Leica D-Lux Typ 109 in Walt Disney World

Leica D-Lux Typ 109 in Walt Disney World:

I originally just wanted to bring the Fuji X-T10 and the XF 27mm F2.8 to Disney because I wanted to travel light.  But right before my trip, I decided to purchase a new D-Lux Typ 109.  I’ve always wanted one but I pretty much held out until now.  Seeing as it’s already a pretty compact camera, I decided to bring it as well because I didn’t want to wait until I got back to use it :).

I didn’t bring two cameras with me everywhere because who wants to wait on those long lines at Disney with a bag full of camera gear, right?  So, most of the time, I only brought the X-T10 because I also wanted to write a review for it and the lens (coming soon).    But I did manage to use the D-Lux for a few days.

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↑ This is my new Leica D-Lux Typ 109 in solid gray.

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↑ This was one of the days we actually experienced some sun and blue skies.  Most of the time, it was very cold, and cloudy.

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↑ This was taken in Animal Kingdom while the truck was moving.  The image stabilization was definitely a big help.

So far, I am mighty impressed with this camera.  It has actually exceeded my expectations, which is a good thing because it was pretty expensive.  I remember when new D-Lux cameras used to cost around $400 to $500 but I guess that was like 10 years ago or something ;).  The truth is, the tech in this new D-Lux is pretty incredible considering it is in the compact point and shoot category.  Plus, if one wanted to save some money, one could purchase the Panasonic LX100, (currently $797.99) which is essentially the twin of the D-Lux.  But one thing to point out is that competitors like Sony have also steadily increased in price.  I think the Sony RX100 IV is almost $1,000 now.

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↑ There are several ways that you can get back to your hotels.  One way is through boat.

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↑ This is part of the Festival of Fantasy Parade in the Magic Kingdom.

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↑ Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom.

But as I said, some of these new features in the Leica D-Lux Typ 109 are pretty awesome.  You now have the big micro four thirds sensor in it.  This completely transformed this series of camera from Leica in my opinion.  Colors are rendered beautifully, there is actually some bokeh, and the high ISO capability of this camera just rocks!  This was the biggest shocker to me because normally, a lot of these high end point and shoots offer great image quality but once you start increasing the ISO, the images start to suffer.  With the D-Lux, you can really use the full ISO range.  You can shoot at 3200 ISO and still get great results.  To top that off, the autofocus is ridiculously fast.  Obviously, this is a point and shoot, and it probably won’t beat a pro DSLR but I think the autofocus is in some respects, better than my X-T1’s.  Plus there’s not much of a delay after you press the shutter button.

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↑ This new D-Lux renders colors beautifully.

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↑ This was taken in the China Pavilion at World Showcase in Epcot.

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↑ Here’s an example of quick autofocus.  Alice from Alice in Wonderland was literally dancing around and spinning around really fast, yet the D-Lux was able to still capture her.

Now, not everything is perfect with the D-Lux, of course.  For one, the D-Lux has definitely grown in size, especially when you turn it on, and the lens extends out of the camera.  I also wish it had a pop up flash.  I understand that the D-Lux is evolving into a more versatile and better camera, which is good.  You can really get some fantastic results out of it, and of course, the hot shoe adds to the versatility of this camera.  But in the process, I don’t want to see it lose the characteristics of a point and shoot, which is the whole reason I purchased it in the first place.  A point and shoot is technically also considered an all in one, and therefore, I don’t want to have to bring anything external like a flash with me as well.  Also, a tilting screen is a good idea for a camera in this category.

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↑ Here’s another example of the focus speed: This character was dancing around and moving along with the parade, and the D-Lux still locked on.  More importantly, since there wasn’t much of a delay when you press the shutter, the D-Lux was able to capture the image.

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↑ Last one showing the quickness of the autofocus.  Plus, the colors just pop even though as you probably can see, I’m on the wrong side of the parade in terms of lighting.

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↑ This is an example from It’s a Small World ride taken at 6400 ISO.  Keep in mind that I actually underexposed this image, so I had to increase the expose a bit in Camera Raw.

These are minor issue though, and overall, I’m just having a blast with the D-Lux.  It really is better than I ever thought it would be.  I will spend some more time with the Leica D-Lux Typ 109, and write up a review afterwards.  For now, I thought I would share some images I got from Disney with the D-Lux.  For those who have not been to Disney, you should definitely go one day.  I am an adult, and I still love going to this place :).  It’s not really the rides that make me go back.  I’ve been there so many times over the years, I think I’ve pretty much been on every ride.  It’s just really nice being there.  They’ve created this really nice environment, if that makes sense.  Plus, the snacks are really good.  I must’ve gain ten pounds while I was there (just kidding 🙂 ).  Well, I hope you enjoy the pics, and thanks for stopping by!

20 comments… add one
  • Elderin Link Reply

    Hello Patrick,
    nice images. Disney World seems to be a great place to shoot. I guess you are having big fun 🙂
    The D-Lux is a very capable camera and i was about to buy it, too. Image quality is guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding photographer.

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Thanks, Elderin!

      I am back now but yes, it was a lot of fun :). As for the D-Lux, I’ve actually been very surprised by its capabilities. I’ve owned D-Lux cameras in the past, and I have always enjoyed them but I knew there would be compromises with them given that they are point and shoots. This one doesn’t really feel like you’re given that much up.

      Best regards,

      Patrick

  • inthedarkroom Link Reply

    Looks like a great vacation take-along camera.

    • Patrick Link Reply

      It definitely is, inthedarkroom!

  • Jed Orme Link Reply

    Hello Patrick,

    I was really quite surprised & impressed with the images produced by this D-Lux. I don’t know if it is the Panasonic sensor & processor or the Leica lens, or maybe just a good combination of the two of them. But I like the colors, contrast, & sharpness of what you posted. It would be interesting to see how the D-Lux might compare to a Fuji X-100T, which would be my choice for a compact walk around camera with a fixed lens if I could afford one right now. Thanks for showing what this new Leica/Panasonic camera can do. Cheers,

    Jed

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Jed,

      It may be a combination of both the sensor and the lens. The truth is, the D-Lux series, and its Panasonic equivalent have always produced great images but in my opinion, this one really tops the previous versions. As for how that comparing it with the X100T, that is a great idea. Maybe if I can get an X100T, I will give that a go but right off the bat, you get a zoom with the D-Lux. I’ve actually been thinking about doing some sort of comparison with my X-T1 in the future. Thanks for stopping by, Jed!

      Best regards,

      Patrick

  • That definitely looks like a great place to try out a new camera. All the people and the colors of the characters outfits can really show how well a camera performs. Nice shots and I hope you’re having fun at Disney World.

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Tina,

      It’s great to hear from you, and thanks for the kind words! I am actually back from Disney, and you are definitely right about it being a great place to test out a new camera. I actually wish I use it more when I was there but there is always next time :).

      Best regards,

      Patrick

  • Snvpshots Link Reply

    Are these images from the typ 109 edited on LR?

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Snvpshots,

      Yes, this is the Typ 109, and I used Camera Raw in Photoshop to do the editing. Let me know if you have any other questions,

      Best regards,

      Patrick

  • Luke Link Reply

    Hey,

    Can you tell me which settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, etc … closest reflect the colors M9, or the color of the legendary Leica? I do not want to process photos from this camera, I would like to do on vacation only in .jpg the color very similar to the legend of Leica 🙂

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Luke,

      Thanks for leaving a comment and sorry for the late reply! It’s hard to really pinpoint that but I normally use the standard jpeg setting. Colors are more realistic to me but it’s a matter of personal taste. If you find you want a bit more vibrance, than try the vivid setting, and see if you like it. I hope this helps! Thanks for taking the time to check out my site :).

      Best regards,

      Patrick

  • Luke Link Reply

    Thank you for your answer.

    Patrick, please email even if the D-LUX 109 resembles the color of other Leica? Is has that something that M? Is looking for a jpg file from the Leica D-Lux 109 can say that “yes it is a jpg of the Leica”?

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Luke,

      Not a problem. I’m glad to help. The D-Lux won’t give you exactly what the M will give you but if I had to choose, I would pick standard jpeg mode setting. That’s what I use myself. I hope this helps!

      Best,

      Patrick

  • Luke Link Reply

    And would you be kind enough to litter my jpg file from the Leica D-LUX 109 vs any M? I mean the comparison of the two files with the same scene.
    I have a 109 but I am tempted M8 + Voigtlander 35 / 1.4.

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Luke,

      I’m not sure what you’re asking. I think the translation did not work properly. Could you please repeat?

      Best,

      Patrick

  • Luke Link Reply

    Ok.

    Do you have the opportunity to take a photo of the Leica D-Lux 109 and another Leica M in order to compare them? Photos of the same scene (perhaps a bottle)? As for the jpg file.
    🙂

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Luke,

      I would definitely help but unfortunately, I don’t own the D-Lux anymore. I traded it in last week for a new lens.

      Best,

      Patrick

  • Thanks for the fun review. I just ordered one as a smaller and easier to carry camera, for when I don’t want to carry my Sony a6400+Sigma 30mm F1.4 kit around (which isn’t that big a kit either).
    I’m curious though what that pouch is that you have the camera in on the second picture. I’m having a lot of trouble finding a small pouch that I like, with a shoulder strap.

    Thanks!

    • Patrick Link Reply

      Hi Ricardo,

      Thanks for stopping by, and taking the time to read it! It’s a great little camera. I hope you enjoy it!

      That pouch is made by Tamrac but I believe it is discontinued. It did not fit the D-Lux; I shouldn’t have used that pic but I think at the time, it was the only one I had. Apologies. You can find it here:

      http://findingrange.com/2016/01/07/tamrac-5689-pro-compact-digital-bag-review/

      Anyway, let me know what you think of the D-Lux, when you get some shots from it! Take care, and stay safe!

      Best,

      Patrick

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