Leica Digilux 3 vs Nikon D780

The following is a comprehensive review of the Leica Digilux 3 and Nikon D780, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Leica and Nikon. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the Digilux 3 (7MP) and D780 (25MP) and the Digilux 3 (Four Thirds) and D780 (Full frame) boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The Digilux 3 was launched 14 years before the D780 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the Digilux 3 matches up vs the D780 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica Digilux 3 and Nikon D780. The complete galleries are provided at Leica Digilux 3 Gallery and Nikon D780 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Leica Digilux 3 provides exterior dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Nikon D780 has sizing of 144mm x 116mm x 76mm (5.7" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 840 grams (1.85 lbs).

See the Leica Digilux 3 and Nikon D780 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the Digilux 3 and the D780.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the Digilux 3 and D780 is 65 and 57 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The image below might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Digilux 3 and D780.

As you can see, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The Digilux 3 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Nikon D780 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 18MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged Digilux 3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.