Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS80

Below, we are looking at the Leica V-Lux 3 versus Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Leica and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the V-Lux 3 (12MP) and ZS80 (20MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The V-Lux 3 was brought out 7 years earlier than the ZS80 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Leica V-Lux 3 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the V-Lux 3 scores vs the ZS80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica V-Lux 3 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The entire galleries are provided at Leica V-Lux 3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Leica V-Lux 3 offers outer dimensions of 124mm x 81mm x 95mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.7") along with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS80 has sizing of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") with a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Check out the Leica V-Lux 3 versus Panasonic ZS80 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the V-Lux 3 vs the ZS80.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 3 and ZS80 is 67 and 86 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by seeing specs. The pic below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the V-Lux 3 and ZS80.

All in all, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different resolution. You can expect to see the Panasonic ZS80 to provide greater detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged V-Lux 3 will be behind in sensor technology.