Leica V-Lux 20 vs Sony S980
91 Imaging
35 Features
33 Overall
34
94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Leica V-Lux 20 vs Sony S980 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
- Launched April 2010
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
- Introduced February 2009
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On this page, we are comparing the Leica V-Lux 20 versus Sony S980, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Leica and Sony. The sensor resolution of the V-Lux 20 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is very comparable and both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe V-Lux 20 was brought out 15 months later than the S980 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the V-Lux 20 scores against the S980 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica V-Lux 20 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are provided at Leica V-Lux 20 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica V-Lux 20 over the Sony S980
| V-Lux 20 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | April 2010 | February 2009 | More recent by 15 months | |
| Display dimensions | 3" | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") | |
| Display resolution | 461k | 230k | Sharper display (+231k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Leica V-Lux 20
| S980 | V-Lux 20 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Dial exact focusing |
Common features in the Leica V-Lux 20 and Sony S980
| V-Lux 20 | S980 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed display | |
| Selfie screen | Neither features selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly display | Neither features Touch friendly display |
Leica V-Lux 20 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison
If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and volume. The Leica V-Lux 20 enjoys exterior measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 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 V-Lux 20 versus Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the V-Lux 20 against the S980.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 20 and S980 is 91 and 94 respectively.
Leica V-Lux 20 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements only by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the V-Lux 20 and S980.
As you can see, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same megapixels therefore you should expect comparable quality of images however you really should factor the production date of the cameras into account. The younger V-Lux 20 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.
Leica V-Lux 20 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder
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Leica V-Lux 20 vs Sony S980 Specifications
| Leica V-Lux 20 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand Name | Leica | Sony |
| Model type | Leica V-Lux 20 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 |
| Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Compact |
| Launched | 2010-04-20 | 2009-02-17 |
| Body design | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Highest native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
| Minimum native ISO | 80 | 80 |
| RAW support | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch focus | ||
| Autofocus continuous | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Tracking autofocus | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Center weighted autofocus | ||
| Multi area autofocus | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detection focus | ||
| Contract detection focus | ||
| Phase detection focus | ||
| Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens zoom range | 25-300mm (12.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
| Largest aperture | f/3.3-4.9 | f/3.3-5.2 |
| Macro focusing distance | 3cm | 10cm |
| Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 2.7 inches |
| Resolution of screen | 461k dot | 230k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch screen | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 60s | 2s |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1600s |
| Continuous shutter speed | 2.0fps | 1.0fps |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
| Set white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash distance | 5.30 m | 3.50 m |
| Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| Video file format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
| Mic jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | BuiltIn | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 218 grams (0.48 lbs) | 167 grams (0.37 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") | 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
| Storage slots | One | One |
| Cost at release | $779 | $300 |