Leica C vs Leica V-Lux 40

In this write-up, we are looking at the Leica C and Leica V-Lux 40, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Leica. The sensor resolution of the C (12MP) and the V-Lux 40 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the C (1/1.7") and V-Lux 40 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The C was brought out 17 months after the V-Lux 40 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a brief summary of how the C grades versus the V-Lux 40 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica C and Leica V-Lux 40. The entire galleries are provided at Leica C Gallery and Leica V-Lux 40 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Leica C offers physical measurements of 103mm x 63mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Leica V-Lux 40 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica C and Leica V-Lux 40 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the C against the V-Lux 40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the C and V-Lux 40 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking a spec sheet. The picture here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the C and V-Lux 40.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The C due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Leica V-Lux 40 will resolve extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern C provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.