Leica D-Lux 7 Review

Leica D-Lux 7

See all images of the Leica D-Lux 7

Main
In additional D-Lux 7 was introduced by Leica in November 2018. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category. Leica is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Leica.
Brand	Leica
Category	Compact
Date	11/2018

Sensor Properties
Also D-Lux 7 has a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with size of 17 x 13 mm² (0.68″ x 0.51″). Picture of D-Lux 7’s sensor compared to popular format. The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm. The D-Lux 7’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 17 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size. The Leica supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Leica’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.
Format	Four Thirds
Sensor area	17.30 x 13.00mm² (0.68″ x 0.51″)
Type	CMOS
Resolution (physical)	21.77 megapixel
Resolution (effective)	17.00 megapixel
Pixel size	11.10 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous	11 frames/second

Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length (min)	24mm
Focal length (max)	75mm
Aperture (max)	1.7
Aperture (min)	2.8
Viewfinder Properties
The D-Lux 7 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.76 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use. The magnifcation is c. 0.70x, an above average value for an electronic viewfinder.
Type	Elektronic
Coverage	100%
Magnification	0.70x
Resolution	2.76 megapixel
Dioptric correction

Shutter
The D-Lux 7’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 60s.
Max. shutter speed	1/4000s
Min. shutter speed	60s
Sensitivity Properties
The D-Lux 7’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.
Automatic
Min. sensitivity	100 ISO
Max. sensitivity	25600 ISO
Exposure Modes
The D-Lux 7 supports all general exposure modes. The Leica allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.
Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties
The D-Lux 7’s auto focus processor uses 49 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects). Manual focus is also possible with the Leica, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.
Type	Contrast Detection
AF points	49
Manual focusing

Flash Specs
The D-Lux 7 doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category. A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Leica’s hotshoe.
Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs
The D-Lux 7 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.20 megapixel. That’s about average. Unfortunately, the D-Lux 7’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies. The D-Lux 7’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves. Display characteristics at a glance:
Type	LCD
Size	75.00mm (diagonal) (3.0 in.)
Resolution	1.20 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs
D-Lux 7 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel. ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone. Leica D-Lux 7 Video parameters:
Max. resolution	3840 x 2160 pixel
…with frame rates	24 frames/second 25 frames/second 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs
The D-Lux 7 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords. For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option. Connect the Leica to a monitor or TV set over HDMI. The Leica supports USB 2.0. Connection parameters:
WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom

Memory
The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards. Memory cards characteristics:
Slots	1
Memory cards	SD SDHC SDXC
Battery
The Leica D-Lux 7 has a BLG10E LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 403 shots. It`s enough for one day or more. The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway. The D-Lux 7’s battery battery parameters:
Type	BLG10E LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life	403 photos
Size
The Leica D-Lux 7’s dimensions are 118 x 66 x 64mm³. (4.6″ x 2.6″ x 2.5″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 393 grams (12.7 oz.), lens included. Here is front and top view of the D-Lux 7:


Dimensions Comparison
To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card). The D-Lux 7 is not much bigger: