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Panasonic LX7 vs Leica D-LUX 6

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and the Leica D-LUX 6 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in July 2012 and September 2012. Both the LX7 and the D-LUX 6 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 10 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic LX7
versus
Leica D-LUX 6
Panasonic LX7   Leica D-LUX 6
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-90mm f/1.4-2.3 24-90mm f/1.4-2.3
10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor 10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 80-6,400 (80 - 12,800) ISO 80-6,400 (80 - 12,800)
Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
330 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
111 x 68 x 46 mm, 298 g 111 x 68 x 46 mm, 298 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and the Leica D-LUX 6? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Panasonic LX7 and the Leica D-LUX 6 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The LX7 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the D-LUX 6 is available in three color-versions (black, silver, white).

Size Panasonic LX7 vs Leica D-LUX 6
Compare LX7 versus D-LUX 6 top
Comparison LX7 or D-LUX 6 rear

In this particular case, the Panasonic LX7 and the Leica D-LUX 6 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the LX7 nor the D-LUX 6 are weather-sealed.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 699ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LF1 103 mm 62 mm 28 mm 192 g 250 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 II 102 mm 58 mm 38 mm 281 g 350 n Jun 2013 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The LX7 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 29 percent) than the D-LUX 6, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/1.7-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 4.65. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3. Both cameras have the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between multiple aspect ratios, while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.

Panasonic LX7 and Leica D-LUX 6 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 10 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the LX7 and the D-LUX 6 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. Moreover, the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 80-12800. The Leica D-LUX 6 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

LX7 versus D-LUX 6 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
3.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
4.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
5.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
6.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
8.
 
Panasonic LF1 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.811.621152
9.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
10.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
11.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
12.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
13.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
14.
 
Sony RX100 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.512.448367
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The LX7 and the D-LUX 6 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. However, optional viewfinders – the DMW-LVF2 for the LX7 and the Visoflex (Typ 020) for the D-LUX 6 – are available as accessories. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic LX7, the Leica D-LUX 6, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic LF1200 n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony RX100 IIoptional n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The Panasonic LX7 and the Leica D-LUX 6 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Both the LX7 and the D-LUX 6 have zoom lenses built in. Both optics have identical focal length range and aperture specifications (4.7-17.7mm f/1.4-2.3). Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the LX7 and the D-LUX 6 write their files to SDXC cards.

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Connectivity 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and Leica D-LUX 6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic LF1-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Sony RX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
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Both the LX7 and the D-LUX 6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The LX7 was replaced by the Panasonic LX10, while the D-LUX 6 was followed by the Leica D-LUX Typ 109. Further information on the features and operation of the LX7 and D-LUX 6 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic LX7 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica D-LUX 6 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic LX7 or the Leica D-LUX 6 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7:

  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (29 percent cheaper at launch).

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Reasons to prefer the Leica D-LUX 6:

  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (1 points each). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

LX7 01:01 D-LUX 6

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic LX7 and the Leica D-LUX 6 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the LX7 or the D-LUX 6 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings 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]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 699ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LF13/5+....4/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX100 II5/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. 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.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Panasonic LX7 vs Leica D-LUX 6

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic LX7 Leica D-LUX 6
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-90mm f/1.4-2.3 24-90mm f/1.4-2.3
    Launch Date July 2012 September 2012
    Launch Price USD 499 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Panasonic LX7 Leica D-LUX 6
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.44 x 5.58 mm 7.44 x 5.58 mm
    Sensor Area 41.5152 mm2 41.5152 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.3 mm 9.3 mm
    Crop Factor 4.65x 4.65x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 pixels 3648 x 2736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.05 μm 2.05 μm
    Pixel Density 24.04 MP/cm2 24.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 6,400 ISO 80 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12,800 ISO 80 - 12,800 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 50 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.7 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.7 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 147 ..
    Screen Specs Panasonic LX7 Leica D-LUX 6
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic LX7 Leica D-LUX 6
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic LX7 Leica D-LUX 6
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Panasonic LX7 Leica D-LUX 6
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BCJ13 Leica BP-DC10
    Battery Life (CIPA)330 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 111 x 68 x 46 mm
    (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.8 in)
    111 x 68 x 46 mm
    (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.8 in)
    Camera Weight 298 g (10.5 oz) 298 g (10.5 oz)
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