Leica D-LUX 5 vs Leica V-Lux 4

The following is a detailed analysis of the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Leica V-Lux 4, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Leica. The resolution of the D-LUX 5 (10MP) and the V-Lux 4 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the D-LUX 5 (1/1.63") and V-Lux 4 (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The D-LUX 5 was introduced 24 months before the V-Lux 4 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Leica D-LUX 5 being a Compact camera and the Leica V-Lux 4 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the D-LUX 5 matches up vs the V-Lux 4 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica D-LUX 5 and Leica V-Lux 4. The whole galleries are available at Leica D-LUX 5 Gallery and Leica V-Lux 4 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Leica D-LUX 5 features outer measurements of 110mm x 66mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Leica V-Lux 4 has specifications of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") along with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Check the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Leica V-Lux 4 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the D-LUX 5 against the V-Lux 4.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the D-LUX 5 and V-Lux 4 is 88 and 65 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions only by seeing a spec sheet. The image below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the D-LUX 5 and V-Lux 4.

As you can see, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D-LUX 5 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Leica V-Lux 4 will provide extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged D-LUX 5 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.