Leica D-LUX 5 vs Olympus SH-3

Here is a in depth assessment of the Leica D-LUX 5 versus Olympus SH-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Leica and Olympus. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the D-LUX 5 (10MP) and SH-3 (16MP) and the D-LUX 5 (1/1.63") and SH-3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The D-LUX 5 was introduced 6 years before the SH-3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the D-LUX 5 scores versus the SH-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica D-LUX 5 and Olympus Stylus SH-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica D-LUX 5 Gallery and Olympus SH-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Leica D-LUX 5 has physical dimensions of 110mm x 66mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Olympus SH-3 has sizing of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Leica D-LUX 5 versus Olympus SH-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the D-LUX 5 compared to the SH-3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the D-LUX 5 and SH-3 is 88 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by viewing specifications. The photograph below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the D-LUX 5 and SH-3.

To sum up, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The D-LUX 5 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus SH-3 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older D-LUX 5 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.