Canon SX1 IS vs Leica V-Lux 40

Here is a in depth assessment of the Canon SX1 IS and Leica V-Lux 40, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Canon and Leica. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and V-Lux 40 (14MP) but they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX1 IS was manufactured 4 years prior to the V-Lux 40 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Leica V-Lux 40 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SX1 IS grades against the V-Lux 40 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS & Leica V-Lux 40. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX1 IS Gallery & Leica V-Lux 40 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX1 IS has external measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Leica V-Lux 40 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX1 IS and Leica V-Lux 40 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the SX1 IS compared to the V-Lux 40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX1 IS and V-Lux 40 is 64 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SX1 IS and V-Lux 40.

All in all, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Leica V-Lux 40 to provide you with extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images far more aggressively. The older SX1 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.