Testing the Leica D-Lux 8

In 2003, Leica introduced the Leica D-Lux camera series, a new segment of digital compact cameras with zoom lenses. Until today, eight generations and numerous special editions have been released.

Similar to the Leica M or Leica Q series, there is a 'Safari Edition' of the D-Lux 4, a 'Panda Version' (a two-colour version with a silver lens and a black, high-gloss housing, released to celebrate the Leica 100-year anniversary) of the D-Lux 6 and a 'James Bond '007 Edition' of the D-Lux 7.
There are also special editions available only when purchasing a D-Lux camera, I would like to mention the cool 'Leica Vans x Ray Barbee' or the 'A BATHING APE x STASH' version of the Leica D-Lux 7.

As far as I know, most Leica D-Lux cameras have a largely identical Panasonic twin, such as the D-Lux (Panasonic DMC-F1), D-Lux 4 (Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3), D-Lux 5 (Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5) or D-Lux 7 (Panasonic Lumix LX100 II). It’s no secret that Leica and Panasonic collaborate and also many Lumix cameras are equipped with a Leica lens. In fact, my very first camera was a Lumix DMC-FZ18 and it had a Leica lens – no wonder I was quite satisfied with the camera back then.

Leica likes to emphasise its German craftsmanship, but most D-Lux cameras are manufactured in Japan; I couldn’t find a statement, but I think it’s true that the D-Lux 8 is made in China.

The Leica D-Lux camera series

Let's go back to the beginning: The first Leica D-Lux was released in 2003 as a digital compact camera with a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8–4.9/5.8–17.44 ASPH zoom lens, which is equivalent to a 35–105 mm lens. It had a robust aluminium body and came with a – back then claimed - “generous 64 MB SD card” and it was promoted as being “timelessly elegant” and able to survive short-lived fashion trends.
From today’s technological and design perspective, the camera looks old-fashioned with its small lens, display and directional button, but I suppose any device from 2003 would do.

The Leica D-Lux models have undergone various improvements over the generations with a particular focus on image quality, interface and design. The lens has evolved from the Vario-Elmarit to the Vario-Summicron and – most recently – Vario-Summilux lens. The 'Vario' indicates a zoom lens, while 'Elmarit' indicates a maximum aperture of f/2.8, 'Summilux' a maximum aperture of f/2.0 and 'Summicron' a maximum aperture of f/1.4 to f/1.7.
At first glance, you can also see a change in the display which has evolved from a 4:3 to a full 16:9 aspect ratio.

Two camera models that are worth mentioning are the Leica D-Lux 2 from 2005, which already had the option of taking pictures in different formats (16:9, 3:2 and 4:3) and a macro mode which can still be found in the latest Leica D-Lux 8 model (which has an additional 1:1 format). The second is the Leica D-Lux 6, which had an extremely fast f/1.4–2.3 lens.

If you want to find out more about the specifications and features of the D-Lux cameras, I highly recommend checking out this site:

Leica D-Lux 8

The Leica D-Lux 8 was released on 2 July 2024. It is a compact camera with a zoom lens featuring the iconic Leica design. It has a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux f/1.7–2.8 4/10.9–34 ASPH zoom lens (35 mm equivalent: 24–75 mm) and all the essential photography and video functions, including 4K video capability. It features a high-resolution touchscreen and a 2.4-megapixel OLED viewfinder with a live view function and is equipped with a 4/3" CMOS sensor with 21 MP (17 MP effective resolution).

Due to its compact and lightweight size, the camera has been promoted as a “true allrounder and all-purpose camera”, making it ideal for taking anywhere. You can take DNG RAW files as well as JPEGs.

The camera also comes with an attachable flash and can be connected to the Leica Fotos app. In 2024, the retail price was £1,450 or €1,590 including VAT. Currently (June 2025), you can purchase it in Europe for the same price; however, in America, due to the assembly of the camera in China and the high taxes imposed on imported Chinese goods under American politics, the price currently ranges from 2,200 to 2,700 USD.

Why to choose a Leica D-Lux 8

To be honest, I hadn’t heard much about the Leica D-Lux series before I came across some reviews on YouTube. As some of you may know, I already own a Leica Q2, which I really like. Nevertheless, I wouldn't mind having a more lightweight version, especially for travelling. Secondly, I would love to own a camera that is better suited to portraits, as the Q2's 28 mm prime lens might not be the best choice for this purpose.

In terms of technical specifications, the Leica D-Lux 8 would be a downgrade, as the Leica Q2 has a full-frame CMOS sensor with 50.4 MP (47.3 MP total/effective) as well as a weather-sealed body.
Of course, you cannot compare a €5,650 full-frame camera with a €1,590 micro four thirds camera; there are obvious differences.

What makes the Leica D-Lux 8 interesting is that it looks like a smaller version of the Leica Q2 or Q3, unlike other digital compact cameras which often have a Y2K aesthetic.

Although you can find many positive reviews of the camera on YouTube and several websites, some photographers said they didn’t use it as much after nearly a year of owning it and rather liked using their phone which made me quite sceptical. I also couldn’t find any reviews that explicitly featured portraits – the sample pictures I came across in the videos weren't particularly impressive. You can also easily find negative reviews claiming that the whole D-Lux series is a “waste of money” with people recommending a Ricoh, Fujifilm or Panasonic Lumix camera instead.

The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II seems to be a tough competitor, as the D-Lux 7 and 8 are based on this model. They have the same Leica DC Vario-Summilux f/1.7–2.8 4/10.9–34 ASPH zoom lens, although the D-Lux 8 has a revised user interface for example. The Lumix LX100 II was released in 2018 and you can currently get it second hand for around €700. In an online review, I came across the fitting description that the D-Lux 8 is Panasonic inside, but also has the Leica soul and look.

Leica D-Lux 8 | My first impressions

I was delighted to discover that the Digital Camera Store Graz, which is also a Leica Boutique, was offering a photo walk as part of their photo and video experience days, where you could try out various Leica models.

Although it was a very hot day in June, nothing could stop me from testing the camera. One thing I immediately noticed was how lightweight the camera was. At 357 g with the battery, it weighs less than half of a Leica Q2 (734 g with batteries). This makes a huge difference, especially if you're carrying the camera around your neck all day or when you are travelling with just hand luggage.

As the camera looks similar to the Leica Q(2), I found it very intuitive to use. Of course, the Q2 doesn’t have a zoom lens or an 'on/off' button and the macro option is also placed differently, but besides these features the cameras look very similar when switched off.

When you switch the D-Lux 8 on, the zoom lens extends automatically which confused me a little because –even when taking a picture at 24 mm – the lens enlarges and reveals itself to be a digital zoom camera. Especially for street photography, when you most of the time want to take photos without attracting attention, the camera is not that suitable - the zoom lens is very conspicuous.

In the press release, the D-Lux 8 was advertised as a camera offering exceptional user comfort and ease of operation. Unfortunately, I could not fully confirm this. What bothered me most was how slow the zoom motor is. Given today's technical capabilities, it felt as though I was probably using the original D-Lux; I had expected a much faster zoom lens. While I love the ability to zoom and capture different perspectives, the user experience was subpar.

I also had problems adjusting/positioning the AF frame. I didn't try the touch AF; I used the directional pad, which usually works better if you don't use live view. It slowly changed the AF field, I assume that it was not an user error as it works perfectly with my Leica Q2. Both issues made it nearly impossible to capture unexpected moments; there's no chance of getting the shot quickly when you need to zoom or change the AF field.
Using the D-Lux 8 was definitely not as satisfying as using the Leica Q2 and I wouldn't recommend this camera to someone who is new to the brand as it doesn't really highlight the otherwise great Leica experience.

While using live mode, I initially thought the picture quality wasn't that great, but looking at the photos now, I'm quite satisfied with how they turned out. The expected issue of the file sizes being too small didn't prove to be true – they are big enough for online use, also for printing (in smaller or medium size) and resizing them is much faster than with the Leica Q2 photos.

On the subject of social media, there is one feature that I personally won't need: the ability to change the aspect ratio directly on the camera. One thing I do appreciate is that it comes with a small flash, so you don’t need to buy one separately. I haven't had the chance to try it out yet, so I can't comment on its performance.

The small BP-DC15 lithium-ion battery didn’t last very long. I would suggest buying at least one extra battery to be on the safe side when exploring a city.

Leica D-Lux 8 | Sample photos

All photographs were taken during the photo walk in June in Graz/ Austria. They are slightly colour-adjusted in Adobe Lightroom.

Leica D-Lux 8 vs. Leica Q2

Here, you can see a side-by-side photo comparison of the Leica D-Lux 8 and the Leica Q2.
The pictures are slightly colour-adjusted in Adobe Lightroom.

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica Q2

Leica Q2

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica Q2

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica Q2

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica Q2

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica Q2

Conclusion

Even if you read all the specifications and check the reviews, I would recommend trying out a camera before buying. Everyone has different needs for a camera, so it’s always best to make up your own mind. Being able to download the pictures and see if they resonate is invaluable. In fact, the 1.5-hour photo walk even felt like too little time to make a decision. Therefore Leica also gives you the opportunity to borrow a camera for free for 22 hours:

During the walk, the Leica ambassador assumed that I might not become happy with the D-Lux after seeing that I already owned a Leica Q2. Without the issues with slow operation, it would be an awesome camera.

I'm not 100% convinced by the camera, but I like how the pictures turnd out that I'm still thinking about whether it might be a good idea to get it as a second camera or not. Right now, spending around €2,000 (as I would need a hand grip, additional batteries and a filter to protect the lens) feels a bit too much.

However, when they would fix these issues and enhance the appeal of the zoom lens, the Leica D-Lux 9 would be a great match for me. Until then, I hope I can try out the D-Lux 8 once again or maybe find a good second-hand deal.

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Check out my Leica Q3 43 review:

The art of taking authentic portraits

For me, taking portraits is such an interesting yet difficult task: I have a lot of respect for it.

As a photographer and – above all – a human being, I don’t want to make anyone feel bad about themselves, my aim is to underline their essence, their spirit and beauty in the best possible way.

But that’s the difficult part: Even if I am perfectly prepared for a shoot, there is still an element of unpredictability as to whether it will work out or not. There might be a bit of pressure on both sides as we want to achieve great, satisfying results – sometimes even in a short amount of time. You might get paid for the portraits, so it needs to be a “success”. Another thing that scares me is that people feel good when the photos turn out well and bad when they find themselves unattractive in them. But what’s beautiful to me may be aesthetically unpleasing to others – that's where the difficulty starts.

How do I look?

When judging beauty, people may adapt to a typical appearance established in their own culture decades ago or to fashionable beauty trends such as youthfulness, masculinity, femininity, slimness and smooth-looking skin.

Already painters used their opportunities in the past to make the model in the painted portrait look a little better, nowadays people love to use filters or have trained photographic facial expressions to appear more „beautiful“ –  but at the same moment unnatural things like a fake smile or a filter can be detected quite easily. When someone looks too perfect, it doesn't feel real either. Just think about AI-generated images of the “most perfect” women and men; we can detect an artificial image in a few seconds because something feels off.

Most of the time also the inner critic creeps in, we might not have taken pictures for a while and we might detect wrinkles, grey hair or our body not being in the shape as it was. Sometimes we recognize it just when we look at this new picture of us, but there’s still the wish to look all perfect because this is the “new look” we are used to see because of all those flawless influencers and models on social media or in the newspaper. Researchers discovered that even when we know that pictures are manipulated it does not always prevent their influence on how we perceive beauty or body standards even though we logically know these idealised images are not real.

Photographer Serge van Neck states it:

“The honest shot is the more interesting shot, every time.”

— Serge van Neck

During an internship, I had to take around 50 portraits of women and men of different ages. One thing I realised when I focused more on their appearance was that everyone had a little flaw that you don't even notice when you're talking to them.

Be sure that authentic portraits will always speak to our hearts and have a greater emotional impact.

The non-technical aspects of taking an authentic photograph

Taking photos of ourself has always played an important role in self-definition as well as in self-presentation and self-reflection.

When taking a picture of myself, I like to consider what someone in ten or twenty years' time would think of this photo. I'm sure we'd all be annoyed by duck faces or the photo poses that were popular back then. Another consideration is how I would like to present myself to an imaginary younger self or to a younger sister to show the best version of myself. However, that shouldn't stop you from taking revealing pictures if that's your thing.

To me, authentic-looking photos are filled with great charisma – this is when you create poetry. The aim is to capture genuine expressions to create radically personal and emotional photographs.

As long as we don't take documentary pictures without intervening in a scene, most areas of photography are staged or posed to some extent. Let's be honest: it might be an 'arranged meeting' – we choose time and place and decide what to wear. The photographer might give us some instructions, which could make it difficult to call the photos 'authentic'.

In this context, authenticity means evoking real emotions and avoiding polished poses, trained expressions or acting (pretending to be someone you are not). It's about being genuine and real and being true and honest without covering up any unwanted bits. It's about showing our personality, presence, energy and emotions. It also means letting go of perfectionism, but that doesn't mean the pictures can't be beautiful. In fact, the more raw a picture is, the more beautiful it appears to me.

7 tips to achieve authentic portraits

1) Make sure you have a great connection with the photographer

Everything in this world is made up of energy and it is believed that each of us operates on our own frequency. Sometimes you meet someone and you effortlessly 'click' – you have a mutual connection.

I like Austrian photographer Ingo Pertramer's approach, where he spends more time in getting to know the person over a cup of coffee than taking the picture. It's important to feel comfortable and welcome during the shoot; sometimes, showing your true and authentic self can feel vulnerable or intimate. If you don't click with the photographer, don't take pictures – the mistrust will be visible in the photos. There are micro-expressions that we cannot control, but you will be able to see them in the photos.

I don’t agree that it’s the photographer's fault when less attractive pictures are taken. Of course, the photographer's inexperience or inadequate equipment can be reasons why the pictures didn't turn out well, but never forget that you are a team: the photographer can only be as good as the model and vice versa. It's important to like and trust each other to get authentic shots.

 2) Use a camera, not a phone

 
Phones tend to sharpen pictures and make colours more saturated. Using portrait mode can make the background look very unrealistic. I know phone cameras can take great pictures nowadays, but since we're going for a natural look, I'd recommend using a camera.

While the camera is important for great pictures, I would still recommend using less gear. Large SLR cameras and huge lenses can look more 'weapon-like' and might be intimidating, so a small body and lens would be much friendlier and more intimate for this kind of shoot. However, it is important to use the right lens, otherwise it could distort the subject too much.

 3) Never underestimate the power of light

In my opinion, real, authentic shots don't need a studio setup. Rather than trusting artificial light, I would recommend using available light: go outdoors or place yourself near a window – the portrait will look much more natural this way.

The time of day and weather also have a huge impact. Here in Austria, the sun is strongest and harshest at noon, creating unflattering shadows and making wrinkles more visible. If you're not going for a strong portrait with this sharp look, it's better to take pictures in the morning or evening light.

The terms “authentic” and “beautiful” are not opposed concepts – you can highlight your natural beauty in the morning when you probably look your freshest and your body may look great as it hasn't been affected by heavy food yet.

4) What to wear for the photo shoot

For portraits, people tend to wear the most colourful and patterned clothes they can find to make themselves stand out. For authentic shots, however, the clothes shouldn't steal the show, unless you're a bright shining star who loves to wear these kind of outfits every day. The most important thing when it comes to clothing is that you feel comfortable and that the clothes represent you. So please avoid itchy materials and shirts, dresses or trousers that are too tight. I would also avoid neon colours and clothes with big logos; stick to solid, neutral colours and subtle patterns.

Another tip would be to not go to the hairdresser or wear fancy makeup on the day of the shoot – you can always spot on TV which women went to the hairdresser right before the interview. Simple hairstyles look more natural.

If you want to go the extra mile, you could also take a look at which colours might fit the scene. Earthy tones can look nice outdoors, for example, as can reds in a green environment. Take a look at a colour wheel or study colour theory to find out which colours go well together and why complementary colours can be a good choice. Most importantly, the colours should suit your skin tone. Try on a few outfits in front of a mirror to see what looks most flattering on you.

Not only the colour, but also the texture of the clothing has an impact on the picture, as it can create more depth. A junky woollen cardigan has great texture as does a floating or sparkling chiffon dress. If you're not sure, take a few test shots to see what looks best on you and in the picture.

5) What is the best time to take authentic photos

As James Bay sings 'no, you don't have to wear your best fake smile': if you're not happy, don't pretend you are. I know models are asked to look happy and sad within a few seconds difference, but why not show how you really feel at that moment. All emotions are valid. Authenticity is not a fixed state; it changes all the time. We can authentically feel at ease, annoyed, happy or sad. We want expressions that come from within and radiate outwards. Remember: even honest disgust is more appealing than a fake smile. ;-)

If you have enough time on holiday, it's a good time to start taking authentic pictures. You're more relaxed, looking forward to exploring the surroundings and generally more excited about the day, so you might feel freer and it feels easier to take portraits.

But you can actually take those pictures anywhere and everywhere; it's just important that you and the photographer have enough time and aren't stressed by a busy schedule or too many strangers around you.

6) Where to take authentic pictures

If you're not a model, it can be challenging to simply shoot in front of a plain white wall. Being authentic means leaving all those standard poses and trained photographic facial expressions behind. It's time for a series of surprisingly personal shots or everyday scenes. Try telling a story, using your surroundings, such as your home or city and props to add meaning to the scene.

For example, you could showcase your favourite hobby. If it's basketball, for instance, the shoot could take place in a backyard with the photographer taking pictures while you dribble or shoot hoops. There could also be pictures of you sitting and tying your shoelaces or simply holding the ball. It doesn't have to be a hobby; it could be something like getting up in the morning while still feeling sleepy, sitting on your bed with a cosy blanket. This way, you can document an event while the subject is busy doing a specific, well-known task. When we are busy doing something, we have less time to worry about how we look. Especially the moments in between create the most stunning portraits. Just make sure the scene is authentic. If you want to go skiing in a dress, you might get great results for an editorial series, but for authentic pictures it would be better to stick to 'normal' situations.

7) How to take authentic pictures

It's good to get a variety of shots: include details, full-body shots and close-ups. To get in a comfortable mood, I wouldn’t start with super close ups; start with some from a distance instead. Also, be aware that hundreds of pictures of models will be taken during one photo shoot, so don’t be disappointed if the best shots don’t come right away.

For authentic portraits, it's good to include a little movement, as we're always moving during the day. This will definitely feel more natural than standing still.

In the post-processing stage, please trust the photographer. I think it's acceptable to remove minor, non-permanent blemishes such as pimples, but it's definitely unnecessary to create  high-end portraits with edited skin.

Embrace your authenticity

Taking a picture of someone can be a simple delight, but being photographed often feels complicated or confusing. We tend to react with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as it can sometimes feel as a camera could reveal our innermost thoughts and insecurities.

I hope these tips have helped you express yourself more fully during a shoot and create a realistic and compassionate self-image. It's important to understand that our flaws are part of what makes us unique and magnificent. They don't define our worth (negatively). We all have aspects of ourselves that we struggle with and it is so important to recognise that imperfections are a universal part of being human.

If a photoshoot doesn't turn out as expected, allow yourself to fail — maybe it was the wrong day, moment, situation or photographer — and try again another time, bearing these tips in mind.

Do you have other tips our would you like to share your results?

Feel free to contact me by emailing to hello@bergermargaret.com or writing a DM on Instagram @bergermargaret.

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Learn more about authenticity or authentic portraits:

• Book tip | Chris Orwig: People Pictures. 30 Exercises for creating authentic photographs

• Book tip | Confidence - 8 steps to knowing your worth by Roxie Nafousie (this is a general book about confidence and authenticity)

• Udemy course | The Authentic Portrait Photography Toolkit by Lucy Lambriex (also available on Skillshare)

These sources are not sponsored, just educational information I enjoyed studying.

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Framing romance: The connection between photography and love

What impresses me most about photography is the undeniable feeling that there is something magical about the process of taking a picture. Part of the fascination comes from the technology of how an image can be captured, but it also extends to the fact that with photography you do not only pay homage to a beautiful moment or a loved one, but you also have the opportunity to own this special moment or person in the form of a picture.

Photographs are closer to our emotional life than words. We can take pictures of events that show more and different things that we could ever put into words in a later narrative.
No matter how wonderful and great a moment was, the more time passes, the more the memory becomes obscured - a fog envelops what was once loved and no matter how hard you try, you are unable to preserve a special moment in detail.

Most of the times we can only remember fragments, also because we were concentrating on specific things at the time of the experience.
On your first date for example, you were probably so excited and nervous at the same time that you concentrated more on not dropping your spoon or even spilling your coffee or tea. Parts of the date that were particularly memorable or important to you are still fresh in your mind after many years, but things like the day of the date, the weather, the clothes and shoes you or your crush wore are probably only vaguely remembered.

Through photography, memories can be preserved for eternity; photographs help to reconstruct the moment, to revive forgotten episodes and probably make it possible to discover new things that were not perceived at the time, sometimes even to correct memories.

The photo of your loved one

Another advantage of photography is that the picture is available to the viewer without movement, as faces are constantly moving in reality.
It is often difficult to remember the face of a friend from the past; photography helps to bring back the memory to some extent. Maybe you know it from yourself: it is often easier to remember a photograph than a person, because it is easier to think of a still image than to put together the pieces of a person's moving facial expressions into a representative image. The still image is available to the viewer for a longer period of time and can also be analysed and observed more closely which turns out to be another benefit for lovers.

While it may seem impolite or even a little cringy to stare at the beautiful face of a nearly stranger for a long time, you can look at a photograph as often and as long as you wish.
The picture itself creates a fictional community - you always have your loved one with you, whether in your wallet or on your mobile phone. It creates a closeness to the person and also takes away a little bit of the lonliness. Your favourite person might feel honoured too that you take them with you wherever you go.

Many years ago, people also believed that if you had a picture of your partner with you, nothing bad could happen to them - carrying a picture in your wallet was thought to protect your loved one from harm and also bring luck to you.

Beautiful photographs become beautiful under the favour of their photographers who make them meaningful. In a book on the psychology of photography, it was mentioned that people like to take pictures of their loved ones in front of sights. The person taking the photograph is subconsciously expressing that s/he values her/his beauty above everything else. It is not said without a reason that photography is a non-verbal flirtation between the photographer and the subject.

Love for the object

Sometimes it is easier to remember objects than people - the reason behind it is that we have many feelings about people which can change in quick succession. We often experience photos of an ex-partner as very painful, but when it comes to things, there is - at best - a constant, undisappointed feeling of admiration and wonder. That's why it's worth taking photos of old football shoes, your favourite teddy bear or your first car too - these memories often have stronger positive associations than people in a long run.

Love for photography

Today I saw a video on Instagram of an old woman, I think she's in her late 80s if not older, standing on a pedestrian walkway with her bags on the ground, her hands holding a dslr camera and she's very focused on taking a picture of a subject that can't be seen in the video. It looks like the camera is very heavy for her, but her passion keeps her going. It made me smile because I can feel it and it's somehow proof that you never stop loving photography.

I hope that I will be the same and that photography will continue to amaze me and bring me joy even when I am old. I hope that there are still many beautiful things, nature and even more amazing people to be photographed.  

I wish you a happy Valentine's Day and I hope you have someone in your life who is more beautiful than the Eiffel Tower or more impressive than the pyramids in Egypt ;-) Someone or something that you love so much that you want to take hundreds of pictures and keep them forever.

Testing the Leica Q3 43

Your photographic style can be as versatile as your personality. It is important that the equipment you use supports your photographic vision. The camera and its lens are – along with your eyes – one of the most essential tools to help us achieve this. There are many areas of photography and each one requires special settings, in most cases a specific camera or well-chosen lenses so to say.

Over the years of shooting, I discovered that for my style of photography, I prefer to use a 35mm prime lens with an open aperture. As my Canon 5D Mark III is very heavy, I was looking for a lightweight mirrorless full-frame alternative and discovered the Leica Q2.

The Leica Q Series - From the Leica Q to the Leica Q3 43

In 2015, Leica introduced a new camera segment – the Leica Q series – which are digital full-frame cameras with a fixed, non-interchangeable prime lens and an integrated macro mode. The success of the Q family is based on the high quality of the lenses, the workmanship, the image quality, the timeless Leica design and the affordability compared to other Leica cameras.

The Leica Q (Typ 116) was the first model to be released in 2015 and is a full-frame fixed-lens camera with a Leica Summilux 28mm lens and an aperture range from f/1.7 to f/16, with the possibility of digital zoom to 1.25x or 1.8x (35 and 50mm). Over the years, a number of alternative designs were introduced such as the Leica Q Titanium Gray paint finish, Leica Q Silver, Leica Q Khaki - with technical specifications identical to the original model.

Somewhat different was the Leica Q-P which was announced in 2018. It came without the red dot logo, but with the classic Leica script engraved on the top plate and it had a different shutter release button, reminiscent of the Leica M and CL cameras.

The Leica Q2 succeeded the original Leica Q and Leica Q-P in 2019. It was promoted as the next generation model of the Q line with a newly developed 47.3MP CMOS full-frame sensor, again a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 prime lens with additional new features such as a digital frame selector for 35, 50 and 75mm as well as a protective seal against dust and spray water for shooting in all weather conditions.

The Leica Q2 also had several design options, such as the Leica Q2 Reporter - designed for the demanding working environment of reporters and press with Kevlar instead of the traditional leather trim; the Leica Q2 007 Edition - in honour of James Bond's 25th mission, "No time to die"; the Leica Q2 "Ghost" by Hodinkee - with a stylish grey leather trim, paying tribute to the iconic diving watch known as the "Ghost Bezel", the Leica Q2 Disney "100 Years of Wonder" version with a Mickey Mouse print on the plate to celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary or, in my opinion, the most beautiful, the limited special edition Leica Q2 "Dawn" by musician Seal, which pays tribute to the soulful lyrics of the artist's songs and also comes with a matching scarf.

2020 marked the launch of the Leica Q2 Monochrom, the only full-frame compact camera with a dedicated monochrome sensor – the perfect companion for fans of black-and-white photography – also available in a reporter version.

In 2023, Leica introduced the Leica Q3, the third generation of the Leica Q family. The Leica Q3 features a stabilised Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens with a 60MP CMOS full-frame sensor and the ability to digitally crop to equivalent focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm. The Leica Q3 is capable of 8K video recording and is the first model in the Q line to feature a tiltable, high-resolution 3-inch touchscreen.

The Leica Q3 43 was launched in September 2024. The biggest difference between the Leica Q3 43 and all previous models is that the Q3 43 does not have the usual 28mm focal length - the new feature is an APO-Summicron lens with a fixed focal length of 43mm f/2 and a digital zoom that allows zooming to focal lengths of 60, 75, 90, 120 and 150mm. The new 43mm lens is advertised as being able to capture moments as the eye sees them - the focal length closely mimics human vision, allowing the subject to be captured in a truly natural and balanced, true-to-life way. Like the earlier Leica Q models, the Q3 43 has an integrated macro mode and, like the Q3, it has a tiltable touchscreen.

I'm not technically adviced enough to explain the difference between summilux and summicron lenses, but Leica describes the new lens as exceptionally sharp. It produces nice colours in all lighting conditions thanks to the complex construction of the apochromatically corrected optical design which includes four aspherical elements. These lens types are said to be among the best in the world. Combined with a great ISO performance (from ISO 50 to 100000), the APO lens should also allow for short exposure times, even in low light.

Leica Q2 vs. Leica Q3 43 | My first impressions

To be honest, it took me a while to get used to my Leica Q2 when I bought it in 2021. Due to my Canon setup, I had to get used to a 28mm lens and I was also a bit disappointed because I didn't like the first results that much even though I've seen a lot of videos of photographers praising the famous Leica look - also, the fabric of the lens cap came off, making it impossible to use and I had to replace it with another model soon after I bought it. In my opinion, the original lens cap is really badly designed and it's definitely not something you expect when you invest in a Leica camera which is usually known for good and durable quality.

Personally, the Leica Q2 was probably not the best choice as I tend to like to create a dreamier look with lots of bokeh in my photographs - Leica cameras are best known for the documentary and more straightforward street photography style - but I know that beforehand and it's my fault, not the camera's!

After a rather rocky start, I began to like the new features of the camera - the Q2 felt very light compared to my old Canon setup and I became a fan of the sharpness of the photographs - when you zoom in on a Leica picture, I guarantee it's amazing to discover all the details! The downside is that the photo files are so large that it literally takes hours to resize them in Photoshop - even though I have a good laptop for editing, it takes a lot of patience to resize a series for my blog without losing all the details. It also takes a bit of time to connect the camera to the Leica app - once you get a connection, it works fine.

The Leica Q2 has become my only camera for all my travel photography and I could not imagine photographing without it anyomore - it's easy to carry and now that I'm more used to the look, I really like the results. I feel like the pictures look really authentic which is very important for me.
For portraits, products and flowers, I still prefer my Canon camera because I can change lenses - especially for portraits, I think a 35mm focal length looks better, or at least less distorted.

I was really excited when Leica announced the Q3 43 as I hoped to have found my ultimate dream camera. I particularly liked the 'human perspective' aspect - the new focal length is definitely great for portraiture, the photos on the Leica website looked stunning and I was very curious to see what the bokeh would look like.

I had the chance to attend a Leica photo walk in Klagenfurt in November and was more than happy to try out the Leica Q3 43. The Leica Q3 43 looks quite similar to the Q2 - the main differences I immediately spotted were the colour of the body (the Q3 43 is grey, the Q2 is black) and a different shutter button. If you know how to use the Leica Q2, it is easy to get used to taking pictures with the Leica Q3 43. Although I always wanted a higher focal length, I struggled to get great shots in the city, I felt the 43mm was too 'zoomed in' - I never thought this could happen, but it seems I am already so used to the 28mm of my Leica Q2 and it will still be my favourite choice for street and travel photography. I also wanted to see how the bokeh looks like with this new Leica lens - on my Instagram account you'll mainly find flowers with dreamy bokeh - November wasn't the best month to try it out and I couldn't make up my mind, I feel like I need to try it again in early spring or summer. Portraits definitely look great, I wasn't quite sure if I was expecting an even bigger difference from the Q2.

After the photo walk, I came to the conclusion that the Q3 43 cannot replace my Leica Q2. Travelling with two Leica cameras (in addition to my analogue ones) didn't seem very compelling to me because I'm always tempted to reduce the weight and size of my equipment and I was hoping to find a camera that could do everything: portraits, landscapes, nature photography. It's also a big investment to buy both cameras, as the Leica Q3 43 costs around 6750 euros. When I told a colleague of mine who is also into photography about the new camera and its cost, he immediately said that I could buy three really good lenses from another brand for that price - and that's true. The Leica Q3 43 is definitely a wonderful camera and I can see it being a perfect match if your preferred focal length is 50mm.

At the moment I won't be getting the Leica Q3 43 (but never say never, it is still tempting to get one), I'd rather save my money for a Leica camera that might be more suited to my needs. Until then, I'm trying to get better results out of my Leica Q2 - as always, it's not the equipment that needs improving, but the photographer and I hope I'll be able to use the Q2 better for portrait photography.

Leica Q3 43 | Sample Pictures

All photographs were taken during the photo walk in moody November in Klagenfurt / Austria. They are slightly colour-adjusted in Adobe Lightroom.

Pictures taken with the Leica Q2

The picture were taken on the same day in Klagenfurt.

You can find a lot of posts here on my blog, where I have taken all photographs with my Leica Q2. Here are a few examples:

Leica Q3 43 | Original files vs. edited ones

To help you see the colours straight from the camera, here are examples of unedited and edited images. As I mentioned before, it was a very moody, cloudy, almost rainy November day - not the sort of weather I usually take pictures.

unedited

edited

unedited

edited

unedited

edited

unedited, slightly cropped

edited

My dream Leica Q camera

It is always fun to think about what my ideal Leica Q camera would be and look like - be aware that I am only dreaming here: it would be the Leica Q-M. The M stands for its similarity to the M series. The Leica Q-M would have a fixed 35mm f2.0 focal length - that's actually the focal length I wish for - perfectly between 28mm and 43mm. The old analogue Leica cameras look great and the Q-M would match that style with the Leica script engraved on the top plate (similar to the Leica Q-P) and the shutter release button look of the Leica M series.

The Leica Q-M wouldn't be a rival to the original M series as you can't change lenses - it would be a great alternative for a younger target group of photographers who can't or don't want to invest in cameras costing over 10k. As a female most of the time single traveller, I feel safer if my camera is not worth a 2-carat diamond.

I would like to see a high ISO range so I can take great pictures in low light (the Q2 is not the best in terms of ISO) and for filming it would be nice to have good image stabilisation and autofocus, it does not need the tiltable screen of the Leica Q3, but maybe a flip screen (not mandatory). The design should be as clean as possible, but the ability to add a microphone and gimbal would be useful. Ideally, the packaging of the Q-M should be similar to that of the Leica Q2 and, of course, the camera should come with a charger (I have heard that the Q3 43 comes without one, which is a pity!)

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In case you are interested in analogue Leica cameras too, check out my analogue story which features the Leica C1 and Leica Minilux:

Read my Leica D-Lux 8 review here:

The perfect camera bag

Finding a great camera bag is not that easy. Most of the time, something unfortunately just doesn't feel right: it could be the size, the weight, the strap. It's like finding the right partner - a great mission, but difficult to complete. If you're lucky, you'll find your dream partner, and if it's not a perfect match, you can still adjust it – attention: the latter only applies to your camera bag! ;-)

In all my years as a photographer, I have tried many different ways of carrying my camera: various cross-body camera bags, camera backpacks with one or two straps, old vintage bags - some of them stayed, most of them found a new home. It's a personal choice and always depends on your needs, which may be different for everyone.

Here are 5 things I look for when choosing a camera bag

1. A unique style. I prefer a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. I often travel alone and I don't want people to know that I'm travelling with a 5k to 6k Euros gem of camera equipment. A camera bag that does not look too mainstream will keep unwanted eyes and hands away. All for the rule: you don't want to share your precious one!

2. A sporty look. The weight of the bag should be within reasonable limits. My Canon camera is quite heavy, so I'm always relieved when I don't have to carry extra weight around all day. I would rather take an extra lens with me than carry the extra weight of a heavy bag.

3. Stability. It's always good to know that my camera is safely stored in the bag and that it has great support when life gets shaky.

4. Mental support. A camera backpack might look cool, but if it takes ages to get to my camera, it is not the right choice for me, as I will procrastinate far too much and not take the picture. Imagine a very cold winter's day, what a great help it is to be able to easily access your camera, take your pictures and quickly store your camera again.

5. Variety. Another very important feature is a variety of storage options. Several pockets and a zipped compartment give you the freedom to carry and easily find your extra camera accessories such as memory cards, batteries or lens cleaning products.

How to get the most out of your camera bag (especially when travelling)

When I just want to take a few pictures of flowers, I usually grab my camera, but especially when I travel, I need a camera bag that works as a daily companion with more functions than usually intended. Here are a few tweaks - some are helpful, some are more like a little nice extra.

1. Camera bags are often made from a thick, padded nylon fabric that holds your camera well. Unfortunately, this type of fabric isn't very kind to your wardrobe. On several occasions, this harsh material chafed on my cardigan as I walked, roughening the fabric. If you like to wear tights or fine fabrics, I would recommend sewing on a second layer of nice fabric such as satin or cotton on the back of your camera bag to avoid unfortunate damage to your wardrobe.

2. Some of the larger camera backpacks and most hiking backpacks have it: a key holder. It's another thing you can easily add to your bag without any DIY skills: All you need is a clip and a small strap, and once you have attached it, you will never have to worry about where your keys are again. If you are worried about your keys scratching your camera or lens, you could put them in a small fabric gift bag and clip it to your key ring.

3. When I'm travelling and I want to explore the city, I don't want to take two bags or a bag and a backpack to carry all the things I need to get around. All I really need is my camera, phone, keys and wallet, maybe my passport. I find it really useful to have a travel wallet for this case. It is thinner than a normal wallet and holds cash, coins and cards. I chose one in a colour other than black so it is easy to find, my travel wallet also has a hook and can be attached to my key ring.

4.  One accessory I like to add to my camera bag is a small talisman. The brand Kalahari does a great job of adding the tiger's eye - a protective healing stone - to their camera bags. The stone was used by the ancient Greeks and Arabs to protect themselves from the 'evil eye'. As a healing stone, it is said to sharpen your vision - it is also popular with artists and writers to clear creative blockages. It's nice to have a special little extra in your bag that most people don't have, and if it helps with creativity, why not add one?

5. Actually you can use any bag and make it your personal camera bag. As long as it fits your camera and is quite stable, there is nothing wrong with using a normal bag - no one would suspect your camera inside. You could still buy some camera inlays and add them to your personal bag - then you have all the benefits of a regular bag and it is definitely a cheaper option than the quite expensive camera bags.
   
   The blog post features the Long Week Santa Fe Shoulder camera bag (not sponsored). If you have great tips how to improve your camera bag, please let me/us know in the comment section!