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Up-to-date features, meet classic old-school Leica design: the Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black) is a compact 10.1MP digital camera with a very fast f/2-3.3 DC Vario-Summicron 24-90mm (35mm equivalent) lens that is Leica inside and out.
The D-LUX 5 delivers a range of features designed to give you brilliant image quality in a compact (4 1/3 x 2 2/3 x 1 5/7"), lightweight (9.5 oz) camera--with sensitivity up to 12800 ISO, a bright, high resolution 3" LCD display with 460,000 dots, a large 1/1.6.3" CCD sensor, O.I.S. image stabilization, program and manual exposure modes, free online download of professional software (Adobe Lightroom 4) for processing RAW files (for the highest quality images possible), and dazzling 720p HD video.
It also has all the modern conveniences, like face detection and autofocus tracking metering modes, scene modes (Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Food, Party, Candlelight, Sunset, Baby 1 and 2, Pet, Beach, Snow, Color modes--you know the drill), 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and 1:1 formats, a built-in flash plus a hot-shoe for an optional Leica flash, and a macro function that focuses down to 0.39" (1 cm). Pretty much everything you need.
And, it looks like a Leica.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Pixels |
Actual: 11.3 Megapixel Effective: 10.1 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/1.63" CCD |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MJPEG |
| Max Resolution | 10MP: 3648 x 2736 @ 4:3 |
| Other Resolutions |
7MP: 3072 x 2304 @ 4:3 5MP: 2560 x 1920 @ 4:3 3MP: 2048 x 1536 @ 4:3 2MP: 1600 x 1200 @ 4:3 0.3MP: 640 x 480 @ 4:3 9.5MP: 3776 x 2520 @ 3:2 6.5MP: 3168 x 2112 @ 3:2 4.5MP: 2656 x 1768 @ 3:2 3MP: 2112 x 1408 @ 3:2 2.5MP: 2048 x 1360 @ 3:2 0.3MP: 640 x 424 @ 3:2 9MP: 3968 x 2232 @ 16:9 6MP: 3328 x 1872 @ 16:9 4.5MP: 2784 x 1568 @ 16:9 2.5MP: 2208 x 1248 @ 16:9 2MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9 0.2MP: 640 x 360 @ 16:9 7.5MP: 2736 x 2736 @ 1:1 5.5MP: 2304 x 2304 @ 1:1 3.5MP: 1920 x 1920 @ 1:1 2.5MP: 1536 x 1536 @ 1:1 0.2MP: 480 x 480 @ 1:1 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
Leica DC Vario-Summicron EFL: 5.1-19.2 mm (35 mm equivalent: 24-90 mm) Aperture: f/2.0 (W) - 3.3 (T) to f/8.0 |
| Zoom |
Optical: 3.8x Digital: 4x |
| Focus Range |
Auto: 19.69" (50 cm) - Infinity Manual: 19.69" (50 cm) - Infinity |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 80-3200 (High Sensitivity Mode: 80-12800) |
| Shutter |
Type: Mechanical Speed: 60 - 1/4000 sec Type: Mechanical Speed: 60 - 15 sec in Starry Sky Mode |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Multi, Spot |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 0.33 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Manual, Shade, Tungsten |
| Burst Rate | Up to 2.5 fps at 11 MP for up to 6 frames |
| Self Timer | 2 Sec, 10 Sec |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Flash Modes |
Auto Auto/Red-eye Reduction Flash On Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction Off Slow Sync |
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range | Up To 2.62 - 23.62' (0.80 - 7.20 m) |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | 40MB |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Video Clip Length | Up to 29 Min Limited by Memory Card Capacity |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Mono |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 3.0" LCD Rear Screen (460000 pixels) |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity |
USB 2.0 AV Output HDMI A (Full Size) Audio Out |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) Humidity: 10 - 80% |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.33 x 2.60 x 1.69" / 11 x 6.6 x 4.3 cm |
| Weight | 9.5 oz / 269 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Good Point and Shoot
The Leica DUX-5 exceeds any reasonable set of expectations. But then again anyone who would buy a camera of this caliber most likely does not have reasonable expectations. I typically carry 40 or ...Read complete review
The Leica DUX-5 exceeds any reasonable set of expectations. But then again anyone who would buy a camera of this caliber most likely does not have reasonable expectations. I typically carry 40 or more pounds of Nikon gear on trips to Europe and going solo with a point-and-shoot took some weeks of self-convincing. But for my last trip to Spain and Portugal that is indeed what I did. And although I had a small number of "wish I had my Nikon with me now" moments the DUX-5 came through.
For some time I have been looking for a point-and-shoot for this exact situation and have used the G 10 for a number of years as an alternative to the Nikon. But I wanted something more than the G 10 was providing seeking the holy grail of a point-and-shoot who would come close to the Pro gear I typically carry. A friend of mine had a DUX-5 in Brazil on a recent trip which produced wonderful images so I broke down and bought the Leica.
On the negative side as I alluded to above the DUX-5 in certain highly technical situations is most likely not going to meet the requirements of an advanced photographer. For those of us who have taught our muscles how to stabilize a large and bulky camera the DUX-5 is sometimes annoyingly too small. Even a small handed photographer might find this problematic. I like the control features on the camera but in a number of instances I found that they were easily moved by mistake while handling the camera. If you do not splurge for the electronic viewfinder framing a picture is sometimes difficult. And if you happen to be wearing polarized sunglasses while shooting viewing the picture in the LCD display can be maddening. Indeed I found even without shades in bright light situations the LCD display was difficult to use.
But the positives are all of five-star caliber. Notwithstanding the easy movement of some of the control switches by mistake, the control layout is very intuitive and changing configuration is quite easy. Indeed the control layout is probably the closest to a professional grade camera of any point-and-shoot I have used. Soft menu configuration is excellent and much more intuitive and easy to control than most cameras I have used. There are a number of very interesting options one of them being aspect ratio bracketing. For those who bracket and take multiple frames of a picture regularly this feature is quite nice. Color rendition is exceptional. I shoot almost exclusively RAW format but with other settings the feature set is rich and as with many of the current generation of cameras deeper than most photographers would typically use. Image quality was also excellent far superior to any other point-and-shoot I have used.
For fun I had my son use my G 10 and he took many of the same photographs that I took. Comparison of the images supports the fact that rendering of the DUX-5 is top-tier. Almost the entire set of image issues that I found on processing revolved around image quality resulting from camera stabilization which I attribute to what I outlined above - that profile of the camera is small. This undoubtedly might be rectified with more experience using the camera. All in all if you are seeking only a point-and-shoot solution to your photo bug the DUX-5 is an excellent and superior choice. But alas if you are seeking a point-and-shoot which really can match Pro gear (as I noted probably an unreasonable expectation) I might stick to cheaper and almost as excellent point-and-shoot options. That said if I don't have my Pro gear with me the DUX-5 is now always within easy reach.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Good, but not worth the money
I "broke in" my new Leica in a recent Paris trip. It proved easy to use and somewhat more powerful than the average point and shoot for its size, but I was dis...Read complete review
I "broke in" my new Leica in a recent Paris trip. It proved easy to use and somewhat more powerful than the average point and shoot for its size, but I was disappointed. I used to have a Leica minilux zoom 35mm, so that is my previous comparison point, and this one did not fare well against the old analog. The minilux zoom had amazing image quality and range for a point and shoot, it compared very favorably to a 35mm SLR. I bought this digital Leica because I had read that it had a good range in low light, and it does not! Lots of noise in low light situations. This camera costs roughly twice as much as a decent digital point and shoot and it does not deliver twice the power. I also expected a more rapid shutter speed: it is good but not great, takes too long to record, particularly if you shoot raw. At this price, you want great and this does not deliver.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I just love the feature you can set different ratio of picture. the other good is you can shoot B/W picture.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
This is a great camera if you're not interested in lugging around a big heavy DSLR and still getting awesome pictures. It has many settings for different types of situations from portraits to babies to sunsets and starry skies, so you don't have to remember a bunch of f-stops and shutter speeds. It weighs practially nothing and slips in your pocket. Worth the price!
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I have light flares from outdoor shots, light spots on black clothing, and at times paler color on the left side of shubbery while the other side is the correct intensity. Had the camera "fixed" with new lens. Made no difference. My Nikon 90 was much better for same price. I expected great performance from Leica. Not so.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I got this Camera from BH .. And it's a very good Compact quality.. it's not like another Compact Camera .. Leica d-lux 5 a perfect Camera in Size , Price and quality..
thank you bh for this camera
and you have a good service
i'm from kuwait and i've got this camera in 5 days!!!
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
The LEica D-Lux 5 is a great little camera. I've dealt with carrying some big glass around as I tour the world trying to capture the images for my next book. Not to say that the Nikon D2X and the Hasselblad 500C are not great cameras, but when I'm at 15,000ft in the Himalaya or in the sweltering heat of Cambodia, I want small, compact and able to deliver results good enough for publication.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
> great range of manual settings
> compact, sleek design
it's a LEICA
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
Amazing exterior, functional, and easy to use. However, due to it's a digital p&s camera, the image performance is not as good as my expectation. Sometimes, the pictures captured are not very sharp, there is blurred portion caused by failure to focus the right way but not handling motion.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I use this dapper little camera for street shooting and snapshooting when traveling light. I fitted a Leica digital eyelevel finder onto it and wouldn't use it without this wonderful little device. The camera is feature-laden, fast, with 24mm-90mm zoom (available in STEPS just like analog Leica lenses!) and rapid-fire "motorwind". Worth every penny. A perfect companion for the Leica V-Lux 3.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I use this when I dont want the extra weight of the DSLR. I shoot in RAW and manual a lot and the in=mages are amazing.
I wish it zoomed more, but otherwise I love it
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
Just got back from a trip with this camera. I usually bring my Canon 10D SLR and the Leica D-Lux 5 took pictures with equal quality without carrying around a bunch of lenses and a much larger camera. Super crisp photos and to be able to come home and use the complimentary Adobe Lightroom makes it even better!
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
very good in low light conditions
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
i'm yet to fully learn the camera but i really like the pictures i've taken so far. i like to travel and smaller cameras work well for me (it's hard to take a picture with my face on it with a dslr).
i have a micro-4/3 and another good point-and-shoot. i've been comparing the raw pics side-by-side using different shooting modes. i'd say that they're all good but i really like the ones i took with the leica. i'll be on vacation again pretty soon and i'll definitely use the leica this time.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I take the camera with me everywhere, it is so small and great just for that!
Also it takes RAW images which I prossess in PS.
Images are very sharp, colors great, and I am totally satisfied with everything this camera can do.
I have not used the Video option jet.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I had it recommended by a friend of mine that owns a D-Lux 4. I fall in love with it so, i purchased the D-Lux 5. I am very satisfied with it! The lens quality is astonishing and has all the features that any photographer needs from a small and powerful machine like this.
I would definitely recommend it!!!!
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I thought it would be easier to use a small camera but i couldn`t really get used to it.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I'm a semi-professional photographer who needs a good quality, small camera to use for scouting or when hiking. I first bought the Leica V-Lux 30 because it has a long zoom and lots of bells and whistles. After one day, I returned it, since it's basically an expensive toy. I spent the extra $50 for this baby. And I'm glad I did.
First, keep in mind that it's a point and shoot. It cannot compete with my Canon 5D MII and L glass for long shots or very soft bokeh/DOF. You can't get narrow DOF with a lens this small and relatively wide angle of view. It's also a zoom, so DOF increases as you rack it out.
That being said, color rendition and sharpness are amazing for this type of camera. There's a nice warmth to the shots as well, with very nice skin tones. I haven't noticed much of any shutter lag, either.
I shoot in RAW, but there are plenty of creative options if you shoot JPEG. Be sure to upgrade to Firmware 2.0, as the difference in AF and options vs. 1.0 is sizeable.
Finally, I can't put this baby down. It feels great to handle. Solid and sturdy, yet not heavy.
I also bought the Lumix version of the EVF. Same as the Leica for about half the price. Invaluable here in Colorado, since the combination of bright sun and my eyeglasses makes using the LCD screen basically impossible half the time.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I did a lot of research before buying this camera. I wanted something that would take great pictures with some freedom for me to play with settings. But I have young children so I wanted something compact that I could keep in my bag to capture special moments.
I'm still getting the hang of the advanced settings but it is a really easy to use point and shoot. You don't have to be a pro to take a good shot with the D-LUX 5.
I'm really happy with my purchase and loving I paid a little bit extra for the Leica rather than its Panasonic twin.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
Great camera. Once set up, it is very easy to navigate and use the features. Optics are very good and focus is quick, especially after the hardware update. The Lightroom software and RAW files complete the value of this camera. After having had several other brands of point-and-shoot cameras, this one brings all the best together in a full featured, well designed product.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
I am a ret. mag. photog. tired of lugging equipment
I had the D-lux3, D-Lux4 and now the D-Lux5, they all turned out top quality images.I upgraded to the 5 for the longer zoom, square format and easier operation.
Needless to add, that I love Leica products.
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Comments about Leica D-LUX 5 Digital Camera (Black):
As a fairly experienced non-professional photographer, this camera has all the features needed to produce excellent images. I was particularly impressed with the bright images produced without a flash, even in low light situations. Although the Leica is listed as a "point and shoot" camera, it is far from it. It has numerous features lacking in the Canons and Nikons that I've had.
There are a few minor issues that one should be aware of. The free Adobe Lightscribe software takes over two hours to download and Leica allows only two downloads. My first effort failed and I was reluctant to try again since a second failure would eliminate my opportunity to download the software. Fortunately the Leica web site provided an email address for reporting problems. Within a few days, Leica responded that they had reset my free downloads back to two and I was able to successfully install Lightscribe on my laptop. Secondly, while using the Leica features is intuitive, the operating manual provided on a CD is over 220 pages long so priniting it isn't an option. Nevertheless, the Leica is a solid, beautiful camera and highly recommended.