Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic XS1

The following is a thorough review of the Leica D-LUX 5 versus Panasonic XS1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Leica and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the D-LUX 5 (10MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the D-LUX 5 (1/1.63") and XS1 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The D-LUX 5 was released 3 years prior to the XS1 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the D-LUX 5 grades versus the XS1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica D-LUX 5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica D-LUX 5 Gallery & Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and size. The Leica D-LUX 5 comes with outside measurements of 110mm x 66mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic XS1 has specifications of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Look at the Leica D-LUX 5 versus Panasonic XS1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the D-LUX 5 and the XS1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the D-LUX 5 and XS1 is 88 and 97 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading technical specs. The picture here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the D-LUX 5 and XS1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D-LUX 5 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic XS1 will offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged D-LUX 5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.