Clicky

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20

Portability
67
Imaging
36
Features
57
Overall
44
Leica V-Lux 3 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 front
Portability
92
Imaging
38
Features
46
Overall
41

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 Key Specs

Leica V-Lux 3
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F2.8-5.2) lens
  • 540g - 124 x 81 x 95mm
  • Launched December 2011
  • Previous Model is Leica V-Lux 2
  • Updated by Leica V-Lux 4
Panasonic ZS20
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 206g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
  • Released April 2012
  • Alternate Name is Lumix DMC-TZ30
  • Older Model is Panasonic ZS15
  • Renewed by Panasonic ZS25
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 Overview

Here is a extended overview of the Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the V-Lux 3 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is relatively well matched and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

The V-Lux 3 was released 4 months earlier than the ZS20 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Leica V-Lux 3 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the V-Lux 3 scores versus the ZS20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability
	
	

Reasons to pick Leica V-Lux 3 over the Panasonic ZS20

 V-Lux 3 ZS20 
Manual focus Very precise focusing
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen
Screen resolution461k460kClearer screen (+1k dot)
Selfie screen Easy selfies

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS20 over the Leica V-Lux 3

 ZS20 V-Lux 3 
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Common features in the Leica V-Lux 3 and Panasonic ZS20

 V-Lux 3 ZS20 
ReleasedDecember 2011April 2012Similar age
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen dimensions

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 Physical Comparison

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Leica V-Lux 3 has got outside 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) and the Panasonic ZS20 has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the V-Lux 3 versus the ZS20.

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 size comparison

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 3 and ZS20 is 67 and 92 respectively.

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 top view buttons comparison

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 Sensor Comparison

Quite often, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The graphic below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the V-Lux 3 and ZS20.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Panasonic ZS20 to give extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively.

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 sensor size comparison

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and ViewFinder

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Leica V-Lux 3
Portrait photography with Panasonic ZS20
41
focusing manually
exports RAW formats
low megapixels (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
30
megapixel count decent (14MP)
manual focus not available
can't use external flash
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Street Comparison

Leica V-Lux 3 Street photography features
Panasonic ZS20 Street photography features
58
screen articulates fully
has image stabilization (Optical)
exports RAW formats
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
more heavy than competitors in class (540 grams)
65
built in image stabilization (Optical)
boasts focus via touch
lighter than others in class (206g)
screen is fixed
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Leica V-Lux 3
Sports photography with Panasonic ZS20
43
incredible zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
better than average battery power (410 per charge)
low megapixels (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect autofocus
47
long zoom range (24-480mm 20.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (14 megapixels)
has tracking autofocus
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
not so great battery pack (260 CIPA)
lack of phase detect auto focus
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Travel Comparison

Leica V-Lux 3 Travel photography information
Panasonic ZS20 Travel photography information
56
better than average battery power (410 shots)
flash built-in
screen is selfie friendly
rather wide (25mm)
very long reach (600mm)
does not have Timelapse function
more heavy than competitors in class (540 grams)
low megapixels (12MP)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
68
lighter than others in class (206 grams)
boasts focus via touch
megapixel count decent (14 megapixels)
has built in flash
reasonably wide (24mm)
very long zoom (480mm)
doesn't have Timelapse function
not so great battery pack (260 shots)
screen isn't selfie friendly
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Landscape Comparison

Leica V-Lux 3 Landscape photography factors
Panasonic ZS20 Landscape photography factors
48
focusing manually
rather wide (25mm)
screen is a decent size (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
exports RAW formats
better than average battery power (410 per charge)
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
low megapixels (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
does not have Timelapse function
42
reasonably wide (24mm)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (14MP)
manual focus not available
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
not so great battery pack (260 per charge)
doesn't have Timelapse function
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Vlogging Comparison

Leica V-Lux 3 as a Vlogging camera
Panasonic ZS20 as a Vlogging camera
62
rather wide (25mm)
screen is selfie friendly
has image stabilization (Optical)
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
comes with external microphone port
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
more heavy than competitors in class (540g)
34
reasonably wide (24mm)
screen is touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Optical)
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than others in class (206 grams)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
screen isn't selfie friendly
doesn't have external microphone jack
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica V-Lux 3 and Panasonic ZS20
 Leica V-Lux 3Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
General Information
Make Leica Panasonic
Model Leica V-Lux 3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
Otherwise known as - Lumix DMC-TZ30
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched 2011-12-08 2012-04-26
Body design SLR-like (bridge) Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 14 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 4000 x 3000 4320 x 3240
Max native ISO 6400 6400
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points 23 23
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 25-600mm (24.0x) 24-480mm (20.0x)
Highest aperture f/2.8-5.2 f/3.3-6.4
Macro focus range 1cm 3cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Range of screen Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 461k dot 460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Features
Min shutter speed 30 seconds 15 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 12.0 frames per sec 10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 9.50 m 6.40 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, AVCHD, Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 540 gr (1.19 lb) 206 gr (0.45 lb)
Dimensions 124 x 81 x 95mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.7") 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO Overall 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 410 pictures 260 pictures
Battery format Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model BP-DC 9 -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures)) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots 1 1
Pricing at release $949 $349