Leica D-Lux 7 Review | Photography Blog

Introduction

The Leica D-Lux 7 is a premium compact camera with a 17 megapixel, multi-aspect Micro Four Thirds sensor.

The D Lux 7 also features UHD 4K video recording at 30/24fps, 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 3.1x Leica lens, 2.76m-dot electronic viewfinder, 3.0″ 1.24m-dot touchscreen LCD monitor, 11fps burst shooting, built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, 4K photo modes, hot shoe-mounted external flash, and in-camera battery charging.

The D Lux 7 is available now in black and silver priced at £999 / €1099 / $1195 in the UK, Europe and USA respectively.

Read our in-depth Leica D-Lux 7 digital camera review to find out how this premium compact performed…

Ease of Use

Leica’s new D-Lux 7 is a fixed lens, compact travel zoom camera that manages the trick of being both premium – the clue is in that ‘D-Lux’ (read: deluxe) nomenclature – yet, by its manufacturer’s pricing standards, relatively affordable with it.

That said, for a pocket-sized point and shooter it’s certainly not inexpensive. For the current £995 UK asking price, you could alternatively buy yourself a solid performing interchangeable lens mirror-less camera from one of the other leading brands – but, admittedly, it still wouldn’t have the perceived cachet that comes with owning a Leica. 

You could also buy the very similar Panasonic LX100 II this is based on, of course, which retailed for around £849 on launch late summer 2018, and save yourself £146 in the process.

Arriving after recent ‘stealth’ models aimed at street photographers and photojournalists that hide Leica’s normally covetable branding, the D-Lux 7 breaks rank and displays that red Leica logo proudly top right of the lens. However, it’s likewise as a camera for snapshots and street photography that, for our money, this particular model also excels.

As we’d expect of Leica, the largely metal build D-Lux 7 feels solid when held in the palm, or slipped into a jacket pocket, where it also rests comfortably and conveniently. Key features to acknowledge here are a relatively modest 17-megapixel resolution from a 21.77 megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor that’s married to a lens with an equivalent reach of a wideangle 24-75mm in 35mm film terms.

Maximum lens aperture is an impressively fast/bright f/1.7, with the ability to adjust this manually via a lens ring that offers incremental settings up to f/16. Or, of course, you can just leave the selection up to the camera and shoot on automatic, which has its own dedicated button too.

Front of the Leica D-Lux 7

Being a bang-up-to-date release, and with Leica’s long standing partnership with Panasonic still intact, it’s unsurprising that this compact arrives with the option of 4K video and 4K resolution photos; both pretty much standard issue across that electronic manufacturer’s range now. 

 Here there’s the ability to capture video clips in 4K at up to a respectable 30fps. The default setting on the camera is otherwise Full HD video clips, giving users a modicum of choice depending on the desired use for said footage, and how much removable memory (via optional SD card once again) is available to store all that data, of course.

Though the 3-inch backplate LCD is fixed rather than being of the tilt and swivel variety – which would of course have added slightly more bulk to what’s overall a relatively svelte and well engineered piece of kit – at least the screen offers touch sensitive control (albeit, as we find with Panasonic, we actually prefer the physical controls).

Despite such concessions to modernity, the rangefinder-like top plate dials for controlling shutter speed and exposure compensation nevertheless provide the D-Lux 7 with a ‘classic’ look and feel, the camera going further by including the now expected Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity – the latter port (which sits under a side flap also protecting a HDMI slot) being used for charging the camera too. 

It’s also one of Leica’s first to be compatible with its recently introduced ‘Fotos’ app, which allows for remote control of the camera via a smartphone, as well as providing a virtual image gallery-in-your-hand for photographers.

Rear of the Leica D-Lux 7

Appealing just as much to photo enthusiasts is the fact that, top left of the aforementioned LCD screen, we also get an eye level electronic viewfinder (EVF), positioned in such a helpful way that, if you hold the camera up to your right eye, your nose handily clears the left hand side of the camera, rather than squashing up against the LCD below and smearing it. 

 While 2.8 million dot resolution imbues the tiny EVF with an almost life-like clarity in daylight, in lower light levels visibility suffers due to its pokey-ness, and ultimately the 0.2-inch EVF proves no match for the greater visibility provided by the larger 3-inch screen situated beneath it.

In terms of actually shooting in low light, a maximum user-selectable light sensitivity setting (in Program mode) of ISO 25600 isn’t as high as some, though it’s arguably higher than most will need or actually use. While lower light conditions did result in occasional blurred results for us due to camera shake, it’s still possible to hold the camera relatively steady thanks to its weight and the thin neck strap provided out of the box. 

As there is no flash built into this model – though there is a vacant hotshoe provided – there is no choice initially but to bump up the ISO settings and for the photographer to simply make the best of it.

Unlike the Panasonic LX100 II, which features a nigh identical control wheel-heavy top plate layout, this Leica branded alternative boasts a flattened faceplate with nary a hint of the handgrip or roughened faux leatherette surface provided by its near doppelganger.

Side of the Leica D-Lux 7

Like that Panasonic model, however, the D-Lux 7 boasts the ability to shoot in a variety of image aspect ratios – marked on a slider control that sits snugly atop the lens and closest to the camera body. Here we get a choice of 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 for Instagram fans, or more regular (for a digital camera) 4:3. Again, this is exactly the same as the LX100 II. 

The closest ring to the front of the lens allows for control over aperture. Here there are notched settings for auto, f/1.7, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11 and f/16. A twist of the middle ring, meanwhile, provides a means of manually zooming in or out – though as the zoom is motorised and moves forward or back in stages, it’s tricky to be that precise with our framing.

Though we miss the hint of a handgrip at front of the Leica D-Lux 7 that the alternative in Panasonic’s LX100 II provided us with, Leica’s interpretation pulls off the neat trick of looking both classic and modern at the same time. 

The mixture of silver and black detailing gives the Leica a premium look in just the same way as the construction provides it with a premium feel, while the aforementioned lens rings and top plate controls provide a degree of hands on controllability and adjustment that most compacts don’t.

Indeed, the operability provided via the top plate is where the camera most impresses. While looking slightly busy, operation is straightforward enough. Pin pricks housing stereo microphones sit forward of a vacant hotshoe in the absence of any integral flash, and to the right of these, we find – if viewing the camera from the back – a cluster of controls, including an ergonomically raised shutter release button, encircled by a lever for operating the zoom; the latter being safely hidden within the lens barrel when the camera is not in use. 

The shutter release is flanked by two rangefinder-like ridged bottle top style dials for adjusting shutter speed and exposure compensation (the latter to +/- 3EV), each with just the right amount of give and resistance in operation, enabling you as a photographer to intuitively tweak settings while keeping an eye on the screen or viewfinder.

Front of the Leica D-Lux 7

Flick the on/off switch nestled against the shutter speed dial and this camera whirrs into life within two seconds, the rear LCD blinking into action as the lens extends from within its barrel to protrude an inch and a half from the body. 

Half press the shutter release and this Leica is also reasonably quick to determine focus; green focus points flicker across the screen as it seeks out possible subjects in your frame within milliseconds; a bleep of affirmation given when it alights upon one. 

Press that shutter release button down fully and a combination of JPEG and Raw file are committed to memory within a swift two seconds – if the camera is operating in regular single shot mode. Well, so much for the AF response times, but what about accuracy? Does the D-Lux 7 get it right every time? Not always no, but more often than not, yes.

The other two tiny pin-head buttons on the top plate govern the camera’s drive mode – providing a swift means of switching between fully automatic point and shoot mode and user-adjustable Program mode, for example, while we also get a button for switching to 4K Photo Mode, another carry-over feature from the Panasonic version of this camera. Selecting 4K Photo Mode does limit manual access to the top tier ISO settings however – with the maximum selectable being ISO6400 in this mode.

While the right hand flank of the Leica D-Lux 7 – if we’re viewing it from the back – features the flap covering the HDMI and USB ports as mentioned earlier, the opposite side is feature-free, save for a lug for attaching the provided neck strap strap, a practical feature which is obviously mirrored on the right hand side of the camera too.

Top of the Leica D-Lux 7

The base of the Leica meanwhile features a covered compartment for housing the provided lithium ion battery – which can be charged in camera – and of course, a removable SD card of varying capacity. Just a little off-centre is a screw thread for attaching this compact to a tripod if wished.

The rear plate of the D-Lux 7 is largely taken up by its aforementioned LCD screen that is also a touch screen. In practice, though, we found it less fiddly to actually use the physical controls provided alongside, which mirror those found on most pocket sized digital compacts. 

Here we get a familiar scroll wheel with a ‘menu set’ button conveniently situated in the centre, allowing for a press of the thumb. Ranged around the wheel are convenient dedicated settings for selecting ISO, white balance, self-timer or burst/drive mode, along with AF mode.

Above this we’re provided with two buttons – a familiar (from the Panasonic perspective) ‘Quick/Quality Menu’ button plus an equally recognisable playback button. This control formation is mirrored below the scroll wheel by buttons for the deletion of images/videos and a familiar ‘display’ button, for, as it indicates, turning the displayed on-screen info on or off.

Memory Card Slot

Above the screen itself we get a further quartet of buttons. These cover activating (or deactivating) the camera’s EVF, switching on or off the Panasonic implemented Post Focus function, while we find dedicated video capture ‘record’ button here too, where it’s less noticeable, but at least it doesn’t have to fight for attention on the camera’s already busy top plate. Finally, the last button is for accessing auto focus and auto exposure.

Generally speaking, the Leica D-Lux 7’s controls and on-screen menus are both comprehensive yet clearly laid out, covering the familiar photo and video capture options, along with equally familiar set up menus. 

We also get the ability to apply the likes of Vivid or Expressive digital filters to shots to provide added punch and dynamism, if so desired, while the usual Photo Style settings now include no fewer than three different monochrome / black and white modes – again these are options carried over from the Panasonic LX100 II.

So while industry partners Panasonic and Leica appear to have produced two cameras from very much the same pod – albeit in the case of Leica, one with a slightly more luxurious look and finish, how does the D-Lux 7 measure up when it comes to performance and image quality? Read on to find out…

Image Quality

All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 17 megapixel Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around
6Mb.

The Leica D-Lux 7 is obviously notable this time around for, like its Panasonic LX100 II near-doppelganger, squeezing a Four Thirds sensor, more usually found in an interchangeable lens mirror-less camera, into a relatively compact body.

One might conclude that this would immediately deliver a markedly better image quality than the average compact with a physically smaller imaging chip and you might be right, save for the fact that said sensor is, in this model, out of necessity married to a relatively modest – in terms of size – Leica manufactured lens. Thus results are, to our eyes, neither as sharp as an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera with the same sensor, nor an APS-C DSLR you could alternatively get for the price.

As long as you can avoid the effects of camera shake if shooting hand held, low light performance is however impressive for a camera of this size, with softening of detail to limit the appearance of image noise only really visible in the very top two ISO settings (ISO 12500 and 25000 equivalent).

Generally colours are naturalistically rendered with just the right amount of contrast and visual punch applied. On dull wintry days with featureless skies the camera tends to underexpose but this is nothing out of the ordinary. On the whole we were satisfied with the results rather than being blown away by them. And, of course, someone buying this as a convenient sized premium snapshot to take with them on their travels will no doubt be so too.

Noise

There are 8 ISO settings available
on the Leica D-Lux 7. Here are some 100%
crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting for both JPEG and RAW file formats.

JPEG
RAW

ISO
200 (100% Crop)

ISO
200 (100% Crop)

ISO
400 (100% Crop)

ISO
400 (100% Crop)

ISO
800 (100% Crop)

ISO
800 (100% Crop)

ISO
1600 (100% Crop)

ISO
1600 (100% Crop)

ISO
3200 (100% Crop)

ISO
3200 (100% Crop)

ISO
6400 (100% Crop)

ISO
6400 (100% Crop)

ISO
12800 (100% Crop)

ISO
12800 (100% Crop)

ISO
25000 (100% Crop)

ISO
25000 (100% Crop)

Focal Range

The Leica D-Lux 7’s 3.1x zoom lens offers a fairly versatile focal range, as illustrated by these examples.

24mm

75mm

Sharpening

Here are two 100% crops which have
been Saved as Web – Quality 50 in Photoshop. The right-hand
image has had some sharpening applied in Photoshop. The out-of-the
camera images are a little soft at the default sharpening
setting. You can change the in-camera sharpening
level
if you don’t like the default look.

Original
(100% Crop)

Sharpened
(100% Crop)

Macro

The Leica D-Lux 7 offers a macro
setting that allows you to focus on a subject that is 3cm away from the camera when the lens is set to 24mm wide-angle.
The first image shows how close you can get to the subject
(in this case a compact flash card). The second image is
a 100% crop.

Macro

Night

The Leica D-Lux 7’s maximum shutter speed is 60 seconds, which is great news if you’re seriously interested in night photography.

Night

Sample Images

This is a selection of sample images from the Leica D-Lux 7 camera, which were all taken using the 17 megapixel Fine JPEG setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.

Sample RAW Images

The Leica D-Lux 7 enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We’ve provided some Leica RAW (RWL) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movies & Video

This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 3840×2160 at 30 frames per second. Please note that this 31 second movie is 354Mb in size.

Download the sample movie

Download the sample movie

This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 3840×2160 at 30 frames per second. Please note that this 41 second movie is 460Mb in size.

Download the sample movie

Download the sample movie

Product Images

Conclusion

Yes, £995 is a lot of money to spend on a pocket sized travel zoom – but, on the other hand, compared to what else is on offer from Leica, it’s not such a lot to spend in order to get that coveted red manufacturer’s badge in return.

Thankfully then the Leica D-Lux 7 is one solid feeling, feature-packed model, going some way to justifying its premium price tag. We also get the benefit of a wide-angle zoom lens, unusually large for its class (and dimensions) Four Thirds sensor, swift f/1.7 maximum lens aperture, 17 megapixels maximum resolution, 1.24 million dot resolution touch screen LCD, 2.8 million dot eye level electronic viewfinder, plus 4K video capture at a respectable frame rate of 30fps.

OK, so none of the above is particularly ground breaking in isolation, or anything we haven’t seen before to entice anyone away from their smartphone. But, if you’re in the market for a camera that handles like a Leica, thanks to the various top plate dials and controls, yet performs with the relative simplicity of a Panasonic (including the LX100 II it’s obviously based on), should all you want to do is point and shoot, then the Leica D-Lux 7 ably fits the bill for visually documenting that next city tour or mini break.

Ratings (out of 5)

Design
5

Features
4.5

Ease-of-use
4.5

Image quality
5

Value for money
3.5

Main Rivals

Listed below are some of the rivals of the Leica D-Lux 7.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

The Canon PowerShot G7 X is a brand new prosumer compact camera with a 1-inch image sensor, a fast 4.2x zoom lens and 8fps continuous shooting. The G7 X also offers the new Digic 7 processor, built-in wi-fi/NFC connectivity, 1080p HD video at 60fps with stereo sound, a 3 inch tilting touchscreen LCD, a lens control ring, 14-bit RAW files and a full range of manual shooting modes. Read the World’s first Canon PowerShot G7 X review now…

Fujifilm XF10

The Fujifilm XF10 is a brand new premium compact camera with a large 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, fast 28mm f/2.8 lens, touchscreen LCD, built-in wi-fi and bluetooth connectivity, and 4K movie recording, weighing in at a mere 280g. Read our in-depth Fujifilm XF10 review now, complete with full-size sample JPEG and raw images, videos and more…

Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)

The Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) is a new premium compact camera that features a large Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K video recording, fast 24-75mm lens and a class-leading electronic viewfinder, all in a camera that you can fit in a jacket pocket. Read our in-depth Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) review with sample JPEG, RAW and video files…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is a premium compact camera like no other. The LX100 features a large Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K video recording, fast 24-75mm lens, class-leading electronic viewfinder, all in a camera that you can fit in a jacket pocket. Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 review with sample JPEG, RAW and video files to find out just what this exciting new camera is capable of…

​Panasonic Lumix LX100 II​

The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is the successor to one of our favourite compact cameras of all time, the ahead-of-the-game LX100, which was launched way back in 2014. Read our in-depth Panasonic LX100 II review with sample JPEG, RAW and video files to find out if we rate it just as highly as the original…

Ricoh GR II

The new Ricoh GR II is a discreet compact camera with a fixed focal length 28mm wide-angle lens, 16 megapixel APS-C sensor, high-res 3 inch LCD screen, flash hotshoe and pop-up flash, built-in wifi/NFC connectivity, a wealth of customisable controls and a fast auto-focus system. Read our in-depth Ricoh GR II review complete with full-size image samples (JPEG and Raw) to find out if it can improve on its popular predecessor…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V offers the World’s fastest auto-focusing speed, the World’s most AF points, and the World’s fastest continuous shooting speed, for a humble compact camera. Is this enough to justify the $1000 / £1000 price-tag? Find out by reading our expert Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V review, complete with sample photos, test shots, videos and more…

Sony RX100 VI

The new Sony RX100 VI is the most technologically capable compact camera on the market, but is it the right travel-zoom camera for you? Find out by reading our detailed Sony RX100 VI review…

Review Roundup

Reviews of the Leica D-Lux 7 from around the web.

techradar.com »

When it comes to cameras, Leica isn’t a household name as Nikon or Canon, especially in a price sensitive market like India. But with a mythos that continues to inspire photographers around the world, there has to be something more that attracts them to Leica. Isn’t it?

Read the full review »

Specifications

Lens
Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34 f/1.7-2.8 ASPH., 35mm camera equivalent: 24 – 75mm, aperture range: 1.7 – 16 / 2.8 – 16 (at 10.9 / 34mm)
Optical Image stabilization
Optical compensation system
Digital zoom
Max. 4x
Focusing range
AF
0.5m / 1´6“ to ∞
AF Macro / MF / Snapshot Modes / Motion Pictures
Maximum wideangle setting: 3cm / 1 3/16“ to ∞
Maximum telephoto setting: 30cm / 1 17/8“ to ∞
Image sensor
4/3“ MOS sensor, total pixel number: 21,770,000,
effective pixels: 17,000,000, primary color filter
Minimum Illuminance
approx. 5lx (when i-Low light is used, the shutter speed is 1/30 s)
Shutter system
Electronically and mechanically controlled
Shutter speeds
Still pictures
T (max. approx. 30min),
60 – 1/4000 s (with the mechanical shutter)
1 – 1/16000 s (with the electronic shutter function)
Motion pictures
1/25 – 1/16000 s (When [4K/100M/24p] is set in [Rec Quality])
1/2 – 1/16000 s (When Manual Exposure Mode is set and [MF] is selected)
1/30 – 1/16000 s (Other than the above)
Continuous recordable time:
– When the resolution for [Rec Quality] is set to [FHD]: 29 minutes
– When the resolution for [Rec Quality] is set to [4K]: 15 minutes
Series exposure
Continuous series exposure frequency
Electronic / mechanical shutter: 2fps (L) / 7fps (M) / 11fps (H)
Number of serially recordable pictures
With RAW files: 32 or more*
Without RAW files: 100 or more*
* Based on CIPA standards and a card with a fast read/write speed
Exposure
Exposure control modes
Program (P), Aperture-priority (A), Shutter-priority (S),Manual setting (M)
Exposure compensation
±5EV in 1/3 EV steps (±3EV dial setting range)
Exposure metering modes
Multi-zone, center-weighted, spot
Recording file formats
Still pictures
RAW/JPEG (based on “Design rule for Camera File system” and on the “Exif 2.31” standard)
Motion pictures (with audio)
[MP4]
3840a2160/30p (100 Mbit/s)
3840a2160/24p (100 Mbit/s)
1920a1080/60p (28 Mbit/s)
1920a1080/30p (20 Mbit/s)
1280a720/30p (10 Mbit/s)
Audio recording format
AAC (stereo)
Monitor
3.0“ TFT LCD, resolution: approx. 1,240,000 dots,
field of view: approx. 100%, aspect ratio: 3:2,
touch screen functionality
Viewfinder
0.38“ LCD viewfinder,
resolution: approx. 2,760,000 dots,
field of view: approx. 100%, aspect ratio: 16:9,
with diopter adjustment -4 to +3 diopters,
Magnification: approx. 0.7x (35mm camera equivalent),
eye sensor
Flash CF D

External flash unit (included in scope of delivery)
Attachment
In the camera’s hot shoe
Guide number
10 / 7 (with ISO 200 / 100)
Flash range (with ISO AUTO and no ISO limit set)
Approx. 0.6 – 14.1m/2 – 46´ / 0.3 – 8.5m/1 – 27´
(at shortest / longest focal length)
Illumination angle
Matched to cover the lens’ shortest focal length of 10.9mm
Flash modes (set on camera)
AUTO, AUTO/Red-Eye Reduction, ON, ON/Red-Eye Reduction,
Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-Eye Reduction, OFF
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 31 x 41.5 x 30mm / 1 7/32 x 1 5/16 x 1 11/64“
Weight
Weight Approx. 25g / 0.05lb
Microphones
Stereo
Speaker
Monaural
Recording media
SD / SDHC* /SDXC* memory cards,
(*UHS-I/UHS Speed Class 3)
Wi-Fi
Compliance standard
IEEE 802.11b/g/n (standard wireless LAN protocol)
Frequency range used (central frequency)
2412- 2462MHz (1 to 11ch), maximum output power: 13dBm (EIRP)
Encryption method
Wi-Fi compliant WPA™ / WPA2™
Access method
Infrastructure mode
Bluetooth function
Compliance standard
Bluetooth Ver. 4.2 (Bluetooth low energy (BLE))
Frequency range used (central frequency)
2402 to 2480MHz, maximum output power: 10dBm (EIRP)
Operating temperature/ humidity
0 – 40°C (32 – 104°F) / 10 – 80% RH
Power Consumption
2.1W/2.8W (When recording with monitor/viewfinder)
1.7W/1.9W (When playing back with monitor/viewfinder)
Terminals / Interfaces
[HDMI]: Micro HDMI Type D
[USB/CHARGE]: USB 2.0 (High Speed) Micro-B
Dimensions (W x H x D)
approx. 118 x 66 x 64mm / 4 21/32 x 2 41/64 x 2 9/16“
Weight
approx. 403g/14,2 oz / 361g/12,7 oz

News

The new Leica D-Lux 7 premium compact camera features a higher-resolution four-thirds sensor, 24–75mm f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. zoom lens, a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging capability.

The Leica D-Lux 7 is available today from authorised Leica UK stores and dealers and online at www.leicastore-uk.co.uk – RRP £995.

In the US, the Leica D-Lux 7 is available now at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $1,195.

Leica UK Press Release

Leica D-Lux 7: compact size meets high performance.

Wetzlar, 20th November 2018. Introducing the new and improved Leica D-Lux 7: the high-performance compact camera from Leica Camera AG featuring a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9–34 mm f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. zoom lens (equivalent to 24–75mm in 35mm format). The new Leica D-Lux 7 boasts a new, higher-resolution four-thirds sensor that delivers outstanding picture quality in all shooting scenarios. The D-Lux 7 enhances performance through numerous new functions and features including a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging capability. The Leica D-Lux 7 is the ideal everyday companion; an extremely versatile camera that offers maximum photographic freedom for capturing unique moments with impressive quality.

The comprehensive features of the Leica D-Lux line – automatic exposure mode, manual setting options and a range of video functions – are perfectly complemented by an integrated, 2.8-megapixel, high-resolution, electronic viewfinder, a Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth connectivity. On the back of the Leica D-Lux 7, a 1.24 megapixel 3“ LCD touchscreen display not only makes viewing pictures much easier, but also means the user has easy control of the camera at their fingertips. For example, the focusing point can now be set with a simple tap on the screen and pictures can be taken without having to touch any other controls.

Inherent with all Leica cameras, the DC Vario-Summilux zoom lens of the D-Lux 7 is perfectly matched to the camera’s new sensor to deliver optimum picture quality. The fast aperture and the range of focal length make the camera particularly versatile in every situation – from portraits and landscapes to architecture, macro close-ups and street photography. With its 17-megapixel resolution and a maximum ISO sensitivity of 25600, the four-thirds sensor of the Leica D-Lux 7 is also ideal for capturing the highest-quality images in low ambient light, with natural colours and fine rendition of details.

The camera’s hardware has been improved and includes various additions to its range of functions. For example, the focus point of exposure can be changed after shooting, or several exposures with different focus points can be superimposed on each other and merged with the aid of Focus Stacking, for instance to create a greater depth of focus in macro exposures. The camera’s capabilities have also been expanded to include video recording in 4K resolution – at a frame rate of up to 30 frames per second and 100 Mbit and in MP4 and AVCHD-format.

The Leica D-Lux 7 is the first camera in the D-Lux line that can be used together with the Leica FOTOS App which enables remote control of the camera from a smartphone and fast and easy wireless transfer of pictures from iOS or Android devices. Photographers can use numerous options for sharing their pictures directly on social media after editing and carrying out all the essential post-production work in app.

The classic look of the Leica D-Lux 7, is complemented with a range of equally stylish and practical accessories such as high-quality cases, carrying straps and a practical handgrip.

The Leica D-Lux 7 is available today from authorised Leica UK stores and dealers and online at www.leicastore-uk.co.uk from today – RRP £995.

Image Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see the full version.

Hands On

Want to see exactly what the new Leica D-Lux 7 premium compact camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Leica D-Lux 7 premium compact camera.

A gallery of hands-on photos of the Leica D-Lux 7 premium compact camera.

Image Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see the full version.

Preview Images

Ahead of our full review, here are some sample JPEG and Raw images taken with the new Leica D-Lux 7 camera, which was announced yesterday.

The Leica D-Lux 7 is a serious compact camera with a large 4/3rds sensor, fast Leica lens, 4K video recording and an electronic viewfinder.

A gallery of sample images taken with the Leica D-Lux 7 premium compact camera.

Leica D-Lux 7 Sample Images

Sample RAW Images

The Leica D-Lux 7 enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We’ve provided some Leica RAW (RWL) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movies & Video

This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 3840×2160 at 30 frames per second. Please note that this 31 second movie is 354Mb in size.

Download the sample movie

Download the sample movie

This is a sample movie at the highest quality setting of 3840×2160 at 30 frames per second. Please note that this 41 second movie is 460Mb in size.

Download the sample movie

Download the sample movie

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