Leica D-LUX 5 vs Sony S950

Its time to look more closely at the Leica D-LUX 5 versus Sony S950, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Leica and Sony. The resolution of the D-LUX 5 (10MP) and the S950 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the D-LUX 5 (1/1.63") and S950 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The D-LUX 5 was introduced 20 months after the S950 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the D-LUX 5 grades versus the S950 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica D-LUX 5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S950. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica D-LUX 5 Gallery and Sony S950 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Leica D-LUX 5 has external measurements 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 Sony S950 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Leica D-LUX 5 versus Sony S950 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the D-LUX 5 compared to the S950.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D-LUX 5 and S950 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking specs. The image underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the D-LUX 5 and S950.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide the same megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The D-LUX 5 has got the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The fresher D-LUX 5 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.