Leica D-Lux 6 vs Panasonic XS1

Here, we will be looking at the Leica D-Lux 6 and Panasonic XS1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Leica and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the D-Lux 6 (10MP) and XS1 (16MP) and the D-Lux 6 (1/1.7") and XS1 (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

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The D-Lux 6 was manufactured 3 months prior to the XS1 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the D-Lux 6 grades against the XS1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica D-Lux 6 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Leica D-Lux 6 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Leica D-Lux 6 has got outside measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) whilst the Panasonic XS1 has specifications of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") accompanied by a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica D-Lux 6 and Panasonic XS1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the D-Lux 6 versus the XS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D-Lux 6 and XS1 is 86 and 97 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the D-Lux 6 and XS1.

As you can see, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The D-Lux 6 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic XS1 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively.