Leica D-LUX 7 digital camera review

The classically designed housing of the D-Lux 7 is rounded at the edges, which underlines its special look. The knobs for the picture settings are pleasantly stiff. When adjusting the aperture, the ring clicks into place with a loud click. The slider that can be used to set the image format manually is very pretty. An optical viewfinder and a flash shoe are on board. Instead of a fill-in flash, Leica includes a clip-on flash, but there is no microphone input. The feel is great, the weight is relatively high at a good 400 grams, and the quality of the materials and workmanship is excellent.

The ASP-H image sensor resolves recordings with 17 megapixels. The lens has a focal length of 24 to 75 millimeters and a relatively quiet motor, which is still easily audible on film recordings. The aperture range is from F1.7 to F16, excellent values ​​for a compact camera.

When it comes to photography, the Leica shows its strengths. The focus quickly focuses on every subject with pin-sharp focus, the shots are mostly brilliant, and the colors are intense without appearing artificial or overemphasized. If you like, you can use predefined image styles and filters, of which I like the black and white variants best. 4K video recordings are possible with 3840 to 2160 pixels. The stereo microphone has good sound, but it’s a pity that you can’t connect an external microphone.

These are the extras:

The tidy and beautifully designed Leica Photos app allows fine adjustments, serves as a remote control and for transferring the recordings to the smartphone. Up to 340 shots are possible with one battery charge.

These are the disadvantages:

The display cannot be swiveled or opened. With the silver-black model, the extended lens looks inappropriate and disturbs the overall impression a bit due to the not quite-so-high-quality appearance.

This is included:

Lens cap, AC adapter, battery, strap, flash unit, and a USB cable

This is optional:

Handle, protective films, bags, straps

Conclusion: I like the Leica very much as a whole package: It feels great in the hand, and it is great fun to use as a street camera or even for demanding photography. However, it is not cheap.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. I try my best to respond to every comment that comes my way. If for any reason you don’t get a response, feel free to ask me on Twitter, and Facebook, and if you want to follow me on those social media links as well to see different pictures and just talk about different things going on in the tech world.