Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic SZ8

On this page, we are looking at the Leica V-Lux 3 versus Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Leica and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the V-Lux 3 (12MP) and SZ8 (16MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The V-Lux 3 was unveiled 3 years prior to the SZ8 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Leica V-Lux 3 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summary of how the V-Lux 3 scores against the SZ8 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica V-Lux 3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are provided at Leica V-Lux 3 Gallery and Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Leica V-Lux 3 offers physical measurements of 124mm x 81mm x 95mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.7") having a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ8 has dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Leica V-Lux 3 versus Panasonic SZ8 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the V-Lux 3 against the SZ8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 3 and SZ8 is 67 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes purely by going over specs. The pic here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the V-Lux 3 and SZ8.

All in all, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ8 to deliver extra detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged V-Lux 3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.