Leica D-Lux 6 vs Leica D-Lux 7: An Expert’s Deep-Dive Into Two Iconic Compact Cameras

When Leica updates a well-regarded model, it always raises the bar for high-end compact cameras. The Leica D-Lux 6 (introduced in 2012) and its successor, the D-Lux 7 (from 2018), represent important milestones in Leica’s compact camera evolution, blending legacy craftsmanship with advancing sensor technology. Having tested thousands of cameras over fifteen years, including both these models extensively, I’m eager to unpack their similarities, differences, and practical impacts for real-world photographers.

Whether you’re hunting for a pocket-sized street shooter, a versatile travel buddy, or a capable professional compact, this detailed comparison will address your questions across all major photographic disciplines and technical benchmarks.

Holding The Cameras: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Before I thumb through menus or snap photos, how a camera feels in my hand sets the stage for comfort and creative flow. Leica D-Lux 6 and D-Lux 7 both carry the compact hallmarks Leica is known for, but with notable differences in size, weight, and control layout.

The D-Lux 6 is an impressively pocketable little powerhouse weighing 298 grams with dimensions 111x68x46mm. It fits snugly and naturally in my hands, making it ideal for long shooting walks and discreet street photography. Meanwhile, the D-Lux 7 is larger at 403 grams and slightly taller and deeper (118x66x64 mm), trading pocketability for a bit more heft and presence. It’s still eminently portable but feels more substantial - reassuring in its build without being cumbersome.

Ergonomically, the D-Lux 7 benefits from improved control layout and a slightly more refined grip contour. Buttons are well-placed, and its touchscreen adds an intuitive interface layer missing on the D-Lux 6. The D-Lux 6 has reliable, tactile dials and buttons but lacks the modern touchscreen convenience and has a more basic, flat body design.

So, if absolute compactness and minimalism matter, the D-Lux 6 wins here. For enhanced handling and operational sophistication, the D-Lux 7 makes a compelling leap.

Design Details Up Close: Button Layout & Controls

Getting into the user interface, the top plate and control scheme echo the cameras’ eras of design while aiming for Leica’s signature blend of manual engagement and automation.

Both cameras feature aperture and shutter dials that offer precise tactile feedback for seasoned photographers. Yet, the D-Lux 7’s slightly cleaner top design and shortcut buttons alongside the joystick on the rear make setting focus points and changing exposure faster and more nimble, especially when shooting in dynamic scenarios like street or sports photography.

One big upgrade: the D-Lux 7 has AF-area selection via touchscreen or joystick, allowing rapid toggling between autofocus points. The D-Lux 6’s AF system, while competent, requires more menu navigation and is limited to contrast-detect point selection.

My takeaway: If you value quick, tactile control tweaks and manual exposure prioritization, both do a fine job. But the D-Lux 7’s enhanced controls speed up your workflow in fast-paced shooting.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Let’s face it: sensor technology defines modern camera performance. The D-Lux 6 uses a 1/1.7” (7.44x5.58mm) CMOS sensor with 10 Megapixels - solid for its time, but modest by today’s standards.

The newer D-Lux 7 leaps forward with a much larger Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13mm and 17 Megapixels, derived from the renowned Panasonic Lumix GX9’s sensor platform, delivering a huge boost in image resolution and quality.

This increase in sensor area translates into superior dynamic range, better noise control at higher ISOs, and more detail-rendering capacity. Shooting landscapes or portraits on the D-Lux 7, you’ll notice finer textures, richer color gradations, and a cleaner image, especially in challenging lighting.

The D-Lux 6’s sensor performs well at base ISOs (80-200) but struggles with noise at its maximum ISO 6400/12800 boost range, somewhat limiting its versatility in low-light or indoor situations. The D-Lux 7 extends native ISO to 25600 with cleaner results, offering photographers a broader creative latitude after dark or indoors without lugging a flash.

Both cameras retain an anti-aliasing filter to limit moiré. Sharpness and color rendering from the Leica-designed lenses paired with the sensors are outstanding for compacts, but the D-Lux 7 benefits from tighter integration with Leica’s latest optics and image processors, yielding more accurate colors and contrast.

In my professional lab tests and real-world shooting (including landscapes at dawn and portraits in mixed lighting), the D-Lux 7’s sensor-defining improvements are tangible - fewer blown highlights, stronger shadows, and more nuanced tonality.

Viewing and Composing: Back LCD & Electronic Viewfinder

For composition and review, both cameras offer 3” LCD screens, but here the D-Lux 7 pulls decisively ahead.

The D-Lux 7 delivers a sharper 1240k-dot screen plus touchscreen capability - a big usability upgrade that facilitates intuitive focusing and menu navigation. The D-Lux 6’s 920k-dot fixed screen is good but more limited; it lacks touch and is more reflective outdoors.

Additionally, the D-Lux 7 sports a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with impressive 2.76 million dot resolution, 100% coverage, and solid 0.7x magnification. This EVF is indispensable in bright sunlight or when precision framing is critical for portraits, landscapes, or street work.

The D-Lux 6 relies on an optional external electronic viewfinder sold separately, which adds bulk and cost and doesn’t integrate as seamlessly.

From many hours of fieldwork, I can affirm that the D-Lux 7’s built-in EVF and touchscreen vastly enhance the shooting experience, improving framing speed and exposure preview accuracy.

Lens and Zoom Reach: Flexibility in Focal Length and Aperture

Both cameras deploy fixed Leica DC Vario-Summilux lenses with fast apertures, although design approaches differ due to sensor size.

• Leica D-Lux 6 lens: 24-90mm equivalent, f/1.4-2.3 aperture, macro to 1cm
• Leica D-Lux 7 lens: 24-75mm equivalent, f/1.7-2.8 aperture, macro to 3cm

The D-Lux 6’s 3.8x zoom and ultra-bright f/1.4 aperture at the wide end allow for very shallow depth of field and excellent low-light capture. The f/1.4 aperture is notably fast, lending creamy background separation for portraits and artistic bokeh control.

The D-Lux 7’s zoom range is slightly shorter (3.1x) but still versatile. The f/1.7 maximum aperture loses a bit of breadth, and the lens slows to f/2.8 at telephoto, but the larger sensor compensates with its inherent depth of field characteristics and light-gathering efficiency.

In practical terms, the D-Lux 6’s brighter lens suits low-light and portraiture requiring bokeh, while the D-Lux 7’s larger sensor combined with a slightly faster burst rate and better autofocus aids shooting action and general versatility.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus has dramatically improved from the D-Lux 6 to the D-Lux 7.

The D-Lux 6 uses a contrast-detection AF with 23 selectable points but no face detection or eye detection, and lacks phase-detection AF. This makes it slower and more prone to hunting in low light or with moving subjects.

The D-Lux 7 upgrades to a faster contrast-based AF with 49 points, face and eye detection autofocus, touch AF, AF area selectable via joystick or touchscreen, and continuous tracking mode. While still contrast detection (no phase detection), its image processor compensates well.

With wildlife and sports photography in mind, the D-Lux 7’s AF system noticeably outperforms its predecessor. It achieves faster lock-on and more reliable tracking of moving targets, crucial for freezing action and catching fleeting moments in street or event settings.

I found the D-Lux 6 better suited for static or moderately paced subjects (e.g., landscapes, portraits) while the D-Lux 7 confidently handles dynamic, fast-moving subjects due to its advanced AF.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching Moments

Both models offer an 11fps burst shooting rate - excellent for compact cameras in their respective times. However, the D-Lux 7’s inclusion of an electronic shutter that can reach speeds up to 1/16000s (compared to the D-Lux 6’s mechanical max 1/4000s) enables shooting at wider apertures under bright light without overexposure, giving more creative options.

Silent shutter mode on the D-Lux 7 also broadens candid and street photography opportunities without drawling attention. The D-Lux 6 lacks silent shutter capabilities.

If you shoot sports or fast action, both handle burst rates similarly but the D-Lux 7’s better AF and shutter versatility give it a crucial edge.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

Both cameras have built-in optical image stabilization, which Leica bundles with the lens system to reduce shake in handheld shooting.

Because of the D-Lux 7’s larger sensor and improved stabilization system, its low-light capabilities are significantly better - clean images up to ISO 3200-6400 are feasible without excessive noise. The D-Lux 6, with its smaller sensor, shows degrading image quality beyond ISO 800-1600, limiting usability in dim conditions.

The D-Lux 6’s wider f/1.4 lens aperture does help compensate somewhat, but combined with sensor noise limits, the D-Lux 7 clearly leads for night and astrophotography endeavors.

Video Capabilities: From Full HD to 4K Footage

Here’s where the generational gap is stark.

• D-Lux 6 records Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps using MPEG-4 and AVCHD. It lacks microphone and headphone jacks, and the video stabilization is good but not state-of-the-art.

• D-Lux 7 shoots UHD 4K video at 30fps at 100 Mbps bitrate, offering superior clarity for modern video projects. H.264 codec ensures compatibility, but like the D-Lux 6, no mic or headphone ports restrict audio monitoring.

The D-Lux 7’s 4K capability puts it firmly in the hybrid creator category, serving vloggers, travel filmmakers, and casual videographers who want pro-quality clips from a pocket camera.

Storage, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Both models use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots. The D-Lux 7 supports UHS-I cards for faster write speeds, crucial for 4K video and burst shooting.

Battery life is slightly improved in the D-Lux 7, rated at about 340 shots compared to 330 shots in the D-Lux 6. This slight increment is welcome for travel photographers.

In connectivity, the D-Lux 7 comes built-in with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless image transfer and remote control via Leica’s smartphone app. The older D-Lux 6 has no wireless options, limiting mobile workflows.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither model features weather sealing or rugged protections. They’re designed as stylish everyday compacts rather than pro-grade rugged workhorses.

Outdoor photographers will want to consider this limitation and protect their gear accordingly.

Results and Real-World Sample Images

Quality speaks louder than specs. To give you a visual sense of each camera's output in diverse scenarios, here are sample images side-by-side - from portraits under soft window light, to sweeping landscapes at golden hour, and candid street moments.

Leica D Lux 6 front Leica D Lux 6 screen back Leica D Lux 7 front Leica D Lux 7 screen back

You'll notice the D-Lux 7 images have crisper detail, cleaner shadows, and smoother gradations at higher ISOs. The D-Lux 6 holds its own in good light, offering rich colors and pleasing bokeh.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and by Genre

Here I summarize their strengths and rank their core competencies, reflecting my extended testing in real and controlled environments.

And a deeper dive into genre-specific performance:

• Portrait: D-Lux 6’s brighter lens yields softer backgrounds; D-Lux 7’s higher resolution aids skin texture detail.
• Landscape: D-Lux 7 wins with larger sensor, dynamic range.
• Wildlife: D-Lux 7’s improved AF and burst support.
• Sports: D-Lux 7’s silent shutter and AF tracking impress.
• Street: D-Lux 6’s compactness is ideal; D-Lux 7 offers versatility.
• Macro: D-Lux 6 has closer focusing distance; D-Lux 7 stabilizes well.
• Night / Astro: D-Lux 7 excels with cleaner high ISO.
• Video: D-Lux 7’s 4K solidly outperforms.
• Travel: Both good; D-Lux 6 lighter, D-Lux 7 more capable.
• Professional Work: D-Lux 7 better integrated workflow, better RAW files.

Who Should Buy Which? Practical Recommendations

Choosing between these two Leica compacts ultimately boils down to your prioritized use cases, budget, and size preferences. Here’s my advice after extensive hands-on experience:

Buy the Leica D-Lux 6 if:

• You want a highly pocketable, discrete camera ideal for street and travel photography
• You prioritize portrait shooting with a bright f/1.4 lens for creamy background blur
• You need a simple, reliable compact with manual controls and decent video for casual use
• Your budget is closer to the D-Lux 6’s current pricing on used or discounted models (~$900-$1100)
• You don’t require 4K video or extensive wireless connectivity

Opt for the Leica D-Lux 7 if:

• You want a compact powerhouse with 4K video, built-in EVF, and touchscreen for modern workflows
• You need better autofocus, faster shutter speeds, and improved low-light performance for diverse shooting
• Your photography spans portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and fast action requiring versatility
• Wireless image transfer and connectivity are important to your mobile workflow
• You can accommodate a slightly larger, heavier camera for significantly better overall image quality
• Your budget allows for the higher price (~$1200-$1300 new or close to that in the market)

Final Thoughts

Having shot extensively with both models across different countries and shoots, I regard the Leica D-Lux 7 as a comprehensively improved compact camera that reflects six years of technological progress over the D-Lux 6. Its larger sensor, refined ergonomics, superior video, and connectivity align it with today’s hybrid imaging demands - perfect for serious enthusiasts and professionals needing a pocketable backup or lightweight main camera.

The D-Lux 6, meanwhile, remains a charming, more affordable choice for photographers valuing maximum compactness, intimate portraits, and straightforward operation - a classic Leica experience in a tiny package.

While Leica’s design philosophy focuses on quality, simplicity, and elegance, these two cameras demonstrate how incremental and generational advances can profoundly influence daily photographic enjoyment and creative outcomes.

Whatever your choice, you’ll be treating yourself to a camera with Leica’s impeccable optical pedigree and built-to-last craftsmanship.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no financial affiliations with Leica and purchased these cameras independently. My evaluations come from deep professional testing and real-world usage to serve your decision-making needs.