Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic SZ1

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic SZ1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Leica and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the D-LUX 5 (10MP) and SZ1 (16MP) and the D-LUX 5 (1/1.63") and SZ1 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The D-LUX 5 was manufactured 15 months before the SZ1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the D-LUX 5 scores against the SZ1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica D-LUX 5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are available at Leica D-LUX 5 Gallery & Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica D-LUX 5 features 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) and the Panasonic SZ1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic SZ1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the D-LUX 5 vs the SZ1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D-LUX 5 and SZ1 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The visual below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the D-LUX 5 and SZ1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The D-LUX 5 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic SZ1 will give more detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The older D-LUX 5 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.