Leica D-Lux 7 review: Compact camera for the advanced user

Leica D-Lux 7 review: Leica D-Lux 7 is a compact camera that looks like a Leica from every angle. And it is not just about the red dot, here's why.

Leica D-Lux 7 review: Leica D-Lux 7 is a compact camera that looks like a Leica from every angle. And it is not just about the red dot.

I was fascinated by the Leica C-Lux, which I thought was the best a compatible camera could achieve in terms of details and DSLR-like colour reproduction. Now, I have got my hands on the Leica D-Lux 7, which is aimed at a more sophisticated compact camera user. So if the C-Lux was for those who wanted a good entry level camera, I would look at the D-Lux as what an advanced camera user would pick up if he wants to shift to a compact.

Leica D-Lux 7 Review

Leica D-Lux 7 price in India: Rs 94,300

The Leica D-Lux 7 is a compact camera that looks like a Leica from every angle. And it is not just about the red dot. The magnesium alloy chassis, the aperture ring, the snap-in flash all scream German design. The camera is very easy to hold and operate. Everything is a finger stretch away. However, it does take some time to find your way around the settings. There is a lot to take in… the aperture ring, the toggle to change the aspect ration, the dial for shutter speed, another for exposure and a 3-inch LCD that does all of this digitally too.

The camera has a unique front cover that mechanically opens up as you switch it on. It takes a second or two for the process to get over, and the cover to split into a four clover-like flap. All very stylish, and practical. You will never lose a lens cover with this camera. There is the option to add a flash, which the C-Lux did not offer. I used one during the review period, but I am not the sort of person to click pictures with flash.

The D-Lux 7 has another unique feature, the post focus mode. A photo shot in this mode can be adjusted later, like you do with the portrait mode in the new iPhones.

The one thing that intrigued me the most about the many buttons on the camera was the smaller 4K button on top. And this is one of the USPs of the camera, a full 4K photo mode which burst. However, you need a card that is up to the task, you it is better to switch this option off.

The camera has a 17MP four-thirds MOS sensor. The mega pixel number should not bother you, because the picture quality is way above what that number might suggest to you. After the initial fumbling with the camera, my real experience started on Republic Day when I was on my roof with my son to see if we could catch the fighter jets on the way back to their base. Even without the burst mode, or an extra zoom, the camera could capture some clean shots of the Sukhois.