Leica D-Lux 6 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Premium Compact Cameras

When exploring high-end compact cameras designed for enthusiasts seeking superior image quality, manual control, and pocket-friendly profiles, the 2012 offerings from Leica and Olympus remain worthy contenders years on. The Leica D-Lux 6 and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS each promise powerful features wrapped in a sleek package, but the nuances in their design, performance, and usability can tip the scale for different photographers.

Having rigorously tested these two for everything from portrait to travel photography and video, this comprehensive comparison will demystify their strengths and limitations. Drawing on extensive hands-on experience, we’ll guide you to the best choice based on your creative priorities, workflow needs, and budget.

First Impressions: Design, Ergonomics, and Build

The physical feel of a camera is often underestimated until you hold it for long sessions – and here’s where these compacts diverge.

• Leica D-Lux 6: Immediately you notice Leica’s signature minimalist yet functional design. Compact dimensions (111 x 68 x 46mm) and a lightweight body (298g) allow for comfortable one-handed operation. The grip is modest but effective for steady shooting. Build quality feels premium with metal construction, though it lacks extensive weather sealing.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Slightly bulkier (113 x 65 x 48 mm) and heavier at 346g, the XZ-2 feels solid but not overly cumbersome. Its design includes a smooth rubberized grip that provides better hold during fast-paced shooting. The tilting 3-inch screen adds versatility, especially for low or high-angle shots.

Both cameras are compact enough to travel comfortably, but the D-Lux 6 edges out slightly for those prioritizing pocketability.

Top Controls and User Interface: Precision Meets Portability

The control layout and operational ease greatly impact shooting fluidity - especially in street and event settings.

• D-Lux 6 delivers a traditional control scheme with dedicated dials for exposure, aperture, and shutter speed. Buttons are logically spaced, though some might find the absence of illuminated controls challenging in dim conditions. The lack of touchscreen means you rely on physical buttons, which are firm and responsive.

• XZ-2 iHS offers a more modern hybrid approach: fewer physical dials but a highly adaptable interface complemented by a tilting touchscreen LCD. This allows faster menu navigation and focusing options, though those seeking direct manual control might find the experience less tactile compared to the Leica.

In practice, I found the Leica more intuitive for photographers who prefer classic exposure dial operation, while Olympus wins for touchscreen-driven flexibility.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras pack a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor (7.44 x 5.58mm), but here’s where subtle differences come into play.

Image quality in the field:

• Leica produces images with a slightly warmer color rendition and excellent overall sharpness, largely due to its high-quality fixed Leica lens with a bright F1.4 aperture at the wide end. This facilitates superior shallow depth-of-field effects and low-light performance.
• Olympus’s sensor resolution advantage and broader ISO range provide added flexibility, especially in higher-contrast or night scenes. The sensor-shift stabilization works well to reduce blur at slower shutter speeds.

Both cameras offer RAW support, important for photographers wanting maximum post-processing control.

Lens Performance and Focal Range

Lens quality defines much of the photographic experience with fixed-lens compacts.

• D-Lux 6’s Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens covers a versatile 24-90mm equiv. range (3.8x zoom) with an impressively bright F1.4-2.3 aperture. This establishes it as a clear favorite for portraits and low-light scenarios, delivering creamy bokeh and sharp detail. Macro focusing enables shots down to 1cm, great for close-ups.

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS’s lens offers a longer zoom reach, 28-112mm equiv. (4x zoom), with a slightly slower maximum aperture (F1.8-2.5). The extended telephoto is advantageous for wildlife and sports photography when you can’t get close, though the bokeh is less pronounced due to the narrower aperture at the wide end.

In real-world usage, I found the Leica better suited for event and portrait work, benefiting from the speed and clarity of the Summilux glass, while the Olympus is more of a jack-of-all-trades lens with extra telephoto flexibility.

Autofocus System and Speed

Modern compact cameras vary widely in autofocus sophistication, influencing your chance at sharp images in challenging conditions.

• Leica D-Lux 6: Utilizes a hybrid contrast-detection system with 23 focus points, capable of continuous AF and tracking. However, it lacks face and eye detection, which can be a hindrance for portrait shooters. AF speed is decent in good light but slows down in low contrast or dim environments.

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Features 35 contrast-detection points with face detection included. While continuous AF performance is somewhat limited (no continuous AF mode), the face detection improves targeting in portrait and street settings. The system is quick and reliable in well-lit conditions.

While the Leica’s manual focus ring appeals to traditionalists and macro shooters, for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife, neither is a perfect match compared to interchangeable lens cameras with phase detection AF systems.

LCD Display and Viewfinder Options

User interface and framing tools influence overall shooting effectiveness.

• Both cameras sport a fixed 3-inch LCD with 920k-dot resolution, sharp and bright. The Olympus adds a tilt mechanism, expanding compositional flexibility under challenging angles, which I personally found invaluable for street and travel photography.

• Neither comes with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), but both support optional EVF accessories. The absence of a built-in EVF is a notable downside if you prefer shooting with your eye to the camera in bright sunlight or for image stabilization benefits.

Burst Shooting and Video Performance

Action and multimedia capabilities are increasingly important.

• Leica D-Lux 6 can shoot bursts up to 11 fps, a standout speed for a compact, beneficial for capturing fleeting moments in street or wildlife. It also supports Full HD video (1920x1080) at 60fps, delivering smooth, detailed footage.

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS does not specify a burst mode but supports Full HD video at 30fps with enhanced encoding (MPEG-4, H.264), plus microphone input for better audio, ideal for vloggers or casual filmmakers.

Video-wise, Leica’s higher framerate at 1080p offers more flexibility for slow-motion and cinematic capture but lacks microphone input, which is present on the Olympus.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Shooting

Optical/image stabilization is crucial for sharp handheld shots, especially in dim situations.

• Leica D-Lux 6 employs optical stabilization integrated in the lens, yielding effective shake reduction.

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS uses sensor-shift stabilization, which I found slightly more versatile across focal lengths and macro distances.

Regarding ISO performance, Olympus offers a higher maximum ISO 12800 compared to Leica’s 6400, though both best perform under ISO 1600 in practical use before noise becomes noticeable. The Leica's faster lens compensates well in low light through larger apertures.

Rough Environmental Resistance and Build Durability

Neither model offers weather sealing or rugged robustness, which limits outdoor use in adverse conditions. Both handle everyday bumps and light rain with care, but for serious outdoor photographers, additional protection gear would be wise.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance can be a dealbreaker for all-day shoots or travel.

• Leica D-Lux 6 rates at approx. 330 shots per charge.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS slightly edges this at 340 shots, and uses the reliable Li-90B battery.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single card slot, which might limit workflow redundancy for professional use.

In connectivity, only the Olympus supports Eye-Fi wireless card "Connected" function, enabling automatic image transfer. Leica lacks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, meaning you must physically offload images.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

What do these specs translate to in various genres? Here is a breakdown based on my extensive field tests.

Portrait Photography

• Leica’s D-Lux 6 excels with its bright lens and natural color rendition. Manual focus ring helps nail precise eyeshot focus, while the lack of face detection is mitigated by careful shooting.
• Olympus offers face detection, useful for casual portrait work, but slower aperture means less creamy bokeh.

Landscape Photography

• Resolution and dynamic range favor Olympus slightly, boosting detail and tonal depth. The tilt screen helps composing unusual angles.
• Leica’s lens offers sharp corners but narrower zoom range might limit compositional variety.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is an ideal long-zoom sports-ready rig due to focal length limits and autofocus constraints. Olympus’s longer zoom and face detection provide an edge for casual animal shots over Leica.

Street Photography

• Leica’s compactness, fast aperture, and discreet appearance make it a strong contender for street shooters.
• Olympus’s tilt screen might attract those shooting candid from odd vantage points.

Macro Photography

Both focus down to 1cm, but Leica’s sharper optics and manual focus give a slight advantage in detail and control.

Night and Astro Photography

• Leica’s max aperture and decent high-ISO performance help capture stars and night scenes.
• Olympus can push ISO higher, but images degrade after ISO 1600.

Video Production

• Leica supports 1080p60 video without external mic, making it suitable for smooth videos at the expense of audio quality.
• Olympus 1080p30 with mic input is better for vloggers.

Travel and Everyday Use

Both shine in travel scenarios given compact sizes and versatile lenses, but Leica’s faster lens and smaller size appeal most.

Professional Workflows

Neither truly replaces a dedicated professional interchangeable system, but both support RAW and manual controls for critical work. Leica’s premium lens quality and file rendering may appeal to professionals needing superior JPEGs on the go.

Sample Image Gallery

To better visualize the differences, here are comparative sample shots covering portrait, landscape, macro, and street scenes.

Leica D Lux 6 front Leica D Lux 6 screen back Olympus XZ 2 iHS front Olympus XZ 2 iHS screen back

Performance Scores and Rankings

Here is a distilled performance rating reflecting testing metrics and user-centered evaluation.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Use Recommendations

Pros and Cons Summary

Leica D-Lux 6

Pros:

• Fast F1.4 Leica lens sharpness and bokeh
• Compact and lightweight with premium feel
• Fast burst shooting at 11 fps
• Full HD 1080p60 video capability
• Optical image stabilization

Cons:

• No built-in EVF or touchscreen
• Limited zoom range (24-90mm)
• No wireless connectivity
• No face/eye detection AF
• Battery life could be better for extended sessions

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Pros:

• Higher 12MP resolution with excellent dynamic range
• Longer zoom (28-112 mm) versatile for daily and telephoto needs
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• Tilting touchscreen LCD and face detection AF
• Microphone input for videos
• Eye-Fi wireless compatible
• Slightly better battery life

Cons:

• Slower maximum aperture (F1.8-2.5)
• No continuous AF or high burst rates
• No built-in EVF
• Bulkier and heavier than Leica
• Video max 1080p30 only

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

After months of comparative shooting, here is my distilled advice for your next purchase:

• Choose Leica D-Lux 6 if…

  • You prioritize ultimate image warmth, sharpness, and shallow depth of field.
  • Fast shooting and responsive manual control are essential.
  • You want a compact, discreet companion for street, portrait, and travel photography.
  • High frame-rate 1080p video matters.

• Opt for Olympus XZ-2 iHS if…

  • Higher resolution and dynamic range are priorities.
  • You shoot a variety of subjects needing longer zoom and face detection.
  • A versatile, tilting touchscreen aids your creative workflow.
  • Video with microphone input and wireless image transfer are must-haves.
  • Your budget is tighter - Olympus offers significant value for less than a third the Leica’s price.

In closing, both cameras embody outstanding craftsmanship and advanced features suited to demanding enthusiasts and semi-professionals. Your choice boils down to whether you favor Leica’s extraordinary optics and shooting speed or Olympus’s well-rounded specs and added modern conveniences.

Remember: testing each in hand, considering the lenses you intend to shoot, and matching features to your photographic style ensures you’re investing in the camera that will truly inspire your creative journey.

Happy shooting!