Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40
91 Imaging
35 Features
33 Overall
34


90 Imaging
42 Features
58 Overall
48
Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
- 218g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
- Released April 2010
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Raise to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-720mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
- 240g - 111 x 64 x 34mm
- Launched January 2014
- Also referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ60
- Succeeded the Panasonic ZS35
- Successor is Panasonic ZS45

Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40 Overview
Its time to look more closely at the Leica V-Lux 20 and Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Leica and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the V-Lux 20 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The V-Lux 20 was announced 4 years prior to the ZS40 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the V-Lux 20 matches up versus the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica V-Lux 20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are available at Leica V-Lux 20 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica V-Lux 20 over the Panasonic ZS40
V-Lux 20 | ZS40 |
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Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS40 over the Leica V-Lux 20
ZS40 | V-Lux 20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2014 | ![]() | April 2010 | Newer by 45 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Screen resolution | 920k | ![]() | 461k | Sharper screen (+459k dot) |
Common features in the Leica V-Lux 20 and Panasonic ZS40
V-Lux 20 | ZS40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen measurements |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Lacking Touch screen |
Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Leica V-Lux 20 features external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).
Examine the Leica V-Lux 20 and Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the V-Lux 20 and the ZS40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the V-Lux 20 and ZS40 is 91 and 90 respectively.

Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40 Sensor Comparison
Often, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The picture underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the V-Lux 20 and ZS40.
As you have seen, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should count on the Panasonic ZS40 to offer you more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged V-Lux 20 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.

Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Leica V-Lux 20 vs Panasonic ZS40 Specifications
Leica V-Lux 20 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Leica | Panasonic |
Model | Leica V-Lux 20 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 |
Also Known as | - | Lumix DMC-TZ60 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2010-04-20 | 2014-01-06 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | Venus Engine |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 18 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4896 x 3672 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Maximum boosted ISO | - | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 25-300mm (12.0x) | 24-720mm (30.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.3-4.9 | f/3.3-6.4 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 461k dots | 920k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT LCD with AR coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 200k dots |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 60 seconds | 4 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/2000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 2.0 frames/s | 10.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 5.30 m | 6.40 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/30p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 218g (0.48 lbs) | 240g (0.53 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") | 111 x 64 x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 300 pictures |
Battery style | - | Battery Pack |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Pricing at launch | $779 | $450 |