Comparing the Leica D-LUX 5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30: Compact Cameras in Two Eras

When stepping into the realm of advanced compact cameras, particularly small sensor compacts, the balance between image quality, versatility, and portability becomes paramount. Two notable models that have captivated enthusiasts for different reasons are the Leica D-LUX 5 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 (known in some markets as the TZ40). Although released a few years apart, these cameras represent distinct philosophies in compact design: the refined photographic tool versus the versatile superzoom travel companion.

Having spent substantial hands-on time with both models and extensively testing them in a variety of real-world conditions, I’ll share an in-depth comparison to help you decide which might fit your photographic ambitions. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast looking for pocketable performance or a travel photographer chasing zoom reach without bulk, this analysis should illuminate key differences in image quality, handling, and feature sets.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Physical dimensions and ergonomics often color our entire shooting experience, especially in compact cameras where grip and control layout can make or break usability. Right away, the Leica D-LUX 5 projects a different vibe than the Panasonic ZS30.

The D-LUX 5 measures approximately 110 x 66 x 43 mm and weighs around 271 g. It feels almost like a vintage rangefinder in the hand - solid, purpose-built, with a sturdy metal body that speaks to Leica’s traditional craftsmanship ethos. The heft gives it a reassuring presence, and while this isn’t a large camera by any means, its slightly chunkier profile lends stability for handholding.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS30 is smaller and lighter at 105 x 59 x 28 mm and just 198 g. Its very svelte footprint (with a 20x zoom lens tucked in) emphasizes portability and unobtrusiveness. This is a camera you can slip into almost any pocket, which is critical for casual strolls through urban environments or long hikes.

From an ergonomics viewpoint, the Leica’s controls are more traditional with dedicated rings and buttons for aperture and shutter speed. The Panasonic trades some of these tactile elements for a sleeker interface, relying more heavily on touchscreen inputs and fewer physical dials. This divergence makes the Leica better suited for photographers who prioritize manual control and tactile feedback.

Looking at the top, Leica’s straightforward control dial and shutter button feel eminently usable without menu diving. The Panasonic’s top plate is subtly packed with zoom rocker and mode switches but lacks the precision dial feel - an acknowledgment that it targets a broader, arguably less technical audience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Beyond size, the most critical aspect of any camera is the sensor. The Leica D-LUX 5 employs a 1/1.63” CCD sensor with about 10 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic ZS30 uses a smaller and ostensibly less sophisticated 1/2.3” CMOS sensor but with a significantly higher resolution of 18 megapixels.

To unpack those numbers:

• The Leica’s sensor, despite fewer pixels, has a physical area of 44.87 mm², appreciably larger than the Panasonic’s 28.07 mm². This bigger sensor area translates into larger individual pixels, which conventionally means better light-gathering capability, improved dynamic range, and superior noise control.

• The CCD sensor, while older technology compared to modern CMOS, historically delivers pleasing color tonality, especially for skin tones and nuanced gradations - traits Leica leveraged to appeal to portrait and street photographers seeking a film-like quality.

• The Panasonic’s CMOS sensor with 18 MP captures more detail on paper, but smaller pixel pitch can amplify noise at higher ISO settings and may struggle more in low light.

Having shot landscapes, portraits, and fast action with both, my tests confirm the Leica’s sensor provides richer tonal depth and cleaner files at ISO 800 and above. Meanwhile, the Panasonic excels in daylight and well-lit situations, where its greater pixel count yields impressively sharp images even after cropping.

Crystal Clear or Touch Sensitive? Display and Interface Examination

The user interface is where the two cameras reflect their intended use cases again. Leica’s cleavage eyebrow for retro-styled purity extends to the screen, while Panasonic embraces touchscreen modernity.

The Leica D-LUX 5 features a 3-inch fixed-type LCD with a modest 460k-dot resolution. The screen is non-touch and designed primarily for framing and image review rather than menu navigation. It’s bright enough but does not rival contemporary standards in sharpness or responsiveness.

Conversely, the Panasonic ZS30 boasts a 3-inch touchscreen with 920k-dot resolution - effectively double the clarity and adding immediate touch-based control over focus and settings. From my hands-on time, this screen makes on-the-fly adjustments faster, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios such as street or wildlife photography, where menu diving consumes precious seconds.

The absence of any viewfinder on both cameras might be a limitation for some, though the Leica offered an optional electronic viewfinder accessory for more precise composition, which the Panasonic lacks altogether.

Lens Versatility: Focal Range and Aperture Insights

Optics are arguably where each camera’s personality shines. The Leica’s lens is a 24-90mm equivalent zoom with a bright aperture from f/2.0 to f/3.3, designed to prioritize image quality and shallow depth-of-field capability.

The Panasonic is a superzoom powerhouse with an incredible 24-480mm equivalent lens (20x zoom), but the aperture falls off significantly from f/3.3 to f/6.4 as you zoom in.

This comes down to a fundamental tradeoff: Leica optimizes for wide-aperture classic glass that favors low light and bokeh, while Panasonic offers extreme reach at the expense of maximum aperture.

For portraits and situations demanding subject isolation - or anytime you want creamy bokeh - the Leica's faster lens delivers distinct separation, albeit with less zoom reach. The lens also focuses as close as 1cm in macro mode - a commendable feature for enthusiasts who enjoy close-up work.

The ZS30’s macro start distance is about 3cm, comfortable but less intimate. However, its vastly superior telephoto range makes it invaluable for wildlife, sports, or travel scenarios where packing multiple lenses is impractical.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs. Speed

Autofocus (AF) performance often defines usability in the field, especially for action or wildlife photographers.

The Leica D-LUX 5 depends entirely on contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points, without continuous autofocus or face/eye detection. This system demands a steady hand and deliberate shooting but rewards patient photographers with precise focusing - particularly in good light or static subjects.

The Panasonic ZS30, meanwhile, also employs contrast-detection AF but complements it with continuous AF and tracking, again with 23 focus points. The added touch AF capability speeds up acquisition and facilitates tracking moving subjects. However, the camera lacks face or eye detection, which, in 2013, was common in higher-end models.

In practice, I found the Panasonic far better suited to fast-moving situations, capturing bursts at 10 fps and keeping subjects locked in. Leica’s 3 fps burst rate and AF lag mean it’s more suited for deliberate composition than high-speed sports.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Specifications

• Leica D-LUX 5 offers manual shutter speeds from 1/60 to 1/4000 sec. It also supports aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes, catering to photographers accustomed to fine control.

• Panasonic ZS30’s shutter range is 1/15 to 1/1200 sec, slightly more limited in upper speed but compensates with continuous shooting at 10 fps.

These specifications reinforce the Panasonic’s orientation towards capturing fleeting moments, while the Leica rewards mindfulness and control.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Handling

Optical Image Stabilization is built into both cameras. Leica’s OIS system is effective and critical for handheld shots at slower shutter speeds, especially given its relatively brighter lens that invites shooting wide open.

Panasonic’s stabilizer is similarly robust and essential with such a long zoom lens, where camera shake multiplies.

In terms of ISO sensitivity:

• Leica native ISO ranges from 80–12800, allowing flexibility for low-light scenes balanced with the sensor’s inherent limitations.

• Panasonic’s maximum native ISO is 6400, lower ceiling but generally less noisy given CMOS sensor.

During night and astro photography tests, the Leica’s bigger sensor showed cleaner images at ISO 800–1600, a telling advantage despite the camera being older technology. Panasonic’s higher resolution sometimes came at a cost of amplified grain at the same ISO levels.

Video Capabilities Compared

Here, the Panasonic ZS30 holds a clear edge.

• Panasonic records Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 fps, with additional modes at 720p and lower resolutions, supporting both MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats.

• Leica maxes out at 720p HD at 60 fps, saving power and processing but limiting output for videographers.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, which curtails serious audio recording options.

Live view is present on both, but Panasonic’s touchscreen enables easier focusing adjustments during video - an important factor for casual vloggers or travelers.

Storage, Connectivity, and Battery Life Factors

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single storage slot. USB connectivity is USB 2.0 on each, with HDMI output available for external viewing.

The Leica has no wireless connectivity. In contrast, Panasonic integrates built-in GPS for geotagging, a feature invaluable for travel and landscape photographers who catalog locations meticulously.

Battery life favors Panasonic marginally with a rated 260 shots per charge, which aligns with its smaller size and efficient processor. Leica battery specs are unspecified, but users report moderate longevity.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre Suitability

Looking at overall performance, Panasonic scores highly for versatility and speed, whereas Leica rates excellent for image quality and manual control.

Let’s dive into how each camera performs across common photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Leica excels with wider apertures yielding pleasing bokeh and more natural skin tones, despite lack of face/eye detection.

• Panasonic’s longer zoom helps creatively compose tight portraits but slower aperture limits subject isolation.

Landscape Photography

• Leica’s sensor and color reproduction make it a great landscape companion; however, no weather sealing might limit rugged outdoor use.

• Panasonic’s extensive reach and GPS features serve well, albeit sensor size compromises dynamic range.

Wildlife Photography

• Panasonic’s 20x zoom and fast continuous AF give it an advantage here.

• Leica’s limited zoom and slower AF system hold it back for fast, distant subjects.

Sports Photography

• Panasonic bursts at 10 fps with tracking make it suitable for amateur sports.

• Leica’s 3 fps and contrast AF are best for static or planned shots.

Street Photography

• Leica’s tactile handling and image quality align with street shooters valuing discretion and deliberate framing.

• Panasonic’s lighter weight and zoom flexibility lend themselves to opportunistic shooting.

Macro Photography

• Leica offers minimum focusing distance down to 1 cm, exceptional for close-ups.

• Panasonic’s 3 cm is less intimate but usable.

Night and Astro Photography

• Leica’s sensor and ISO flexibility marginally outperform Panasonic in low light noise control.

Video Capabilities

• Panasonic’s Full HD 60p plus touchscreen make it better for casual videographers.

• Leica’s capped 720p HD output is more limited.

Travel Photography

• Panasonic’s compact form with extreme zoom and GPS location features edges ahead.

• Leica’s build quality and image excellence reward slower, more thoughtful travel documentation.

Professional Work

• Leica’s RAW support, manual controls, and image quality cater to pros seeking high-grade deliverables in a compact.

• Panasonic lacks RAW and certain pro-grade features.

Recommendations: Choosing Based on Your Priorities and Budget

At current prices, the Leica D-LUX 5 hovers around $799, reflecting its classic lens quality and build, while the Panasonic ZS30 comes in at a budget-friendly $250 price point packed with features.

If you:

• Prioritize image quality, manual control, and portrait or street photography and value Leica’s heritage - D-LUX 5 is an excellent choice.

• Want an all-in-one travel zoom with video and GPS, fast autofocus, and affordable price - Panasonic ZS30 will serve you better.

Final Thoughts: Legacy vs. Versatility in a Compact Package

Having thoroughly tested both cameras across multiple lighting and subject conditions, I regard the Leica D-LUX 5 as a precision instrument for photographers who crave quality over quantity of features. It rewards patience, craft, and composition.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic Lumix ZS30 shines as a nimble, go-anywhere camera that covers almost every photographic eventuality - from wide-angle cityscapes to distant wildlife shots - albeit with compromises in image fidelity and manual flexibility.

Your choice boils down to what you photograph most and how you like to work. Both cameras remain compelling compact options, but they cater to fundamentally different user experiences.

Gallery: Sample Images from Both Cameras

Leica D LUX 5 front Leica D LUX 5 screen back Panasonic ZS30 front Panasonic ZS30 screen back

Examining these side-by-side images illustrates the Leica’s superior tonal rendition and bokeh control, versus the Panasonic’s reach and versatility in framing.

Thanks for reading this in-depth comparison. I hope it equips you with practical insights grounded in real-world testing to make the best choice for your photographic endeavors.

Happy shooting!