Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic S2

Following is a extensive review of the Leica D-LUX 5 and Panasonic S2, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Leica and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the D-LUX 5 (10MP) and S2 (14MP) and the D-LUX 5 (1/1.63") and S2 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The D-LUX 5 was launched 15 months prior to the S2 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the D-LUX 5 grades vs the S2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica D-LUX 5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The complete galleries are available at Leica D-LUX 5 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Leica D-LUX 5 has outside dimensions of 110mm x 66mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic S2 has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Check out the Leica D-LUX 5 and Panasonic S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the D-LUX 5 versus the S2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D-LUX 5 and S2 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing specs. The pic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the D-LUX 5 and S2.

All in all, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The D-LUX 5 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic S2 will render more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged D-LUX 5 will be behind in sensor innovation.