If the LX100 isn’t expensive enough for you than spend $300 extra on the Leica D-Lux clone (here at BHphoto). And Leica also announced the V-Lux clone (here at BHphoto) and plenty of M lenses you can also use on your MFT camera with adapter:
Summilux 35mm Silver at BHphoto.
Summarit 35mm at BHphoto.
Summarit 35mm Silver at BHphoto.
Sumamrit 50mm at BHphoto.
Summarit 50mm Silver at BHphoto.
Summarit 75mm at BHphoto.
Summarit 75mm Silver at BHphoto.
Summarit 90mm at BHphoto.
Summarit 90mm Silver at BHphoto.
Full Leica press material at MirrorlessRumors.
LX100 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto. Europe at Panasonic Germany, WexUK, Panasonic Austria, Panasonic France, Panasonic Italy, Panasonic Spain, Panasonic Netherlands, Panasonic Belgium.
98 Responses
Other than that stupid red dot, is there any feature at all different for these cameras from their Panasonic counterparts?
The lenses of these rebadged Panasonic are Leica coated and has Leica quality control instead of the regular Panasonic coating on Panasonic’s own cameras. This and the software are redone so the output has “Leica colors”. Here’s from a website:
“1995 Matsushita (Panasonic) started making all their cameras with Leica lenses (all lenses made in Germany but assembled in Japan). From 2006 and onwards Leica lenses are made in Japan to Leica specifications by Panasonic with 2 main differences: Lenses made for the Leica branded camera’s are made on German made imported machines using Leica lens coatings, whereas Leica lenses made for Panasonic Lumix branded camera’s are made on Panasonic mass production machines to (minimum) Leica specification but use Panasonic’s own Nano-coatings.”
http://leicahistory.com/1993-2013/
But for the rest they are they same. Resale value on the Leica is much higher, though! You’d be lucky to sell that Panasonic for a quarter of the price in a few years, while the Leica brand keeps the price more steady.
Yep, you get to pay $300 more now for a camera you can sell later for $200 more. To some folks, that makes sense….
Oh, you lose a grip, and a model number as well these days.
The comments that always surface about Leica pricing should always be considered in the light of what others have said above. Leica’s loose their resale value way less than other brands. I’m on my 10th. Leica from compacts up to M series and I’ve always got an excellent return when I’ve sold them on, even theses days when S/H prices are poor. In fact I had an M9 for two years and when I sold it, after taking my tax allowances into account, I actually made a small profit. So I had a Leica M camera at my disposal for 2 years and it cost me nothing.
Now whether or not you think this is justified is irrelevant, it is the case. And it’s mostly because Leica don’t slash the prices of their new gear months (or these days) weeks after the camera goes on sale. So for an initial higher price tag you get a camera that will be more of an asset than the cheaper model. However if you are planning to keep it for ever. Buy the Panasonic. But then how many of us are contemplating that?
Besides, it’s nicer to have a Leica branded lens with a Leica body. 🙂
Too bad the body is still Made in China and only the lenses Made in Japan.
Still, what are people complaining about? If this keeps Leica afloat, that’s good. I mean, how many other companies have perished?
Call me crazy, but I actually think the Lumix version looks better. Especially the silver (which I cant even find anywhere). The Leica looks like a Sony Rx100 or a GM1
You’re crazy.
There you go. 😉
David, I’ve never been organised enough to onsell kit before it becomes pointless in terms of resale. But I follow your blog, and realise you have more experience than me in these things!
And because I would be unlikely to get around to selling it, I would definitely buy the the Panasonic…..and I like a bit of grip as well.
In that case it does make perfect sense. We all have to make the decisions that are right for us. I just get ‘frustrated’ with the assumption that people who buy Leica’s are empty headed premium brand worshippers who have more money than sense, when in fact in many instances it makes economic sense to buy one.
One of the reasons I’m able to own so many cameras is being able to make reasonably successful choices of what and when to buy. I don’t always get it right and I’ve just lost a lot of money on a Sony A7 but overall I don’t lose that much. And Leica does have a good resale value because of that premium brand status. Apple is another good example. All my friends who have PC’s virtually write off the value of them when they buy them, but Mac’s have a really good S/H value. Consequently, the higher initial price often offers the best long term value.
Yep, your point on Macs definitely rings true. I have too many Macs at the moment, and am about to consolidate things. Looks like by selling two older iMacs (4 & 6 yrs old), I can nearly get to a brand new one.
Not to mention that software package. When I sold off my D-Lux 3, I sold separately the Photoshop that came with it. It was only LE version but it still has value in my country. Almost recovered my initial purchase price, and that was after a year’s use. If I’d bought the Panasonic version instead I would have had to write off 25% the minute I left the shop.
Plus the no quibble unconditional guarantee. (Passport) But then we all make our own choices.
Yeah, noticed that. You pay $300 so you can have less grip to hold it with. Perfect!
But I thought the lens on the panny was Leica-branded too
Read the quote above.
Panasonic with Leica lens = Panasonic nano coating
Leica with Panasonic made Leica lens = Leica coating
nothing interesting
some people buy brands
Includes Lightroom.
Yes,the body of a GM5 instead of that of LX100.
Your comment brought all the Leica fanboys to the yard.
haha
+ extra grip : $500 ?
That’s much less than their usual markup on Panny gear! Bargain!
and this time, the camera, even with the markeup, is still a bargain for what it does
Good point… It still costs less than the Panny 12-35/2.8!
No it doesn’t.
? My bad, it costs less than the Panny lens used to cost!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=dmc-lx100k&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ps
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/865111-REG/Panasonic_H_HS12035_Lumix_G_X_Vario.html/c/product/#inpage:Expected+availability:?gclid=CjwKEAjwv9-gBRD5ofn2jd2N0UUSJACcdilstfiCu3uDHpNUcsxIpcstGXPMaXmnSS4wlmTon66FwRoC_qXw_wcB
i think this one looks a lot better than LX100!
gonna buy this one
This camera is definitely better than LX 100, it write Leica on it LOL.
Somebody must start a little logo business. Imagine: Sony-Hasselblad, Sony Zeiss, Panasonic-Leica, all of them transformed by a nice little LOGO!
😉
logo business like you mentioned it, already exist in other products long time, and you can order products straight out of the factories in china and request for your own logo. I think in camera land it goes a bit more professionaly 🙂
Yes, very professionally, some Leica’s are 100% Panasonic clones, only the logo differs.
prob the box and manual too 🙂 cloning is done so much you know that.
Lego-Ikea
Completely different body and buttons. The Panny actually looks more beautiful and “classic,” IMO.
Leica is ALWAYS entertaining …..next……
LX100 was made for people who want to use it
this was made for those who want to have it
The big difference that I see is that the Leica has optical image stabilization and shoots 4k. Thats huge as it may be functional in video mode as well as stills. No mention of stabilization on the LX100??
they are exactly the same
are you sure? Check bhphoto website and you will see no mention of stabilization on lx100. You will see it regarding Leica. I know it was part of the pre release hype but I see no mention anywhere of it actually being a feature on the lx100 since its official release.
They. Are. The. Same.
Those two features are not exclusive to the Leica. Check the dpreview announcement – – the LX100 has them too.
you’re right. it does state that on dpreview. Do you know if it functions in video mode as well?
It’s optical, yes (shifting lens elements).
That is cheap! Only $300 for the red dot? The sky is falling.
Don’t forget the dollar value of the software bundle. Then the sky won’t fall so far.
I thought nothing would make me like a camera more than my Nikons did … but I was wrong.
Big difference between D-Lux and LX100: surely not only LR (that most of us own already)
In my country Panasonic is almost impossible to sell 2nd hand, Leica OTOH …
Leica always looks way better.
Much better Leica Warrantee … 3 years !
In my European country there is only about 100-200 USD (around 100 euro) difference between both so this is a no-brainer … Leica … all the way.
And I didn’t even mention that awsome red dot I love so much 🙂 !
Does Leica also change the software UI? Are the changes substantial, or purely cosmetic?
Looks like leica change the button functions at the back of the camera. Does it mean no more fn1, fn2, fn3 ? not sure.
http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Compact-Cameras/Leica-D-Lux-Typ-109/Details
From experience having owned the D-Lux 3 and Digilux 2 vs their Panasonic equivalents, the Leica menu system tends to be more streamlined and easier to use. Maybe Panasonic has caught up over the years, I don’t know. If there other differences it would be in the coating technology, jpeg processing engine and free software bundle.
FWIW, the LX100 is the first Panasonic camera where I prefer the original to the Leica clone — usually I like the Leicafied design more. But the D-Lux quickly taught me the price of that smooth and shiny surface — hard to grip, especially with sweaty hands after a long hike.
Thanks for the added details!
D-LUX is LX100 for people who complain about grip 🙂
you mean: “gripe about grip!”
I think you’ve just made my day :)))
ok. not to be a PITA about this but neither BH. Adorama, Amazon mentions OIS with the LX100.
I only found the new Leica listed on BH and it clearly states the Leica has OIS. I cant find the new Leica listed on Amazon or Adorama yet. I hope I’m wrong but if anyone can find any sellers listing OIS on the LX100 as a feature please let me know. Thanks
It’s the same Leica-branded lens manufactured by Panny. No way they would disable it just for the sake of it in LX100. http://www.thephoblographer.com/2014/09/15/first-impressions-panasonic-lx100/#.VBgr3RZ1Prs
I beg to differ. It would make sense for them to disable it. I hope I’m wrong but the absence of mentioning OIS as a feature on the LX100 on sites that are selling it makes me question the blogs. I would think the sellers have more resposibility for the accuracy of their info.
No, it really wouldn’t make sense. OIS is an expensive part of the lens. They wouldn’t build an OIS lens and then disable OIS on the more popular version in hopes of upselling people to Leica. Besides, when has Leica ever tried to be mass market?
Don’t get yourself worked up, there’s OIS on the LX100.
http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-digital-cameras—point-and-shoot/compact-cameras/dmc-lx100.html#specs
The only round badge on the page graphics clearly shows Power OIS. Is there any such thing as a Panasonic camera that does NOT have Power or Mega OIS? Take a look for a boggle. I did. Didn’t find one.
There’s OIS on the LX100. At least one of those vendors lists it as does Panasonic’s official specs.
Checked the LX100 spec sheet on my local Panasonic website and it clearly says:
“Power O.I.S.” – so no worries here.
But that Panasonic US website looks like one of a cheap dollar store. What the heck are they thinking? Trying to shy away potential customers?
Now I gotta wipe the drool off my iPad as the spec sheet details induced some heavy fit of G.A.S. accompanied by proportionate salivation. Feel like Pavlov’s dog…
here is the spec of the lx100
http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-digital-cameras—point-and-shoot/compact-cameras/dmc-lx100.specs.html
Thanks. Now I can sleep.
i understand now there was no touchscreen on LX100, because of Leica clone, thanks LEICA.
No way I would buy this camera with that red dot. Not only does it attract attention (not good for candid shooting), it also tell people how dumb or at least how vain the owner is, paying hundreds of dollars for a badge.
All these panny releases are cool, but really make me appreciate the GX7. It is still the flagship RF style MFT camera hands down
+1
Agree somewhat. I was close to buying the GX7. But now I see this LX100 and I see that body + the GH4 sensor package with a FREE Leica-branded Summilux zoom lens! Need to hold one to see if the body is too small, though. The GX7 is just nice.
Whoa, only $300 more instead of double the price? Sign me up!
I do agree that the surcharge on the Leica version is silly, barring some earth-shaking revelation that an exclusive, worthy feature comes along for it. On the other hand and giving the nod that there is a great pile of fantastic technology coming through every channel, the most special thing on the camera is the Leica lens. It does 90% of what we thought was impossible. The main thing, it stays small and sits in front of a sensor that does 3200 ISO better than any 1-inch comparison. So, there SHOULD be a Leica version of the camera.
You need to believe when we tell you, this is not the first time we are hearing this argument. This is not the first Panasonic that Leica has rebranded. And yes, Leica keeps selling branded Panasonics. Meaning, there are enough people who think it is not silly.
Just because it ain’t for you don’t mean it ain’t for no one. Oy vey.
What would really be funny is if the lens on the Panny was labelled ” Berühmt” and the body on the Leica was labeled “Yumei” to obscure the equally “Famed” partner. Panasonic likes to brag about their lens partner (Leica), as does Sony (Zeiss). Leica prefers customers with Amnesia or Alzheimer’s (Pana who?). Me, I just wish I had more money to buy medium-priced lenses for my kit and a bit left over for a new kick around camera. In the meantime, there is lots of wishful thinking and the savings account to feed.
I prefer the looks of the Panasonic, and use Capture One, but thanks Leica for only charging $300 for that bit of plastic.
Leica found a way to defy physics and make a 24-75mm lens a
4x zoom instead of a 3x zoom. It says so in the specs. This is mind blowing
technology that defies all logic. Definitely worth the extra $300!
don’t worry Leica buyers do not check the spec
they are only aware of the brand
That Leica photo above shows 10.9 mm to 34mm, so 3.12X it is. The line in the spec must be an error. The extra $300 turns out NOT to be solely for the red dot. The Adobe bits can be rather expensive stand-alones to buy for the Panasonic. So, it is not as ridiculous as first imagined. Same camera.
What is Leica?
a chinese company that clones Panasonic cameras
Wasn’t Leica a dog the Russians boosted into orbit before Yuri Gagarin?
“Only” $300 more is quite surprising, I think that people were not really buying those previous rebranded cameras…
Its funny to see people complaining about the red dot price…but all love to have the brand “leica” on a panasonic camera….otherwise no one would buy the LX1 (the first one) in the first place….hypocrisy
At least they’re getting a good camera !
Only 300$ more? It must be a mistake.
This time its worth it. Panasonic priced this baby pretty low. But thats cause they waited for so long to bring it out.
Red Dot gives you the right to use all other cool and nice looking Leica accessories.
If you had just a Panasonic version you would be rightfully called a poser.
Now for $300 more you can show that you have fine taste in accessories.
Not bad with Lighroom. Just don’t understand why they insist on crippling the handling by removing the grip..
Erm. Probably for people who don’t like the grip?
I suppose if you can find a third party grip you like it’s okay, but it will also add to the price a bit more.. The Franiek might do it..
I haven’t heard a lot of people praise the slippery non-gripped texture on the d-lux but you’re right, there’s probably a few people..
not just lightroom…DNG…big difference…ricoh, pentax and leica…kudos for making photographers lives easier…no need for evry FUc@#ing adobes update…
Agree, DNG is another advantage. I guess Leica also offers a three year warranty – does anyone know if that is worldwide?
I have a Ricoh GR and a Sigma DP2 Merill with me now for testing and I really do not understand how anybody can name the Panasonic the best compact camera while those 2 exist. Sure it offers more features (evf), but also looses on some (flash) and after all it just cannot beat the image quality of the good lens and APS-C in the ricoh (http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GM1-vs-Ricoh-GR-Hands-on-P). Also by retractable lens the Ricoh is soo much smaller. Not to forget it’s street friendly fixed focus shoot mode etc. And the Sigma? After all that bad reviews it is surprisingly OK handling and with some knowledge for it’s strengths it offers image quality beyond anything I personally ever used (OMD E-M5 with pana-leica 25mm for example)
I have the Ricoh GR as well, amazing camera. Great handling, controls, IQ, ridiculously tiny, snap focus, 10cm close focus in Manual.. Love it.
Might pick up a Dp3 at some point.. But don’t know if I want the hassle of Sigma software for raws.. what are the jpegs like?
Ricoh GR seems to be pretty cool ao far. Love it’s black and white as well. Only thing I am not so sure about is the Lens with 28mm equivalent. It is too wide for most of my applications and I feel bad about cropping it. Since I had the PAna 20mm on MFT I started to like 40mm as my go-around format. The 25mm of my Panaleica seem a tad too narrow.
Camera Raw supports the DP2 since a little while, haven’t tried it yet. Hate the Sigma Photo Pro thing – crashes, but it is not THAT slow on my Quadcore i7…. JPEGs are quite usable for some tweaking if you do not go crazy. But honestly so far I did not have to tweak much as I kind of like the muted colors out of the Sigma, add a little Saturation and your all set. But of course I only use it since 2 weeks and did not have soo much time for testing.
Interesting. I heard the jpegs didn’t offer near the IQ of the raws on the DP-series, so that matters a lot..
One of the reasons I got the GR over the Nikon 1, was the wide angle of view, but I would prefer a 24mm equivalent.. A reason to consider the LX100 /D-Lux, for sure..
I read that as well. So far I was happy with the jpegs. Here is one. http://i.imgur.com/zz6GUqp.jpg. ISO 100, about 2 seconds, middle of the night, self-timed shot on a brick wall, SOOC.
24mm is nice to have in a zoom. If you want that than the LX-100 seems like a good choice for you. Or GM-1 perhaps? I am somewhat shocked that the fixed lens LX100 is that much bigger than the GM1 http://camerasize.com/compare/#491,569. Ok, might meant better ergonomics but again you will carry an extra pouch for your “compact camera”
Ooops the posted image is not full size of course. There we go http://www.speedyshare.com/Qknkp/DP2M0031.JPG
Nice shot. And hilarious viewed in full size! 🙂
Haha, yeah, the cab drivers, the similar cars…
Look at the driver on the right..
Simple for me man, I won’t use a camera without a viewfinder, can’t stand it.
Got you! Well, I was trying the viewfinder on the LF-1 and ended up not using it much because it is… Hhdh(‘€#&€@.
As long as the rumors weren’t true that the LX100 viewfinder is the same…
As for the ricoh and other fixed lens cameras… You could use one of the great optical viewfinders. You will never see if you got light and focus right though.
Lightroom is only 139 at Bhphotovideo.