I just had the opportunity to test out the new Leica D-LUX (typ 109) and here are some of my thoughts on it, along with sample images below. This is not an in-depth review, just a quick preview and a few images.

LEICA D-LUX (typ 109)

So, the long wait for a new D-LUX camera is finally over. Leica managed to sandwich a Micro 4/3 sensor into a camera scarcely larger than the previous version. I am told the new sensor is five times larger. Luckily, it doesn't cost five times more for the camera, although it has increased from around $800 for a D-Lux 6 to just under $1,200 for this new version. Considering the new sensor and many other major improvements, especially a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), it is a rather modest increase in price. The manufacturer warranty has also been increased to 3 years, and as with all Leica cameras, this one includes Adobe Lightroom 5 software. That being said, I used Lightroom 5 to adjust all RAW images to my own preferences.

If you currently own a D-Lux 6 and are wondering if there is enough difference to justify the upgrade, I can honestly tell you it is a completely different camera except for the name and a familiar silhouette. This is not just a sensor upgrade (although that by itself would be enough of a reason to swap, in my opinion). The lens is new as well, as it had to be designed to accommodate the much larger sensor in this version. This is only a quick preview of the camera so I won't go into depth on the optical design, but in actual use it works great. You can click any of these sample images to enlarge them and see what you think.

The new electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a big help here in Florida, where the merciless sun beats down on photographers struggling to use their LCD screens to compose an image. The fact that it is by far one of the best EVFs currently built into any compact camera is nice too, but the main point is that this has one, it's easy to use, and it's a great help in certain situations. It's automatic, just hold the camera up to your eye and it will turn on as the rear LCD turns off.

The metal body feels quite nice, cool to the touch and very solid. A big upgrade from the rather plastic body of the D-Lux 6. A small bit of rubber where your right thumb would be is perfect for keeping a good grip on the camera. As you can see, there are several neat buttons on the back. Most are self-explanatory (like "WiFi" or "ISO" or the universal red dot which means "record" for video, and the triangular playback symbol) but others like "QM" (Quick Menu) and "WB" (White Balance) are less obvious. Still, it's very easy to pick up this camera and go take great photos.

Inside the Perez Art Museum in Miami. Settings: f/3.2 and 1/125th, ISO 200

The handling and controls are great, very intuitive as it is set up just like the flagship Leica M series, with an aperture ring on the lens and shutter speed dial on top. Unlike the M, this one has autofocus and the option to let the camera select the aperture in addition to selecting the ISO and shutter speed. It is great to have physical controls when you need them and also automatic modes for just walking around.

Operation is incredibly simple: if both controls are set to "A" then the camera is in Program mode. Shift either of the dials and you will be in Aperture priority or Shutter priority mode. Shift both, and you are in Manual mode. Essentially this gives you instant manual override of either critical function, Aperture or Shutter Speed, or both. Perfect, it just works.

In addition to the Shutter Speed dial on top, there is an Exposure Compensation dial for quick adjustments of +/- 3 EV in thirds of a stop. Very convenient and easy to reach with your right thumb. You can use that to control exposure (brightness) without having to change your other settings. Overall, I'm quite pleasantly surprised by the features and functions of this camera, as well as the image quality.

Settings: f/4 and 1/125th, ISO200 — Settings: f/4 and 1/125th, ISO200

What strikes me as I review these sample images is that they really are substantially better than I expected. I probably should have mentioned at the beginning of this review that I am not a fan of most compact cameras. Every camera I have owned in recent history has been full frame, and I rarely take other cameras seriously. The results from this camera actually made me sit forward in my chair while I was editing images.

When I talk to people about what camera to get, I tell them what matters most is that they enjoy using the camera and of course that they love how the images turn out. If you like what you see, then clearly the new lens and the new sensor have made a difference. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer.

Sample Images: