4 Reasons Why You Should Get the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic LX-5

by Chris Gampat on 10/21/2010

The general consensus for years and years was that Leica simply took Panasonic cameras, changed them just a little bit and sold them for much more. With the dawn of the Leica D-LUX 5and the Panasonic LX-5, enough differences can really be seen between the two to justify the purchase. If you’re interested in specs, take a look at our comparison against the Canon S95 which is essentially it’s biggest competitor.

D-LUX 5 is More Affordable

Let’s do a price breakdown here using B&H:

Panasonic LX-5 = $499.95

Lightroom 3 = $279.99

Two year warranty = $54.99

Ordering with free shipping.

Tax = $74.02

Total = $908.00

Now with the D-LUX 5, one gets all of that.

Leica D-LUX 5 = $799.00

Estimated Tax = $71.92

UPS Ground (I’m in NYC) = $11.40

Total = $882.32

Editor’s Note: This posting was written back on October 4th, 2010. Prices could have changed but more than likely not enough to justify the difference shown here.

Don’t Want The Grip

While Panasonic has been praised by many users so far for making the grip on the camera much better to hold, others may perhaps argue that the purpose of a point-and-shoot camera is to be small. Therefore, the D-LUX 5 may be a more attractive option as the camera does not feature a grip at all but instead a flat, smooth surface. Users wanting a more pocketable camera may want to pick up the D-LUX 5 instead. It will surely be much easier to slip in and out of a coat pocket or a purse. With that said, it can also perhaps slip more easily out of your hands. In this case, it is recommended that the user keep the strap wrapped around their wrist so as to prevent theft and dropping the camera.

Better Menu Layout

As I noted when I reviewed the D-LUX 4 and V-LUX 20, I’ve always preferred Leica’s menu layout over Panasonic’s. The reason for this is because of the easier access to the options that really matter to me and the simpler interface and naming as well. For people that are typically intimidated by technology, this all sounds like something that you may be looking for. The simple black and white screen is also more attractive than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5which features black, white and different shades of yellow in most cases. When the user really gets down to it, they want a more streamlined use and it will come from the Leica vs the Panasonic.

Better Resale Value

Because it is a Leica, the D-LUX 5 is bound to have much better resale value than the Panasonic LX-5 will.

Nothing more needs to be said on that subject.

Please Support The Phoblographer

We love to bring you guys the latest and greatest news and gear related stuff. However, we can’t keep doing that unless we have your continued support. If you would like to purchase any of the items mentioned, please do so by clicking our links first and then purchasing the items as we then get a small portion of the sale to help run the website.

Also, please follow us on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter.

Tagged as: Cameras, canon, d-lux 5, leica, lx-5, panasonic, point and shoot, s95

Edward Fox

Perhaps the main thing in the D lux 5′s favor is a much superior jpeg engine. Reviewers such as Cnet and Digital Camera Resource Page have noted that the LX5′s jpeg engine is its weak point.
- http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat
  
  Main thing is a very subjective terms when people are budget conscious and Leica is known for being more expensive.
  - Stefan
    
    My experience is still that digital cameras and film cameras are different animals. Digital camera technology has a short life span. The build quality doesn’t match compact cameras from the 70′s or 8o’s for longevity, Why buy expensive ones? For features? Leica is a great company. I own two Leica M6′s. But I remain unconvinced that a digital leica ( and yes, even the M9 ) is worth the price premiums. Differences between the Lumix product and the D lux are rather small I think, but anyway if you have the money and really want that D-lux5 for the looks or the brand,well…nothing wrong with that. choice is nice.You can even get it in multicolors from a company like colorware which specializes in such things for about 400 dollars extra. Yellow and pink D lux anyone?
    But for taking pictures and using the camera the LX5 is probably more than good enough and you still get the benefit of Leica’s lens design.
    I DO appreciate the simplified menu on the Leica though. Wish cameras didn’t depend on menus and wish they still had GOOD optical viewfinders.
    - Anonymous
      
      Meanwhile, want to sell me an M6?
      
      -Chris Gampat
      Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
      Twitter.com/ChrisGampat
sal coppola

I would think,also,is that the software and lens coatings are superior also
- http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat
  
  While I agree with you about the menu, interface and the lens coatings, those are subjective.
Pingback: 4 Reasons Why You Should Get the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic LX-5 - Leica User Forum
Ask Burlefot

I only shoot RAW so the “much superior JPG-engine doesn’t help much. I already have Lightroom, so that is a waste too. I like the grip. Wait, that’s on the Panasonic.

Oh, and both comes with 2 year warranty where I live.

What is the differencein coating? Care to elaborate?
Pingback: Leica D-Lux 4 vs. Leica D-Lux 5 comparison (part 1) | Leica News & Rumors
SB

After about 3 years of consistent use, my LX3 is a battered, scratched, dented little beast of a camera. The screws are getting loose, the switches and buttons are weak, as well as the Aspect Ratio switch is loose with the little metal flange underneath starting to stick out. I’ve probably shot way over its estimated capability, and I’ve taken it through the ringer from desert temperatures in the 110F to freezing temperatures in the 20F.
Nobody is going to care about its “resale” value when they see the camera as it looks, no matter whether it’s a Leica or not – not when it looks this battered, worn, scratched and about to fall apart. Its only value is to ME, who used it and to whom the camera stayed a faithful travel companion.

Don’t believe the hype. If you can shoot RAW with either camera, who doesn’t want the Hand-Grip? You’re only going to look cool with a Leica camera at some parties you may go a couple of times a year. If you’re a serious shooter like me who fires away constantly, all day long, every day, no matter what you do, you won’t be able to treat it as daintily as you think you can to make it looking as good as you think, especially as small as it is, the constant and consistent retrieval and insertion into the camera bag or purse or to your belt or that quick placement on the table at the coffee shop, the removal and replacement of the lens cover – all these things will mean you’re using it, and it will show its wear and tear after about 2 years.
Don’t be a sissy in trying to protect it – it means you’re not USING IT PROPERLY nor are you really interested in getting shots.
Buy the Panny, if you already have a favourite Photo manipulation software. You don’t need to get the Lightroom addition.
- http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat
  
  Hi SB,
  
  You’re quite the opinionated one and don’t even seem to give any leeway to other people’s point of view.
  
  1. How many people beat their point and shoot the way you do? If you’re selling it later on down the line, heck yes they’ll care.
  
  2. One of the reasons why many people buy the S95 over the LX-5 is because there is no hand grip; just like the D-LUX 5. If you’re a serious shooter, I really think you should be considering Panasonic’s GF-1 or GH2; only the latter has a grip of any sort. Most importantly if you’re a serious shooter, I believe you should be concentrating more on what your camera is putting out.
  
  3. If you’re beating your camera like that, I recommend getting a leather protective case.
  
  4. Trying to protect your camera means that you won’t have to buy a new one. It’s quite a strong statement to say that one isn’t using it properly or interested in getting shots if they’re trying to protect their camera.
  
  5. What if you want to upgrade to Lightroom 3 to take advantage of better editing capabilities?
  - SG
    
    With all due respect, you are missing the point. I don’t need to give you any leeway – THAT is my opinion up there, from my own experience.
    These cameras are not meant to last more than 2 years, whether it’s a Leica or not. And I actually have had it for 3 years and it’s on its last legs, and it has not had any repairs. I never replaced it with a new one, as I was expecting to buy the LX-5.
    I buy the cameras to USE them, to shoot with them, not to think about making them last for later re-sale. I buy them to USE them.
    I have a business whereby I can write-off what I buy yearly, as a business expense. It may SOUND like I am abusing my cameras – but I am not – these things I described, such as the loose screws, loose switches, the weakened fit and finish – they will all develop, if you use the cameras a LOT – ANY camera would do that, if you use them a LOT, such as I do, EVERY DAY, and ALL DAY, as I carry them, whether in my bag, on my belt, or hand-held. Perhaps I am not a good example, as most CONSUMERS probably only use their more expensive cameras once a week, if that, and when its a camera with a Leica label, may be even less so. But that is my point – if you are considering a split decision between the LX-5 and the Leica clone – buy the LX-5 if you are a serious USER, a serious SHOOTER, who already has a favourite photo-manipulation software in their computer, who doesn’t need another one such as Lightroom.
    
    Leather case or not, I believe my camera’s fit and finish wear and tear is from GENERAL use, but a CONSTANT, normal use. Trust me, it’s not from ABUSING it.
    
    If YOU, as a consumer, are not replacing these cameras every 2 years or every time a new edition comes out – you’re not supporting the manufacturers. If they wanted you to keep your camera for more than 2 years without any problems, then they would give you warranty for 5 – but they do not.
    
    Once again, Chris, with all due respect, this is purely my own opinion, and I am not attacking you or yours. Don’t take it personal. If somebody wanted to upgrade to Lightroom 3 to take advantage of better editing capabilities – then he’s more than likely not a regular consumer. And, since you’re the one who keeps talking about everything being “subjective” all the time – whether that person uses the Lightroom 3 or not, I can more than guarantee that, when a photo is printed out and framed and put on the wall, you’re not going to able to tell what software was used and how it was shot without being told, and whether you LIKE that photo on the wall or not is SUBJECTIVE and at that point, it doesn’t matter what software was used.
- Dude!
  
  SB is correct. Those that buy Leicas and then baby their cameras really are doing a disservice to the cameras. They are tools to be used. The camera exists to take pictures, not for being the object of adoration.
  
  It used to be, and probably still is, that real photographers had worn out, beat up cameras, because of all the action the cameras saw. It was the collectors, fetishists, and poseurs that had pristine equipment that rarely saw an exposure.
  
  Ask apro about leather cases–and you’ll get either an odd stare or some other knowing look–those “ever-ready” cases were derisively called “never-ready”. The camera gets carried in a bag, or better, around the shoulder or neck, or best, in hand, ready to capture the moment.
  - http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat
    
    You can use a camera and not wear it down. What you and SB seem to be defendng is clumsy use.
    
    Real photographers? Define real photographers. I’ve never heard of a fake photographer in my life.
    
    LX-3 and LX-5 in a bag? Ha!
- Artie
  
  Treat both cameras equally well, or equally rough, and you will get more resale from the Leica either way.
TheresaZphotography

Hey SB, I get what you’re saying but you can shoot everyday, all day, I do this also, and not beat up your camera. As I was reading your comment I was feeling sad that you had abused your camera to that extent. Scratches and minor things are a given when you shoot daily and set your camera on fences, the sidewalk, brick walls etc., but loose switches and buttons are a bit much. Do you throw your camera around?

Poor camera.
- SB
  
  Theresa,
  
  There is a reason why Panasonic builds a laptop called “Toughbook” with extra padding and a thick skin.
  This camera has neither, and all its buttons and switches are exposed, not does it have any ENVIRONMENTAL seals.
  Freezing whether all day outside in the snow and ice will make the camera get warped as it freezes and fogs up.
  Extreme heat will do the opposite, as it expands and loosens the fit and finish, and actually weaken the plastic.
  Yes, poor camera, I agree. But I did nothing to it that I wouldn’t to any of the other cameras I have used in the same conditions.
  
  The loose switches and buttons are not “bit much” – I expected this to happen, especially with all that constant and consistent playing around. And so should you, to be quite honest. I can easily make these things last 20 years if I only ever used them on the weekend or once a month or something. But shooting 5000 pics a day on average with any camera will show its wear and tear. Try it yourself – on/off, slide this way and that way with the switches and clicking the buttons that many times all day. Then do it every day for a year. Try it. In varying temperatures.
http://ballenhoffman@gmail.com Brian Hoffman

Maybe I’m uninformed, but why do I need Lightroom with the Lumix and not the Leica.
- http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat
  
  Hi Brian, because the Leica comes with Lightroom 3.
  - Bob Stevens
    
    If one is just getting into digital and will need software, is having the bundle with Lightroom a significant enough difference to justify the cost of the Leica? And SG, it does not seem like the firmware difference of the Lumix from the Leica is much of a difference for you. Any comment on that?
Pingback: Would you stand up for Leica? - Leica User Forum
http://www.howtoshot.com/ Jan

Very interesting article. This is first time some one is trying to convince other that Leica branded product is actually better value for money.

I agree with fact, that Leica will keep some value when it goes to sale on ebay after years of using… definitevly. My LX3 will have 0 value after 5 years. For D-Lux4 anyone probably get 100 USD.

Lets see my perspective:
- In EU, you get 2 years warranty for everything.
- Light room… well, it is very discutable if i can count full value. Most of the users of LX3 or LX5 are expirienced photographers… they do have all nescessary software already.
- Better menu… i have not seen leica one… maybe you right
- Better handling… very personal, no idea
- Nicer… i agree… i love leica look

At the end… I think that leica version is expensive… I wish to have enough money to buy their products. I like Leica style. However I do not see thei product in terms of value/money. Its more about feeling
Don Eilenberger

Interesting discussion. I see:

1 – Working photographer, or one who doesn’t want to worry about babying the camera for resale later on Ebay – the Lumix is the one to get.

2 – Camera hobbiest – meaning someone who buys cameras for what they look like, or the good feeling buying the “Leica” (or Rollie, or Hassy) name gives them. In the case of a Rollie or Hassy – it’s justified since there is no exact copy with simply another name on it. With the Leica LUX-5, it requires more rationalization, since the cameras are basically identical, with identical functionality.

Question – does anyone have any article links for the “superior JPG” engine on the Leica version? Or the supposed superior coatings (both cameras use the same lense made by Panasonic – I can’t imagine this supposed difference is actually true.)

I have no issue with the people who buy a Leica for whatever reason. It makes it fun to have the Lumix (buying it for Christmas) so if someone asks what it is – I can say “It’s an undercover Leica.. for half the price..” (Now $399 from several sources.

What’s really telling – the LCD “live” viewfinder. Absolutely positively identical and interchangeable – is $135 for the Lumix/Panny labeled one, and more then twice that for the Leica one. Wanna bet how many Leica enthusiasts are going to buy the Panny version?

Oh – as far as resale value of the Panny vs Leica on Ebay – I’ve been following the LX3 (predecessor).. right now, today, used LX3′s are selling on eBay for more then they were new. Hard to beat that for resale value. If you don’t believe it – do your own search and click on “Completed Auctions”.
Don Eilenberger

Oh, lets do the math again:

Lumix DMC-LX5 (Amazon, B&H, other sources) = $399.00 (no tax, no shipping to NJ)

2 Year Extended Protection Plan (B&H) = $44.99

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, V3, complete edition (Buy.com) – $174.59 (no tax, no shipping)

TOTAL: $618.58 (And even less if you qualify for the Adobe student/teacher version for less then $100)..

That’s a significant difference from $799 ($180.42 to be exact, enough to buy the filter adaptor and the LCD viewfinder.. whatta’deal..) Maybe I can buy a Leica sticker to put on it.
- http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat
  
  Price has changed. Wait till holiday season is over.
  
  Just wait…
  - Don Eilenberger
    
    Really? Is the Lux-5 going to be less then the Lumix?
    
    I expect if the Lux-5 drops in price, the Lumix will be dropping right along with it.
    
    The math doesn’t make sense. Admit that you buy the Lux-5 for the name, and that’s fine if that has that much value to you.
    - paulie
      
      Don, I don’t think it’s that simple. And surely doesn’t require that amount of cynicism?
      
      I’m getting into photography, mostly, for the JOY. For the first time in a lot of years, I can afford a little indulgence.
      
      I want a camera that can take great photos. I also love the thought and feeling of owning a camera that “feels” like it has a great lineage, and is beautifully designed. I never thought I could (or would) ever own a Leica. I would pay more for this priviledge, in the same why I would pay more for a quality clothing brand over something generic.
      
      But I’m not stupid. I was happy to buy the LX5. But when I looked at it – in my country, the cost of Lightroom is close to the difference between the 2 cameras. Plus I get the 3 year warranty, and the Leica will have a better resale. I’ve seen comparison photos between the two cameras, and I honestly prefer the Leica’s. Plus I get the JOY everytime I pull the camera out. And that’s why I take photos in the first place.
      
      The one thing I am dreading is being out enjoying my camera and someone lecturing me on how I have bought it just for the name.
      - Janjes
        
        DITTO to you Paulie….have fun with your stylish quality camera…I know you did not just buy it for the name.
        Kook
Don Eilenberger

Oh – missed the total cost for the LUX-5, of $883. That makes $265 difference. Or almost 1/3rd less. Go figure.
- Ho
  
  You are correct! Moreover, a fair comparison should include the handgrip for the Leica and the $100 discount on Lightroom that B&H offers with the Lumix purchase.
  
  As of 2-24-11 at B&H:
  Lumix
  $399(Camera)+$44.99 (actual 2 yr warranty price)+$159(Lightroom w/$100 B&H discount on the $259 B&H base price)
  =$602.99
  
  Leica
  $799(camera)+$125(Handgrip for D-Lux 5 Camera)
  =$924
  
  That’s a $321 (53%) extra for the Leica…
  - Ho
    
    P.S. Note also that even without putting a grip on the Leica, the Leica still costs $196 (33%) more…
  - Chris Gampat
    
    That discount is a limited offer. I work in their marketing dept.
    - Ho
      
      Great work on the discount B&H — and yet another reason that the Leica is more expensive.
      
      As a person working in marketing, I’m sure that you must be one of the last to deny the power of a brand and the real and measurable value and effect of brands (as reflected, for example, in “goodwill” in the accounting sense.) In fact, the brand “B&H” itself is a great example and one with which you should be quite familiar (full disclosure, I myself have had a number of face-to-face discussions about the business with managers both of a B&H product group and at B&H’s shipping facility at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.) Moreover, other examples in the marketing literature are not only numerous but diverse in field. The famous “New Coke” saga — where in blind taste tests consumers preferred a different formulation prompting the “New Coke” product, but in the stores still buying “Classic Coke (the actual story is perhaps a bit “richer”) is often cited as paradigmatic. It is not a stretch to envision Leica Lumix as another.
      
      Skilled marketing personnel are, of course, central to consumer goods corporations’ attempts to build and capitalize on brand value.
      
      I do have one question for you as a person in the know (which you understandibly might be uncomfortable answering because of the presumably sensitive nature to your employer of even saying one brand does better) —
      Does B&H make more profit on the Leica?
      - Chris Gampat
        
        I honestly have no idea, at the time of writing this I’ve been with the company for around 6 months or so. My responsibilities are writing for BHInsights, managing guest bloggers, managing the Flickr group, running contests on the Flickr group, coming up with ideas for videos (I’m usually then filmed in), advising and building other affiliates, and helping in house brands.
    - Ho
      
      Coll. And congratulations!
    - Ho
      
      Sorry. I meant to type “Cool.”
Stefan

Ah…the confusion of Panaleica cameras!
Photography 101 class starts here.
FILM cameras and DIGITAL cameras are different things entirely.
Leica film cameras were an investment in a piece of equipment that you could use for a lifetime and as such were worth the premium price. Digital cameras, ANY digital cameras are not products to use for a lifetime. They will be out of date in terms of technology within a few years just the same as any computer. So they are not worth paying high prices for. They are DISPOSABLE products.
A panasony LX doodah or a lookyLeicy D-Lux gizmo will both be equally outmoded by the new models due out next year that these companies are ALREADY working on.
Get the Panasonic. Enjoy that companies manufacturing and Leica’s lens design and do your tweaking for color on your computer. Save money and still get to enjoy taking pictures.
Whoever heard of buying cameras for re-sale value???????
Photographers buy cameras to take pics. as the poster above said.
Want to invest in property? You’d better buy Leica M film cameras and not anything digital. Digital is a rapid changing technology that is as useless next year as it was essential last year. Think you’ll be able to play Blu ray discs in ten years time?
Think again.
- http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat
  
  They still take good pictures in the hands of the right photographer. And not investing in a camera for resale value? You seriously don’t? Try owning an Olympus DSLR and then selling it. See how much money you’ll get for it. Nothing compared to a Canon or Nikon and Leica cameras go for a pretty penny on craigslist or in used depts.
Elavats

“It will surely be much easier to slip in and out of a coat pocket or a purse. With that said, it can also perhaps slip more easily out of your hands”

This would be a pertinent argument if the cameras had retractable lenses like the S95. As it is, both have lenses that protrude much further than the slight hand grip the Panasonic has. Personally, I find the little extra grip on the Panasonic functional and it doesn’t inhibit where I put it whether it’s in my coat pocket or shoulder bag. The key of course is using the wrist strap for the time it slips out of your hand.
Tony

Well, these are only words…. Does anybody know a site where we can compare IQ (raw) of both cameras? Imho that will proof which one is the better one (or equal). Or…?
- Chris Gampat
  
  They’re the same camera otherwise.
Jim Seekers

wonder which will be best between the following.
OLYMPUS XZ-1 and LEICA D-LUX 5.
now that is a more sensable debate.
Maga

I buyed the panasonic and a friend the leica. Both take pictures of same places, same time, same conditions. Sorry, but leica is much better.
Pingback: What Does the New Leica X1 Firmware Update Mean For You? at The Phoblographer
Kiki

Thanks very much for this nice helpful article. There is a special offer at the Schiphol Airport store for the Leica D-Lux5 and I am gonna give myself this beautiful treat!

I have had a lot of fun with my Panasonic Lumix LX-3, which I bought right after it was on the market. It was my first digital, non-canon and first ‘small’ camera (before I shot analogue or occasionaly borrowed a digital camera if I needed one for work) and I liked working with it right away. I loved the fact that I no longer had to carry around a camera bag

However, recently my Lumix quit working!! The shutter refused to open, and remains shut. Asked around, but nobody seems to know why. Fixing it means replacing the whole lens part, meaning the most expensive part of the camera, so several repair shops advised me to just buy a new camera. Panasonic charges 65 euros to just have a look at the thing, not guarantying a fix (which would cost me dearly). Panasonic told me they are not familiar with my problem and said I must have dropped my camera!! The bloody idiots. I am so done with Panasonic.
Caroline

And if you don’t want Lightroom you have just thrown away $280!

Resale value of digital!? My last one went into the bin after two years, I saved the battery.
Stinky Rutherford

Your doubts about the relative price changes appear unfounded- the Panasonic package is now much cheaper than the Leica.
- Anonymous
  
  Prices change
  
  -Chris Gampat
  Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
  Twitter.com/ChrisGampat
- Anonymous
  
  Prices change
  
  -Chris Gampat
  Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
  Twitter.com/ChrisGampat
Pingback: Field Review: Leica D-LUX 5 (Day 3) at The Phoblographer
Pingback: Hands on: Leica D-LUX 5 at The Phoblographer
Photosteve

I own a Leica M9, a DLux 3 and a CLux 2. The latter are Panasonic cameras built under contract for Leica. Aside from cosmetics and bundled software they are 100% identical to the Panasonics. Differences in image quality are strictly figments of owners’ imagination. I have recently decided on an LX5 rather than the DLux5, as 1) I already got Lightroom with the M9, 2) I found an LX5 for $310 vs $800 for the DLux5, and 3) after 4 years with the DLux 3 I am sick of the gripless, smooth finish.

Not that I care but maybe the M9 might imply to someone I’m a “serious” photographer, all the rebranded Panaleicas say is that I’m a silly brand-snob.
Achillina

I got a chance to get either D-lux3 vs LX5 for the same price. Which one would you pick?
http://twitter.com/NandaLinnAung Nanda Linn Aung

they both house Leica lens now