• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.8 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 75.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon Df advantages over Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 3.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) advantages over Nikon Df

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $875* vs $2997
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)

Review Excerpt

  • Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life

  • Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon Df
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A99

Nikon Df
Sony A99
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Sony A99
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon 6D

Nikon Df
Canon 6D
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Canon 6D
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic LX100

Nikon Df
Panasonic LX100
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Panasonic LX100
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic LX100 II

Nikon Df
Panasonic LX100 II
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Panasonic LX100 II
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
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