This is the last post of my Leica D-Lux 4-vs. D-Lux 5 series. Next week I will have some Leica D-Lux 5 vs. Panasonic LX5 comparisons, mainly JPG files, since everything else should be identical between those cameras.

Below are the actual JPG pictures taken with Leica D-Lux 4 and D-Lux 5 cameras. Both files are straight out of the camera (2048x1360, "2.5M" in camera resolution setting, click on image for larger view):

Leica D-Lux 4, ISO 100, f/2.0, 24mm

Leica D-Lux 5, ISO 100, f/2.0, 24mm

I like the colors from the D-Lux 4 JPG file better - they seems to be more saturated.

Previous D-Lux 4 vs, D-Lux 5 comparisons:

• General comparison (part 1)
• ISO comparison (part 2)
• Startup and AF speed comparison (part 3)

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2. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: startup and AF speed comparison (part 3)
3. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. Leica D-Lux 5 comparison (part 1)

Startup time

First, startup comparison - judging by the time it takes for the lens to be fully extended, the Leica D-Lux 5 has a faster strartup time than the D-Lux 4 (on the video, the D-Lux 5 is on the right):

The D-Lux 5 is also much quieter - the sound you hear on the video is coming from the D-Lux 4.

AF speed

The new Leica D-Lux 5 seems to also have a faster autofocus compared to D-Lux 4 - I tested single and matrix AF and in both cases the D-Lux 5 was the winner:

See also part 1 and part 2 of the DL4 vs. DL5 comparison.

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1. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: JPG files comparison (part 4)
2. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: ISO comparison (part 2)
3. Leica X1 firmware update v2.0 before and after AF speed comparison (video)

Since I have all three cameras in my hands, I decided to do a quick ISO comparison between the Leica D-Lux 4, D-Lux 5 and V-Lux 2. I included only the common ISO setting from 100 to 1600:

ISO 100 | f/2.8 | 1/3 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 200 | f/2.8 | 1/6 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 400 | f/2.8 | 1/13 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 800 | f/2.8 | 1/25 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

ISO 1600 | f/2.8 | 1/50 sec

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica D-Lux 5:

Leica V-Lux 2:

Conclusion

Based on this comparison, I think the Leica D-Lux 5 has the best ISO performance from the trio. What is interesting is that even the two years old Leica D-Lux 4 seems to have better ISO performance than the new V-Lux 2. Clearly, more megapixels does not mean a better picture.

Notes

• All samples were taken under the same lighting condition at 28mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture with auto WB.
• Please note that the Leica V-Lux 2 is a 15.1 MP (effective 14.1 MP) camera, while the D-Lux 4/5 have a 11.3 MP (effective 10.1 MP) sensor.
• The Leica D-Lux 5 can go up to ISO 12800, the D-Lux 4 can go up to ISO 3200 and the V-Lux 2 goes only to ISO 1600.
• I was trying to keep the lighting, aperture and shutter speed constant when switching cameras but there is still a margin of error when performing such comparison.

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1. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: ISO comparison (part 2)
2. Leica D-Lux 5 vs. Panasonic LX 5 image comparison
3. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: JPG files comparison (part 4)

This is the second part of my Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5 comparison (see part 1). For today's ISO comparison, both cameras were setup at aperture priority and 24mm f/2. All images were shot in RAW and then cropped and converted to jpg in Lightroom without any post processing (click on image for larger view):

Leica D-Lux 4	Leica D-Lux 5
Leica D-Lux-4 ISO 80	Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 80
Leica D-Lux-4 ISO 100	Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 100
Leica D-Lux-4 ISO 200	Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 200
Leica D-Lux-4 ISO 400	Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 400
Leica D-Lux-4 ISO 800	Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 800
Leica D-Lux-4 ISO 1600	Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 1600
Leica D-Lux-4 ISO 3200	Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 3200

The maximum ISO of the Leica D-Lux 4 is 3200. The next two images are from the D-Lux 5 at ISO 6400 and 12800 which are only available for jpg format (if you are shooting RAW, the camera will automatically switch to jpg):

Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 6400 (jpg only)

Leica D-Lux-5 ISO 12800 (jpg only)

Conclusion:

Based on this comparison, the new Leica D-Lux 5 has an improved ISO performance compared to the old D-Lux 4 across the line, especially at ISO 800-3200. The two new ISO levels (6400 and 12800) of the D-Lux 5 are only available when shooting jpg and have significant loss of details.

You can see an an additional Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5 vs. V-Lux 2 ISO comparison here.

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3. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: startup and AF speed comparison (part 3)

I got the new Leica D-Lux 5 few days ago from the Leica SIS (they still have them in stock) and in the next few weeks I will be posting a series of comparisons between the Leica D-Lux 4 and the D-Lux 5. Here are my first impressions after only few days of using the camera:

• My biggest complain about the D-Lux 4 was the loose mode dial. I was happy to see that the mode dial of the D-Lux 5 is tighter, similar to the dial on the Leica M9.

• The tripod mount on the bottom of the camera is still not centered. The optional Leica grip does have the tripod mount in the center.

• The joystick selector is now replaced with a wheel, which is easier to use.

• The Leica D-Lux 5 uses also a new battery and will not be compatible with DL4 batteries (it should give you 20 more pictures per charge - total of 400, up from 380 on the DL4).

• The RAW files format is still RWL.

• I am not a big fan of the new EFV (especially for that price) - the resolution is low and the frame is tiny. I am sure some of you will find it useful, since it can be tilted vertically. The old DL4 optical viewfinder should work just fine on the D-Lux 5. The EVF shows exactly what you would see on the LCD screen:

Leica D-Lux 5 EFV

• Yes, except the firmware, the Leica D-Lux 5 ($799) is the same camera as the Panasonic LX5 (currently priced around $450), but Thephoblographer did a simple calculation that if you add the price of Adobe Lightroom 3 (around $285) and one extra year of warranty, you will see that that Leica premium over the Panasonic version is not that big. Not to mention that Leica will have a better resale value (Leica DL4 is currently selling between $400-$600 on eBay, while the Panasonic LX3 is selling for about $200-$300).

• The Leica D-Lux 4 had an exclusive 3 year warranty, the new Leica D-Lux 5 offers only 2 years warranty:

3 years warranty for the DL4

• As you can see from the comparison pictures below, the new Leica D-Lux 5 is only 6mm taller than the D-Lux 4 because of the elevated hot shoe mount (the EVF connector is located under the hot shoe mount). Otherwise, the actual body size is identical. Those 6mm were enough to make the D-Lux 5 not compatible with some D-Lux 4 cases (it will be a very tight fit). Weight wise, the DL5 is slightly heavier than the DL4. I am happy to report that my old DL4 accessories from Richard Franiec are working just fine with the DL5:

• Few comparison pictures of the D-Lux 4 and D-Lux 5:

• Leica D-Lux 5 unboxing video:

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3. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5: startup and AF speed comparison (part 3)

Leica D-Lux 4 is listed as discontinued at B&H. Not really a surprise, after the new Panasonic LX5 was announced yesterday. The word on the street is that Leica D-Lux 5 will be announced at Photokina and of course, it will be based on the Panasonic LX5.

Andreas Kaufmann mention in the DiePresse.com (in English) article that "there could be one or two new products” at Photokina this year. The second product is expected to be some kind of a Leica R-lens solution.

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3. Leica D-Lux 4 discontinued?

Panasonic's website leaked the long expected Panasonic LX5 (replacement of the LX3) which should give us a pretty good idea of what the next Leica D-Lux 5 will look like (probably announced at Photokina):

direct link

direct link

Main differences between the LX5 and the older LX3 version:

• the LX5 has 3.8x zoom 24-90mm (the LX3 has 2.5x and ends with 60mm)
• LX3 has 8 elements in 6 groups, 4 aspherical lenses and 4 aspherical surfaces. LX5 will have 10 elements in 9 groups, 3 aspherical lenses and 5 aspherical surfaces.
• LX5 wit 80 to 12800 ISO (the LX3 80 to 3200)
• Shutter speed of the LX5 is 1/4000 sec (up from 1/2000sec of the LX3)
• It records in HD 60p (sensor output is 30p) AVCHDlite
• Optional electronic and optical viewfinder
• LX5 will have step zoom
• both cameras will have almost identical weight, slightly bigger dimensions
• LX5 will have a Orientation Detector
• LX5 will add also Movie Zoom, Wind noise cut and a direct movie button

Those will be the Panasonic LX5 accessories (click for larger view):

Full LX5 specs after the break:

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2. Two new Panasonic p&s – with Leica lenses
3. Leica V-Lux 20 announced

Rumors surfaced today of a new Panasonic point and shoot camera with m4/3 sensor, fixed 3x zoom Leica lens (starting from 24mm f/2.0 on the wide angle) and some kind of a built-in optical rangefinder with wide and tele markings. They also mentioned that Leica will release their own version of the same camera for Photokina. Thephoblographer speculates that this new camera could be similar to the Panasonic L1/CL1/Leica Digilux combo.

Today, Panasonic UK displayed a new camera model LX5 listed on their website. At that point it is not clear if this will be the rumored camera with the bigger m4/3 sensor or there will be two different models announced, but the Leica D-Lux 5 cannot be far away (probably announced for Photokina).

Panasonic is expected to have an official announcement in the second half of July.

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Richard Franiec's Leica D-Lux4 custom grip will be discontinued. The last batch is already produced and after it's sold out it will no longer be available.

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Panasonic is currently running a teaser ad that displays the silhouettes of two cameras - one of them appears to have the shape of the LX3.

The official announcement should be during the Focus on Imaging show in Birmingham NEC (March 7-10, 2010). At that point it is not clear if this will be the new LX4 but if it is, we can expect the Leica D-Lux 5 to be announced for Photokina 2010.

Here are some rumored Leica D-Lux 5 specs found on dpreview:

• New backlit 12.1mp sensor
• Built-in EVF
• Lumix lens (not Leica; not sure about specs, but I am hearing 1.7/20mm)
• 1:1, 3:2, 16:9, 2.39:1, 1.85:1 aspect ratios
• New B&W high-sensitivity mode (almost no-noise in iso 3200)
• Improved noise reduction system (all ISO settings)
• Priced at under $600 USD at launch
• Stiffer controls compared to LX3
• Screen to be equal to or better than LX3/D-Lux 4 screen
• Manual focus/selector ring, similar to canon S90
• Magnesium alloy body
• Higher capacity batteries
• Built-in lens cap

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1. Interesting test: Olympus EP2 vs Canon 5D Mk II vs Leica M9-P high ISO noise comparison
2. A very good guess of what’s next for the Leica D-Lux 5
3. Leica D-Lux 4 vs. D-Lux 5 vs. V-Lux 2 ISO comparison

Digital Camera Raw Compatibility update 3.0 was released with Leica D-Lux 4 support.

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Today Apple released Aperture 3 with RAW support for Leica D-Lux 4. Leica M9 is not on the list of supported cameras.

Amazon is now taking Aperture 3 pre-orders.

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3. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.2 released, now with Leica D-Lux 4 support

Three new limited edition Leicas will be introduced for the 60th Anniversary of People's Republic of China (click on image to enlarge).

Leica D-Lux 4:

Leica MP and 50mm Lux:

Leica M8.2 body only:

Source

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I found this Leica video on the Facebook page of Leica Historical Society of America:

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You can download the latest Leica D-Lux 4 firmware v2.2 from Leica's website.

On the same page you can download also the PDF file with detailed instructions on how to update your firmware.

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2. Leica X1 firmware update “should” be released in March
3. New firmware version 1.176 for Leica M9/M9-P released

I never had the chance to update my DL4 since the latest firmware update was removed shortly after it was announced. The rumor is that there could be more than the originally described French language issue with that firmware update (the information below is based on Internet forums and it is not confirmed):

• Focusing Problem- Indoor/lowlight
• 1:1 increased noise level (second link)

Firmware version 2.10 was removed from Leica's website on Monday, December 14th.

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3. Is Leica D-Lux 4 next in line for a firmware update?

Leica has confirmed on Facebook what a LR reader already reported over the weekend:

"We have put the new D-Lux 4 firmware update since there still was a small mistake in the French menu. All other languages will not have the problem. We are presently working on a new, perfect version. Please excuse the inconvenience."

The bug in the v2.10 firmware has been described as:

"when you select french language and choose the Lens Resume setting, everything freezes".

I will update my D-Lux 4 tonight and will report more details on that bug. Other languages should be working fine.

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3. More issues reported with Leica D-Lux firmware v 2.10

Leica D-Lux 4 firmware v2.10 was released today. The following improvements have been implemented:

1. Improved auto white balance performance.
2. Auto Focus speed-up.
3. Recording function with an aspect ratio of 1:1 has been added.
4. A white balance (WB) bracket function has been added.
5. [HIGH DYNAMIC] has been added to scene mode.
6. [LENS RESUME] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.
7. [MENU RESUME] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.
8. The exposure compensation and the auto bracket compensation can now be set up to ±3EV.
9. Position of the guide line can now be set.
10. It is now possible to display the highlights in playback mode.
11. It is now possible to record the user's name in the picture.
12. Digital red-eye removal has been modified.
13. Items saved in the custom set have changed.
14. Improved auto white balance performance in sunset mode.
15. Improved recovery operation from unremoved lens cap.
16. Improved operation of MF ASSIST/AF area selection.
17. Improved display of Manual Exposure Assistance.

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3. Leica M9 firmware version 1.138 is out

Update: it seems that the price of the M9, X1 and S2 will stay unchanged, everything else will go up (including M lenses). I will try to get the complete list.

8% - 15%

All Leica products will go up in price in the US starting January 2010. The expected price increase will be between 8% to 15%. This will make the Leica M9 even more desirable and... unavailable.

Besides getting on the waiting list at your local dealer, I still believe your best chance to get a M9 is B&H:

Black M9 @ B&H

Steel Gray M9 @ B&H

If you remember my previous post - I received notifications that at least two M9s were shipped from B&H to readers of this blog - they placed their orders on November 20th. B&H did not take pre-orders before that date, so they did not have a waiting list.

Ebay currently has two M9s for sell.

Back to the prices: for example the new MSRP of the Leica D-Lux 4 will be $880 (currently selling for $699 at Amazon). I will try to get the complete price list and will post more details.

I have no information on a price increase in other countries.

A new hand strap for Leica X1 is expected. Delivery in January 2010, price: $100.

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The winner of the Leica D-Lux 4 book giveaway is Chris G. Congratulations!

For the remaining readers, thanks for participating - don't loose hope, I may have another giveaway soon. BTW Amazon is now selling the book for $13.46!

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