November 2013

Leica D-Lux 6 Digital Compact Camera
Cheap thrills from Leica.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

  Leica Camera AG has presented a new design twist on their popular Leica D-Lux 6 digital compact camera ($799 for basic model). With an existing version in elegant, matte-black, the camera is now available in a high-gloss, two-color finish. The new high-gloss black camera body paired with the silver-colored lens creates a tasteful contrast that results in a sophisticated, stylish appearance. The silver lens of the Leica D-Lux 6 is a Leica DC-Vario-Summilux lens. The varied range of focal lengths makes the camera particularly versatile, ideal for everything from wide-angle architectural and landscape photography to photojournalism and portraits. Combined with a powerful 1/1.7" CMOS image sensor, this camera is said to "guarantee a high dynamic range and brilliant images that capture life's greatest moments". The Leica D-Lux 6 offers a comprehensive range of features, including automatic mode, manual setting options and optional accessories, like an electronic viewfinder with 1.4 million pixels, which provide even greater creative freedom in all areas of photography. 

Full HD video recording capability is also included in this newest version of the D-Lux 6. The camera records fast-moving subjects in detail and video data can be saved in Internet-compatible MP4 format. They may also be uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any need for conversion. A special wind-noise filter reduces undesirable noise.

Max resolution 3648 x 2736 

Image ratio WxH 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9

Effective pixels 10 megapixels 

Sensor photo detectors 13 megapixels

Sensor type / size CMOS  1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm)

Processor Venus Engine 

Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB 

Image ISO Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, (12800 with boost) 

White balance presets 5 

Custom white balance, Yes (2) 

Image stabilization Optical 

Uncompressed format RAW 

JPEG quality levels Fine, Standard 

File format
•JPEG (DCF/Exif 2.3)
•RAW
•MPO

Focal length (equiv.) 24–90 mm 

Optical zoom 3.8× 

Digital zoom Yes (up to 4.5x)

Autofocus
•Contrast Detect (sensor)
•Multi-area
•Tracking
•Single
•Continuous
•Live View

Normal focus range 50 cm (19.69") 

Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39")

Maximum aperture F1.4 - F2.3 

Minimum shutter speed 60 sec 

Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec

LCD Screen size 3.00"

Built-in flash Yes (Pop-up) 

Flash range 8.50 meter 

External flash Yes (Hot-shoe) 

Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync

Continuous drive Yes (11, 5, 2) 

Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images))

Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) 

Format
•MPEG-4
•AVCHD

Microphone Stereo

Speaker Mono 

Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps)

Videography notes
1920 x 1080 pixels, 60p, 50p (PSH: 28Mbps / AVCHD) (Sensor Output is 60, 50fps) ; 1920 x 1080 pixels, 60i, 50i (FSH: 17Mbps / AVCHD) (Sensor Output is 60, 50fps) 1280 x 720 pixels, 60p, 50p (SH: 17Mbps / AVCHD) (Sensor Output is 60, 50fps); 1920 x 1080 pixels, 25 fps (FHD: 20Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 25fps) 1280 x 720 pixels, 30, 25 fps (HD: 10Mbps / MP4) (Sensor Output is 30, 25fps) 

Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal 

Storage included 70 MB Internal 

Connectivity USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) 

HDMI Yes (mini HDMI Type C)

Battery Life (CIPA) 330 

Weight (inc. batteries) 0.66 lb / 10.51 oz

Dimensions 4.37" x 2.68" x 1.81"