Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS5

Below, we will be looking at the Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the V-Lux 3 (12MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is pretty well matched and they feature the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The V-Lux 3 was released 18 months after the ZS5 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Leica V-Lux 3 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short introduction of how the V-Lux 3 scores against the ZS5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica V-Lux 3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are provided at Leica V-Lux 3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Leica V-Lux 3 has got external dimensions of 124mm x 81mm x 95mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.7") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Leica V-Lux 3 vs Panasonic ZS5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the V-Lux 3 compared to the ZS5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the V-Lux 3 and ZS5 is 67 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking specs. The image here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the V-Lux 3 and ZS5.

All in all, both of those cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the same megapixels therefore you can expect similar quality of photographs though you might want to take the launch date of the products into consideration. The more recent V-Lux 3 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.