One Camera for Everything? Testing the Leica D-Lux8 in Tainan

Can the Leica D-Lux8 really do it all?

That was the question I set out to answer on a recent day trip to Tainan — camera in hand, no backup gear, no safety net. Just the D-Lux8, a couple of batteries, and a pocketful of curiosity.

A Day in Tainan

I started at the Tainan Train Station and made my way through the city, stopping at the Grand Guanyin Pavilion, Yamuliao Market, and Anping District. Each location offered a different rhythm — from the slow, reverent stillness of the temple to the fast-paced bustle of the market.

Rather than just shoot stills, I decided to film the entire experience as well. Everything — both video and photography — was captured on the Leica D-Lux8. It was a challenge I wanted to take on.

Inspired by Illkoncept

This idea wasn’t mine alone. I was inspired by a beautiful piece by Illkoncept (watch it here), a creator whose minimalist approach and cinematic timing has really influenced how I think about making visual stories.

This video is my attempt to channel some of that — a quiet walk through a beautiful city, told simply.

Dehancer for That Analog Feel

Everything was graded with Dehancer to give the footage and images a subtle analog texture. It’s not about trying to mimic film — it’s about softening the digital edge, letting the emotion breathe through the grain and color tones.

So… Can It Really Do Both?

Short answer: yes. But with nuance.

The Leica D-Lux8 isn’t built for pro-level video work, but for someone like me — who enjoys shooting both photos and short cinematic clips for storytelling — it’s a surprisingly capable little tool. It’s compact, discreet, and delivers files with real character.

Would I shoot a full client project with it? Probably not.

Would I take it on another one-camera photo walk like this? In a heartbeat.

🎥 Watch the Video

👉 YouTube https://youtu.be/Eyzz1xQPQTo

📍 Locations Featured

– Tainan Train Station

– Grand Guanyin Pavilion

– Yamuliao Market

– Anping District