Leica D-Lux 8

Name: Leica D-Lux 8
Brand: Leica
SKU: 30463

Manufacturer: Leica

The Leica D-Lux 8 is a compact camera built around a 17 MP CMOS sensor and a fixed zoom lens covering a focal length range of 10.9 mm to 34 mm with a maximum aperture of f/1.7. It features a 3-inch touchscreen alongside a high-resolution 2360k dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, making it a capable option for shooters who want an optical-style framing experience in a compact body. The camera weighs 397 g and measures 130 x 69 x 34 mm, and operates within a temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C.

On the imaging side, the Leica D-Lux 8 supports RAW capture, manual controls for shutter speed, ISO, exposure, and white balance, along with built-in optical image stabilization and a continuous shooting rate of 11 fps. It records 4K video at 2160 x 30 fps with a bitrate of 100 Mbps, a 24p cinema mode, and a stereo dual-microphone setup, though there is no microphone input or headphone jack. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5, HDMI output, USB Type-C (USB 3), and an external memory slot, while the removable 1025 mAh battery and hot shoe round out a fairly complete feature set for a compact-class camera.

Pros

The f/1.7 maximum aperture at the wide end allows more light onto the sensor, which is useful in lower-light shooting conditions
A continuous shooting rate of 11 fps combined with AF tracking makes it capable of capturing fast-moving subjects in burst sequences
4K video recording at 30 fps with a 100 Mbps bitrate and a 24p cinema mode gives videographers meaningful control over footage quality
The removable battery design allows users to carry and swap spare batteries during extended shooting sessions
RAW shooting support gives photographers full control over post-processing with maximum image data retained
Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi connectivity with remote smartphone support enable wireless image transfer and camera control without cables

Cons

The 1025 mAh battery capacity is modest for a camera, which may limit the number of shots per charge during intensive use
No weather sealing means the camera cannot be used reliably in rain or dusty outdoor environments
The absence of a microphone input and 3.5 mm audio jack limits audio quality options for video shooters who need external microphone support
Slow-motion video recording is not supported, restricting creative options for motion-oriented video work
Phase-detection autofocus is unavailable for both photos and video, which may affect autofocus speed and reliability in certain shooting situations
There is only a single card slot, with no dual-slot option for backup recording or overflow storage

Who is this for?

The Leica D-Lux 8 is well suited to photographers who want a capable compact camera for everyday and travel use, where its f/1.7 maximum aperture and built-in optical image stabilization help in a range of lighting conditions without the bulk of a larger system. The 11 fps continuous shooting, AF tracking, and full manual controls make it a reasonable fit for enthusiasts who want hands-on control over exposure, focus, and white balance in a pocketable form. Those who occasionally shoot video will also find value in the 4K 30 fps recording with 24p cinema mode and the built-in stereo microphones, making it a compact all-rounder for hybrid photo and video use.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who frequently shoot in challenging outdoor conditions will find the lack of weather sealing a significant drawback, as the camera offers no protection against rain, dust, or moisture. Dedicated video shooters who rely on external microphones or headphones for audio monitoring will be frustrated by the absence of both a microphone input and a 3.5 mm jack, and the lack of slow-motion video recording further limits its appeal for cinematic work. The modest 1025 mAh removable battery also makes this a poor fit for long uninterrupted shooting sessions without access to spare batteries, and the single card slot offers no redundancy for photographers who need backup recording in professional settings.

Design:

Type	Compact
viewfinder	Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
is weather-sealed (splashproof)	✕
screen resolution	1843k dots
EVF resolution	2360k dots
Has a flip-out screen	✕
viewfinder coverage	100%
screen size	3"
weight	397 g
has a touch screen	✓
Has a hot shoe	✓
volume	304.98 cm³
is a system camera	✕
has a flash	✕
lowest potential operating temperature	0 °C
maximum operating temperature	40 °C
Has a tilting viewfinder	✕
EVF refresh rate (max)	60fps
Includes lens hood	✕
width	130 mm
height	69 mm
thickness	34 mm

The Leica D-Lux 8 is a compact camera body measuring 130 x 69 x 34 mm with a volume of 304.98 cm³ and a weight of 397 g. It features a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1843k dots alongside a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering 2360k dot resolution, 100% coverage, and a maximum refresh rate of 60fps. The EVF is fixed and does not tilt, and the rear screen does not flip out. A hot shoe is present for attaching external flash accessories, as the camera has no built-in flash, and a lens hood is not included. The device is not weather-sealed and is not a system camera, with a specified operating temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C.

Optics:

focus points	49
megapixels (main camera)	17 MP
maximum ISO	25000 ISO
has sensor shift stabilization	✕
continuous shooting (mechanical)	11 fps
has AF tracking	✓
Has phase-detection autofocus for photos	✕
fastest shutter speed	0.00025 s
has built-in optical image stabilization	✓
has manual focus	✓
has touch autofocus	✓
has manual shutter speed	✓
has a BSI sensor	✕
has manual exposure	✓
has a two-stage shutter	✓
has a serial shot mode	✓
has a CMOS sensor	✓
has manual ISO	✓
flash sync speed	0.00025 s
optical zoom	3.1x
wide aperture (main camera)	1.7f
has manual white balance	✓
exposure time	30 s
Maximum electronic shutter speed	6.25E-5 s
maximum focal length	34 mm
has a stacked CMOS sensor	✕
minimum focal length	10.9 mm
widest aperture at maximum focal length	2.8f
minimum focus distance	0.5 m
Can focus to infinity	✓
smallest aperture at maximum focal length	16f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length	16f

The Leica D-Lux 8 uses a 17 MP CMOS sensor — neither back-illuminated nor stacked — with a maximum ISO of 25000 and a fixed zoom lens offering 3.1x optical zoom across a focal range of 10.9 mm to 34 mm. The widest aperture is f/1.7 at the minimum focal length, narrowing to f/2.8 at the maximum, with both ends closing down to f/16 at their smallest. The lens can focus as close as 0.5 m and supports infinity focus. Autofocus is handled through a 49-point system with AF tracking and touch autofocus, though phase-detection autofocus is not available. Built-in optical image stabilization is present, while sensor-shift stabilization is not. Manual controls cover focus, shutter speed, ISO, exposure, and white balance, and a two-stage shutter is included alongside burst mode for continuous shooting at 11 fps. The fastest mechanical shutter speed reaches 1/4000 s, with the electronic shutter pushing to 1/16000 s, a flash sync speed of 1/4000 s, and a maximum exposure time of 30 seconds.

Videography:

video recording (main camera)	2160 x 30 fps
Has phase-detection autofocus for videos	✕
has continuous autofocus when recording movies	✓
has a microphone input	✕
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack	✕
has a stereo microphone	✓
movie bitrate	100 Mbps
number of microphones	2
has a 24p cinema mode	✓
supports slow-motion video recording	✕

The Leica D-Lux 8 records video at 4K (2160p) at 30 fps with a maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps, and also offers a 24p cinema mode for a more filmic frame rate. Continuous autofocus is available during recording, though phase-detection autofocus for video is not supported. Audio is captured through a built-in dual stereo microphone setup, but there is no external microphone input and no 3.5 mm audio jack. Slow-motion video recording is not available.

Battery:

has a removable battery	✓
has a rechargeable battery	✓
has a battery level indicator	✓
battery power	1025 mAh

The Leica D-Lux 8 is powered by a removable and rechargeable 1025 mAh battery, allowing users to carry spares for extended shoots. A battery level indicator is built in to help monitor remaining charge during use.

Features:

supports Wi-Fi	✓
Has Bluetooth	✓
Has dual card slots	✕
shoots raw	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports a remote smartphone	✓
has an HDMI output	✓
has GPS	✕
has first-party support for live streaming	✕
has an advanced hot shoe	✕
has NFC	✕
has an external memory slot	✓
Has USB Type-C	✓
Bluetooth version	5

The Leica D-Lux 8 supports RAW shooting and offers Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity, including remote smartphone control. It features a USB Type-C port, an HDMI output, and an external memory slot for storage expansion, though dual card slots are not available. NFC and GPS are absent, and the hot shoe is a standard rather than advanced type. First-party live streaming support is also not included.

Miscellaneous:

USB version	3

The Leica D-Lux 8 includes a USB 3 interface, enabling faster data transfer when connecting the camera to a computer or compatible device.

Final Verdict

The Leica D-Lux 8 is a compact camera that covers a solid range of photographic needs within a relatively portable form factor, with its f/1.7 aperture lens combined with optical image stabilization standing out as a genuine strength for everyday and travel shooting. The addition of 4K video with a 24p cinema mode, full manual controls, RAW support, and wireless connectivity rounds out a feature set that will satisfy enthusiasts looking for creative flexibility without carrying larger equipment. That said, the absence of weather sealing, external audio connectivity, and slow-motion video narrows its appeal for more specialized or demanding use cases. For photographers who prioritize portability and hands-on control in a compact body, the Leica D-Lux 8 delivers a coherent and well-equipped package — as long as its limitations are understood upfront.