A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Comparison Review

The Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in September 2014 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 12.7 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 a good camera? The D-LUX Typ 109 has a Camera Elo of 2008. This rating puts the D-LUX Typ 109 among the top 50 percent of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the D-LUX Typ 109 also ranks among the top 50 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Leica D-LUX Typ 109
Fixed lens compact camera
24-75mm f/1.7-2.8
12.7 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 200 - 12 500 (100 - 25 600)
Electronic viewfinder (2764k dots)
3.0 LCD, 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second
300 shots per battery charge
118 x 66 x 55 mm, 405 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

ad

Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica D-LUX Typ 109 vs credit card front
D-LUX Typ 109 versus credit card top view
D-LUX Typ 109 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 118 mm 66 mm 55 mm 405 g 300 n Sep 2014 1,195ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X30 119 mm 72 mm 60 mm 423 g 470 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X100T 127 mm 74 mm 52 mm 440 g 330 n Sep 2014 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S 127 mm 74 mm 54 mm 445 g 330 n Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Nov 2018 1,195 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 830 g 360 n Sep 2014 1,349ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 699ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX100 115 mm 66 mm 55 mm 393 g 300 n Sep 2014 899ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica D-LUX Typ 109 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,195. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

logo
Check D-LUX Typ 109 offers at
ebay.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Leica D-LUX Typ 109 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Leica D-LUX Typ 109 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.412.160767
2.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
3.
 
Fujifilm X30 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.411.2-31249
4.
 
Fujifilm X100T APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.612.8148378
5.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.312.5132975
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.912.8100272
8.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.611.712760
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
11.
 
Panasonic LX100 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.312.555367
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The D-LUX Typ 109 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the D-LUX Typ 109 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D-LUX Typ 109 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2764k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 1092764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
2.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X302360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X100T2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S2360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 72764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
8.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 1142359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic LX1002764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding
ad

Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Fujifilm X30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X100TYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X100SYstereo / mono--micro2.0---
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
8.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic LX100Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
padding

It is notable that the D-LUX Typ 109 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The D-LUX Typ 109 has a zoom lens built in (10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 75mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the D-LUX Typ 109 can be found in the free online Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Manual or on the Leica support site.

ad

Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the D-LUX Typ 109 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

scroll hint
Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 1,195ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X304/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X100T5/5+..81/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2014 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S5/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 7..........4.5/5 Nov 2018 1,195 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114..........5/5 Sep 2014 1,349ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
10.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 699ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX1005/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 899ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check D-LUX Typ 109 offers at
ebay.com

Leica D-LUX Typ 109 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D-LUX Typ 109.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Leica D-LUX Typ 109?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica D-LUX Typ 109?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12500, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600.

How do I find the shutter count on my Leica D-LUX Typ 109?

Leica embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your D-LUX Typ 109 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 shutter count page.

Is completely silent shooting possible with the Leica D-LUX Typ 109?

The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica D-LUX Typ 109?

No, the Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Leica D-LUX Typ 109?

The D-LUX Typ 109 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Does the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Leica D-LUX Typ 109 use?

The camera gets its power from the BP-DC15 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

~
    loader
    ad
    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica D-LUX Typ 109
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8
    Launch Date September 2014
    Launch Price USD 1 195
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 15.7 x 11.8 mm
    Sensor Area 185 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 19.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.7 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 112 x 3 088 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.82 μm
    Pixel Density 6.85 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 12 500 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25 600 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2764k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s
    Silent ShootingElectronic Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type BP-DC15 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 118 x 66 x 55 mm
    (4.6 x 2.6 x 2.2 in)
    Camera Weight 405 g (14.3 oz)

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Review