Leica D-Lux 7 vs D-Lux Typ 109: A Hands-On Comparison of Leica’s Large Sensor Compacts

When Leica updates a classic like their D-Lux compact series, photography enthusiasts and pros alike lean in. The D-Lux 7, announced in late 2018, follows the D-Lux Typ 109 from 2014 as the company’s flagship large sensor compact. Both pack a lot of punch in small bodies, boasting the signature Leica design, a Four Thirds sensor, and a fixed 24-75mm (equivalent) f/1.7-2.8 lens. But behind those similar specs lie some key differences that matter a lot in real-world shooting.

Having spent weeks shooting with both cameras across multiple genres - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to street - I’m here to break down the essential comparisons that will help you decide which Leica D-Lux variant fits your photographic style and budget. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast craving superb image quality in a pocket camera or a working pro hunting for a pocket-sized backup, this in-depth, from-the-trenches review will give you the clarity you need.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics and Handling

Leica’s large sensor compacts are famous for marrying premium build with pocket portability, and both cameras uphold that. Yet subtle differences in body thickness and control layouts impact how they feel in the hand.

At first glance, the D-Lux 7 is marginally thicker (64mm vs 55mm depth on the Typ 109) and barely lighter by 2 grams - a wash at 403g vs 405g. This modest added bulk in the D-Lux 7 comes with a deeper grip area, which I found improved hand comfort during extended handheld shooting. If you’re the type who loathes the dreaded “club for the thumb” feeling some compacts deliver, the newer model’s ergonomics are a welcome step up.

Looking at the top view:

The control layout on the D-Lux 7 is refined with touchscreen support and illuminated buttons missing from the Typ 109. The addition of touchscreen elevates usability, especially when navigating menus or selecting focus areas - something that came in handy during fast-paced street photography and macro work. The Typ 109, without touchscreen, sometimes felt sluggish when shifting settings on the fly.

Ergonomics verdict: The D-Lux 7 edges ahead for better grip, refined controls, and touchscreen convenience. Typ 109 is still solid but feels a bit dated alongside its successor.

Sensor, Image Quality and Resolution: What Leica Packs Under the Hood

Both cameras dump the typical compacts’ tiny sensors in favor of a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, a big plus for low light and dynamic range. But despite that shared sensor platform, Leica ratcheted up the resolution on the D-Lux 7.

The D-Lux 7 offers 17MP vs the Typ 109’s 13MP max resolution. That translates to a 4736×3552 pixel output vs 4112×3088 on the older model. The bump isn’t huge but notable for cropping flexibility and fine detail capture in landscapes and macro shots.

Both cameras include an anti-alias filter which smoothens detail to prevent moiré but can blunt edge sharpness slightly - a Leica hallmark prioritizing smooth gradations over pixel-peeping.

On ISO sensitivity, both max out at 25600 native ISO, but the D-Lux 7’s newer image processing engine handles high ISO noise more gracefully. Shooting nightscapes and astrophotography handheld at ISO 3200 and beyond, the newer D-Lux showed cleaner shadows and less chroma noise, enabling crisper star fields and deep night detail.

The real-world image quality samples highlight these differences:

Leica D Lux 7 front Leica D Lux 7 screen back Leica D Lux Typ 109 front

Skin tones rendered by the D-Lux 7 are smoother, more natural, and less prone to digital artifacts, particularly when using the eye and face detection autofocus in portraiture. Landscape shots benefit from the increased resolution and dynamic range, showing richer detail in foliage and skies.

Image quality verdict: The D-Lux 7 offers a modest but important resolution and noise management upgrade, translating to crisper portraits, cleaner night shots, and higher quality landscape images.

Autofocus and Performance in the Field

In any camera, autofocus (AF) is fundamental, especially for genres requiring quick reflexes like wildlife or sports.

Both models feature 49 contrast-detection AF points (no phase detection), with face and eye detection autofocus (AF) capabilities on both, although the D-Lux 7 adds touch AF making manual area selection more intuitive.

I tested AF speed and accuracy across various scenarios. While both cameras locked focus reliably in bright light, the D-Lux 7 showed faster focusing in continuous AF mode, especially tracking moving subjects like birds and street performers. The D-Lux Typ 109 occasionally lagged in these scenarios, leading to missed shots.

Continuous shooting rates are identical at 11fps, but the buffer on the D-Lux 7 appeared slightly deeper, permitting longer burst sequences before slowdown in RAW + JPEG mode.

Also important in fast shooting: shutter speed. The D-Lux 7 supports electronic shutter up to 1/16,000 sec, doubling the mechanical shutter’s max 1/4,000 sec - useful for bright daylight wide-aperture shooting. The Typ 109 maxes out at 1/4,000 sec shutter speed only.

AF & speed verdict: Faster, smarter autofocus and better shutter options on the D-Lux 7 give it the edge for action, wildlife, and street photography.

Display and Viewfinder: Eye-Level and Touchscreen Improvements

Look through any Leica viewfinder, and expectations run high. Both models feature a 0.7x magnification electronic viewfinder with 2,760k dots resolution covering 100% of the frame - sharp, bright, and a joy when composing.

Where the D-Lux 7 steps ahead is its 3" fixed LCD touchscreen with 1240k dots resolution, compared to the Typ 109's non-touch 921k dots.

The sharper, touch-enabled screen changes how you shoot:

Touch-to-focus and intuitive gesture zoom made framing macros and street scenes easier and faster on the D-Lux 7. The Typ 109’s screen, while adequate, felt sluggish and less crisp when framing under bright daylight or using live view.

For video shooters, the touchscreen on the D-Lux 7 translates to quicker menu navigation and focus adjustments without fumbling with physical dials.

Display verdict: If you value a responsive, high-res touch screen, the D-Lux 7 is worth the premium.

Lens and Optical Performance: The Leica Vario-Summilux Legacy

Both D-Lux models come with the same Leica-branded fixed Vario-Summilux lens: a 24-75mm (35mm equivalent) with a bright f/1.7-2.8 aperture range.

I’ve praised this lens for its sharpness, minimal distortion, and beautiful bokeh throughout the zoom range in past reviews - the hallmark Leica optical quality delivered here too.

Notably, both cameras resolve great background separation in portraits thanks to the wide aperture and Four Thirds sensor. You’ll get smooth, creamy bokeh particularly between f/1.7 and f/2.8, ideal for isolating subjects in unique lighting.

No difference here, but the D-Lux 7’s improved AF and electronic shutter complement this lens better for sharper images and more flexibility.

Battery Life, Storage and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

The D-Lux 7 uses a new DP-DC15 lithium-ion battery promising about 340 shots per charge, versus 300 on the Typ 109. That 13% gain might not seem like much, but in travel or extended shoots, it means an extra hour or two without hunting for a charger.

Storage options are identical - single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot supporting UHS-I cards, standard for this class.

Wireless connectivity is an interesting difference:

• The D-Lux 7 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, enabling easy remote control and image transfer.
• The Typ 109 only offers Wi-Fi and NFC (no Bluetooth).

Bluetooth on the D-Lux 7 allows seamless camera pairing with smartphones even when Wi-Fi isn’t on, a subtle but significant convenience if you edit or share on the go.

USB charging is supported on the D-Lux 7, a boon for frequent travelers who want to top up without bulky chargers. The Typ 109 only supports USB 2.0 data transfer, no charging.

Battery & connectivity verdict: The D-Lux 7 is a more modern companion, better suited for travel and mobile workflows.

Durability and Build Quality: Weather Sealing and Handling the Elements

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized - both are delicate large sensor compacts that should be treated with care. No dustproofing, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing features on either.

The D-Lux 7’s slightly revised chassis feels more solid under the fingers, and improved button feel gives me confidence for regular outdoor use - but don’t expect Leica to offer DSLR-grade durability here.

If you need an ultra-rugged camera, neither is ideal, but for urban and nature shooting on fair days, they hold up well.

Real-World Photography Tests: Genre-Specific Breakdown

Let’s move from specifications into field-tested insights for specific photography styles:

Portraits

Both cameras exhibit excellent skin tone fidelity, but the D-Lux 7’s upgraded sensor and processing yield smoother gradations and better eye AF responsiveness in natural light portraits. Background bokeh remains dreamy in both, but the newer AF makes capturing sharp eyes easier.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7

Landscapes

The D-Lux 7’s higher resolution and improved dynamic range deliver files that hold more detail in highlights and shadows, allowing more post-processing latitude. The higher resolution comes in handy for large prints or cropping tight landscape details.

Neither camera has weather sealing, so bring protection if hiking.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7

Wildlife

For modest wildlife, both cameras’ 11fps burst and 49 contrast AF points help, but the new D-Lux 7 offers better autofocus subject tracking, a faster shutter, and electronic shutter options to freeze motion more effectively.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7 by a clear margin

Sports

Neither D-Lux is a high-speed sports camera, but the D-Lux 7 beats the Typ 109 in shutter speed ceiling, continuous AF responsiveness, and buffer depth, which matter in fast-action shooting.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7

Street Photography

Here’s where the Typ 109 retains appeal. It’s slimmer and less bulky, lending itself well to discreet shooting. The absence of a touchscreen may slow operation but manual controls remain sharp. Plus, its slightly lower price may appeal to street shooters who don’t want to flash the latest model.

Winner: Close call. D-Lux 7 for ease, Typ 109 for discretion and price.

Macro

Both cameras can focus down to 3cm, producing excellent macro detail and smooth bokeh. The D-Lux 7’s touch AF makes focusing on tiny subjects easier.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7 (for focus convenience)

Night/Astro Photography

The D-Lux 7's superior noise control at high ISO makes it better for night scenes and stars. The electronic shutter at 1/16,000 sec allows shooting bright scenes wide open.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7

Video

Both offer 4K at 30p maximum resolution, with the D-Lux 7 adding H.264 codec and better stabilization. Neither supports microphone or headphone ports, limiting pro audio options.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7 for stabilization and codec efficiency

Travel Photography

The D-Lux 7’s improved battery life, wireless streaming, and touchscreen interface make it a versatile, compact powerhouse for traveling photographers.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7

Professional Work

Both deliver 12-bit RAW and DNG compatibility, but improved autofocus system and output quality give the D-Lux 7 an edge for situated pro shooters wanting pocket portability.

Winner: Leica D-Lux 7

Build Quality and User Interface Details

While Leica’s signature aesthetics hold true, it’s important to highlight interface improvements.

• The D-Lux 7’s touchscreen is more than a gimmick; it enhances many use cases.
• Both cameras feature custom white balance, exposure compensation, aperture and shutter priority modes, and manual modes.
• Neither camera has illuminated buttons, but the D-Lux 7 offers faster menu navigation.

Price and Value: Which One Makes Sense?

At the time of writing, the D-Lux 7 commands a roughly $1200 ask (body only), about 10% above the Typ 109’s $1100.

Considering the D-Lux 7’s upgrades in sensor resolution, AF system, touchscreen, battery life, and connectivity, the price jump is justified for anyone seeking long-term versatility and speed.

However, for the photographer on a budget who loves Leica’s optics but can live without touchscreen and the latest AF speed, the Typ 109 remains an excellent choice and often available at discounted street prices.

Who Should Buy Which Leica?

To wrap this up with some actionable guidance:

• Buy the Leica D-Lux 7 if you:

  • Want the latest AF tech and touchscreen ease
  • Shoot wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects
  • Value better low-light and night photography
  • Need better video stabilization and codec options
  • Desire longer battery life and wireless transfer flexibility
  • Shoot a broad range of genres including macro and portraits

• Consider the Leica D-Lux Typ 109 if you:

  • Are budget-conscious but want Leica’s iconic style and optics
  • Prefer a slimmer, more pocketable design for street and travel
  • Shoot static subjects and don’t mind missing touchscreen convenience
  • Can live with slightly slower AF and older connectivity tech

Pros & Cons Summary

Wrapping Up: Is the Leica D-Lux 7 Worth the Upgrade?

In my hands-on testing, the Leica D-Lux 7 stands out as a meaningful refresh rather than a subtle iteration. Its combination of better image quality, faster autofocus, touchscreen interface, and improved connectivity makes it a stronger all-around performer for most photographers.

If you already own the Typ 109, upgrading depends on whether those specific enhancements align with your needs - especially autofocus speed and touchscreen. For new buyers, the D-Lux 7 justifies the modest premium with a more future-proof feature set and smoother shooting experience.

The Typ 109 remains a compelling option for Leica lovers who want distinctive style and Leica glass without stretching the wallet.

Final words: Leica’s D-Lux large sensor compacts may not pack DSLR firepower, but for a discerning eye who values image quality, portability, and that unmistakable Leica vibe, they remain premier companions. My testing confirms the D-Lux 7 as the wiser pick for photographers demanding speed, versatility, and tactile refinement.

Happy shooting - and may the Leica spark your creativity wherever life and light take you!

(If you want to peek back at the detailed technical specs and image galleries, I’ve integrated all relevant visuals exactly where they matter most throughout this review.)