Leica D-LUX 5 vs Olympus SH-1

Below is a extensive analysis of the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Olympus SH-1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Leica and Olympus. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the D-LUX 5 (10MP) and SH-1 (16MP) and the D-LUX 5 (1/1.63") and SH-1 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

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The D-LUX 5 was revealed 4 years earlier than the SH-1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the D-LUX 5 matches up vs the SH-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica D-LUX 5 & Olympus Stylus SH-1. The full galleries are available at Leica D-LUX 5 Gallery & Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Leica D-LUX 5 enjoys exterior measurements of 110mm x 66mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Olympus SH-1 has proportions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Olympus SH-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the D-LUX 5 versus the SH-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the D-LUX 5 and SH-1 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the difference in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the D-LUX 5 and SH-1.

Clearly, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The D-LUX 5 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SH-1 will render more detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older D-LUX 5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.