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Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5

Portability
65
Imaging
41
Features
38
Overall
39
Leica Digilux 3 front
 
Pentax K-5 front
Portability
60
Imaging
56
Features
82
Overall
66

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 Key Specs

Leica Digilux 3
(Full Review)
  • 7MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • No Video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 606g - 146 x 87 x 77mm
  • Released September 2006
Pentax K-5
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 12800 (Raise to 51200)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 740g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
  • Revealed December 2010
  • Previous Model is Pentax K-7
  • Replacement is Pentax K-5 IIs
Photography Glossary

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 Overview

Here, we will be matching up the Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Leica and Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the Digilux 3 (7MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the Digilux 3 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The Digilux 3 was announced 5 years before the K-5 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the Digilux 3 grades versus the K-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica Digilux 3 over the Pentax K-5

 Digilux 3 K-5 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 over the Leica Digilux 3

 K-5 Digilux 3 
RevealedDecember 2010September 2006Newer by 51 months
Screen size3"2.5"Bigger screen (+0.5")
Screen resolution921k207kCrisper screen (+714k dot)

Common features in the Leica Digilux 3 and Pentax K-5

 Digilux 3 K-5 
Manual focus Dial exact focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen
Touch screen Missing Touch screen

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 Physical Comparison

When you are looking to travel with your camera often, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Leica Digilux 3 has got exterior dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check the Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the Digilux 3 and the K-5.

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the Digilux 3 and K-5 is 65 and 60 respectively.

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 top view buttons comparison

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 Sensor Comparison

In many cases, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions simply by viewing technical specs. The image underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the Digilux 3 and K-5.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The Digilux 3 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax K-5 will provide you with more detail with its extra 9MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged Digilux 3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 sensor size comparison

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 Screen and ViewFinder

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 Portrait photography information
Pentax K-5 Portrait photography information
54
you can focus manually
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
saves RAW files
low megapixels (7 megapixels)
73
you can focus manually
megapixel count decent (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
comes with face detection autofocus
exports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Leica Digilux 3
Street photography with Pentax K-5
58
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
saves RAW files
lighter than competition in class (606 grams)
screen is fixed
no image stabilization
66
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
weather proofing
no articulating screen
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Sports Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 Sports photography features
Pentax K-5 Sports photography features
40
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
supports phase detect AF
slow frames per second (3.0 frames per second)
no image stabilization
low megapixels (7 megapixels)
78
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
comes with tracking autofocus
weather proofing
comes with phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 Travel photography information
Pentax K-5 Travel photography information
50
lighter than competition in class (606 grams)
built-in flash
missing Time Lapse function
low megapixels (7MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly
65
weather proofing
megapixel count decent (16MP)
built-in flash
screen is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Leica Digilux 3
Landscape photography with Pentax K-5
47
you can focus manually
change lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
saves RAW files
small screen (2.5 inches)
no image stabilization
low megapixels (7MP)
missing Time Lapse function
78
you can focus manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
weather proofing
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax K-5 as a Vlogging camera
9
lack of video recording
33
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
comes with face detection autofocus
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
does have external microphone port
screen is not selfie friendly
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Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-5 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica Digilux 3 and Pentax K-5
 Leica Digilux 3Pentax K-5
General Information
Brand Leica Pentax
Model type Leica Digilux 3 Pentax K-5
Type Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Released 2006-09-14 2010-12-18
Body design Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Powered by - Prime II
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds APS-C
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 224.9mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 7MP 16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Maximum resolution 3136 x 2352 4928 x 3264
Maximum native ISO 1600 12800
Maximum boosted ISO - 51200
Min native ISO 100 80
RAW support
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points 3 11
Cross type focus points - 9
Lens
Lens support Micro Four Thirds Pentax KAF2
Number of lenses 45 151
Crop factor 2.1 1.5
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 2.5 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 207 thousand dot 921 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Screen tech - TFT LCD monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 95% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.47x 0.61x
Features
Lowest shutter speed B+ secs 30 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 3.0fps 7.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance - 13.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options Auto, Red-Eye Auto, On, Red-Eye On, Red-Eye Slow Sync, Off, Slow Sync (1&2) Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Highest flash sync 1/160 secs 1/180 secs
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 424 (25, 30 fps)
Maximum video resolution None 1920x1080
Video data format - Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 606g (1.34 pounds) 740g (1.63 pounds)
Physical dimensions 146 x 87 x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 82
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.7
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 14.1
DXO Low light rating not tested 1162
Other
Battery life - 980 pictures
Battery form - Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/MMC card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots 1 1
Price at launch $1,999 $800