 | 75 | |
3. | Fujifilm X100T | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.6 | 12.8 | 1483 | 78 | |
4. | Fujifilm X100F | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1704 | 81 | |
5. | Leica C-LUX | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 12.3 | 481 | 64 | |
6. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | Four Thirds | 12.7 | 4112 | 3088 | 4K/30p | 22.4 | 12.1 | 607 | 67 | |
7. | Leica D-LUX 8 | Four Thirds | 16.8 | 4736 | 3552 | 4K/30p | 23.1 | 13.4 | 1557 | 75 | |
8. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 21.6 | 11.7 | 127 | 60 | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 5 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.2 | 12.4 | 584 | 65 | |
10. | Panasonic LX100 II | Four Thirds | 16.8 | 4736 | 3552 | 4K/30p | 22.8 | 12.7 | 979 | 72 | |
11. | Panasonic ZS70 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 19.1 | 10.6 | 106 | 36 | |
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 7 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the D-LUX 7 can use is 4K/30p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D-LUX 7 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2764k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica D-LUX 7 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
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 7 | 2764 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
2. | Fujifilm X100S | 2360 | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Fujifilm X100T | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
4. | Fujifilm X100F | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
5. | Leica C-LUX | 2330 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | 2764 | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
7. | Leica D-LUX 8 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1860 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
8. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 5 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Panasonic LX100 II | 2764 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
11. | Panasonic ZS70 | 1166 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
It is worthwhile pointing out that the D-LUX 7 has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.
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 7 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 7 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
2. | Fujifilm X100S | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Fujifilm X100T | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
4. | Fujifilm X100F | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
5. | Leica C-LUX | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
7. | Leica D-LUX 8 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 3.0 | Y | - | Y | |
8. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 5 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
10. | Panasonic LX100 II | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
11. | Panasonic ZS70 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - |
It is notable that the D-LUX 7 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The D-LUX 7 has a zoom lens built in (10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 75mm. 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 7 can be found in the free online Leica D-LUX 7 Manual or on the Leica support site.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D-LUX 7 handle or perform in practice. 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. 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 7 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | Nov 2018 | US$ 1 195 | ebay.com | |
2. | Fujifilm X100S | 5/5 | + + | .. | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2013 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X100T | 5/5 | + | .. | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X100F | 5/5 | + | 3.9/5 | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica C-LUX | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2018 | US$ 1 049 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 195 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica D-LUX 8 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jul 2024 | US$ 1 599 | amazon.com | |
8. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 1 349 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jul 2019 | US$ 1 249 | amazon.com | |
10. | Panasonic LX100 II | 4.5/5 | + | 4.2/5 | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2018 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic ZS70 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Apr 2017 | US$ 449 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Leica D-LUX 7 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D-LUX 7.
What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Leica D-LUX 7?
The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica D-LUX 7?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600.
Is completely silent shooting possible with the Leica D-LUX 7?
The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.
Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica D-LUX 7?
No, the Leica D-LUX 7 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.
Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Leica D-LUX 7?
The D-LUX 7 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.
Does the Leica D-LUX 7 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.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Leica D-LUX 7 for flash photography?
The D-LUX 7's flash sync speed is 1/4000 sec.
Does the Leica D-LUX 7 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the Leica D-LUX 7 use?
The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC15 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon G15 vs Leica D-LUX 7
- Canon S120 vs Leica D-LUX 7
- Canon SL3 vs Leica D-LUX 7
- Fujifilm XP140 vs Leica D-LUX 7
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Nikon B500
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Nikon D3
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Panasonic GH5 II
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Panasonic ZS200
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Pentax K-1 II
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Pentax K-3 III
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Sony A77
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Sony RX100 VII
Camera Model | Leica D-LUX 7 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 | |
Launch Date | November 2018 | |
Launch Price | USD 1 195 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 15.7 x 11.8 mm | |
Sensor Area | 185 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 19.6 mm | |
Crop Factor | 2.2x | |
Sensor Resolution | 16.8 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 736 x 3 552 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 3.32 μm | |
Pixel Density | 9.08 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 4K/30p Video | |
ISO Setting | 200 - 25 600 ISO | |
ISO Boost | 100 - 25 600 ISO | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2764k dots | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 1240k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 11 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | Electronic Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | Intervalometer Built-in | |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | UHS-I | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Leica BP-DC15 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 300 shots per charge | |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
Body Dimensions |
115 x 66 x 65 mm (4.5 x 2.6 x 2.6 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 392 g (13.8 oz) |
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