Can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This luxury compact from Leica costs less and is available.
Wait... a Leica available right now at a lower price?
The demand for premium compact cameras is on the rise, and acquiring specific models has become increasingly complicated. However, the availability of the Leica D-Lux 8, which reportedly could be delivered in a week, is a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, delivery times for orders of the Fujifilm X100VI remain extensive, even a year after its launch, and finding a Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III has become a challenge following its popularity on social media.
It is surprising to see that the Leica D-Lux 8 is currently available for purchase, with a list price of $1,595 / £1,450 / AU$2,790, which seems reasonable compared to other competing models, even being slightly cheaper than the Fujifilm X100VI in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The D-Lux 8, which is Leica's most affordable camera after the Sofort 2, features a 17MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens, and high-end design details inspired by the Leica Q3. While it is compact and versatile, its update from the D-Lux 7 is minimal, and its technology feels somewhat outdated compared to other more recent premium models like the X100VI.
In the review of the D-Lux 8, it received a rating of 3.5 stars, indicating that it is not the best option in its category. One factor influencing this score was its hardware, which could be improved with a tiltable or vari-angle touchscreen instead of the fixed one it has. Despite this, the competition in the realm of compact cameras has not changed drastically, making many older hardware devices still viable today.
Compared to other popular models, the D-Lux 8 surpasses the PowerShot G7X Mark III in almost every aspect but is outperformed by the Fujifilm X100VI. Both cameras are premium compacts, although they are quite different: the Leica has a zoom lens and is smaller, while the Fujifilm features a fixed lens and a 40MP APS-C sensor that delivers sharper images, along with a hybrid viewfinder and a tiltable screen.
If I had to choose between the two, I would opt for the X100VI, although many consumers do not have that option due to market shortages. For now, the popularity of compact cameras continues to grow, and the Leica D-Lux 8 could be a good investment, as cameras from this brand tend to maintain their value over time.