In January 2015 I published Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix LX100, a comprehensive guide book for that recent camera model. I am currently working on a similar guide for the Leica D-Lux (Typ 109), a model that is based on the LX100, but has some differences. In online discussions, I have often seen people debate whether there is much actual difference between the Leica and Panasonic versions of this camera. (There have been similar debates over the years about other pairings of Leica models with similar Panasonic versions, such as the Leica D-Lux 4 and the Panasonic LX3, the D-Lux 5 and the LX5, and others.)
As I worked closely with both cameras to write these guide books, I have developed a list of actual differences between the models, based on my experience in working with their features, menus, and controls. In the table below, I am producing that list, with a few caveats. First, I did not include minor differences, such as small variations in labeling or terminology. For example, Snapshot mode on the Leica is called Intelligent Auto mode on the Panasonic; the button for the electronic viewfinder, or live viewfinder, is labeled EVF on the Leica and LVF on the Panasonic; and the A button on the Leica is called the iA button on the Panasonic. Second, I did not engage in a comparison of image quality or internal image processing. My general impression is that there is no difference in how the images from the two cameras appear, when they are taken in the same conditions with the same settings, but I did not carry out experiments to test that impression. I am listing here only obvious, objectively verifiable differences between the two cameras. If anyone is aware of differences I have left out, or has other information that should be included here, please let me know.
| Feature | Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) | Panasonic Lumix LX100 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Formats | MP4 | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Included software | Adobe Lightroom | Silkypix, PHOTOfunSTUDIO |
| Wireless Flash Capability | Not Included | Included |
| Menu Background Menu Option | Not Included | Included |
| Language Options (U.S. Version) | 23 | 2 |
| Image Playback on TV via Wi-Fi | Not Included | Included |
| Photo Collage Feature in Image App | Not Included | Included |
| Option to Send Images to Computer via Wi-Fi | Not Included | Included |
| ISO Values | Highest values are 12500 and 25000 | Highest values are 12800 and 25600 |
| Warranty Period | Three years | One year |
Hi Alex, unfortunately the table is broken I can’t see the list. it would be interesting to have a look at it
Okay, thanks for pointing that out. I think it is fixed now.
Hi Alex, I´m writing from Argentina. I own your LX5 book (& camera) and now, I`m reading your LUMIX LX100 new book, planing to buy this great camera. Could you please tell me the differences between LumixLX100 US version and Lumix LX100 Europe version? thanks and best regards,
Hello, Gustavo — I don’t know for certain, because I have not actually used the European version of the LX100 camera. The main difference, I believe, would be that the motion picture recording formats on the European version would use the PAL system, whereby the frames per second would be based on 50, such as 50 fps or 25 fps, while the US version uses the NTSC system, with values such as 30 fps and 60 fps. Of course, units of measure would be in the metric system as opposed to the feet and inches of the US system.
— Alex White
Thanks Alex for your soon answer. I was thinking to buy my first Leica ever (does every photographer must have a Leica once in his life?), but after read your useful comparison I will go (again) for the Lumix. Basically, I thinks that the lack of wifi connecting is something that I can’t forgive. Am I thinking right?
That’s really up to you. If you think you would use the Wi-Fi features of the LX100, you certainly would want to choose that model. The LX100 really makes more sense to me overall, but some people do appreciate the Leica brand name as well as the better warranty and software, if those are still offered as they were when I wrote that comparison.