Comparing Two Small Sensor Superzooms: Leica V-Lux 30 vs Olympus SP-590 UZ

When it comes to diving into superzoom compact cameras with a modest sensor, the Leica V-Lux 30 and Olympus SP-590 UZ represent two differing philosophies released in the tail end of the mirrorless transition era. Though neither are flagship models for their brands, both cameras were moderately popular options for enthusiasts and travelers looking for powerful zoom ranges without lugging around heavy DSLR bodies.

Having extensively tested small sensor superzooms over the past 15 years, I find revisiting cameras like these not only fascinating for seeing evolutionary steps in tech but also for reminding us which specs truly impact real-world performance vs which merely fill spec sheets.

Grab a coffee, and let’s explore these two cameras across their design, imaging, usability, and value - backed with hands-on experience and technical insights instead of marketing fluff.

A Tale of Two Designs: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

At first glance, the Leica V-Lux 30 and Olympus SP-590 UZ look poles apart in handling philosophy.

The Leica V-Lux 30 is a compact, pocketable powerhouse at 105×58×43 mm and a super light 219 grams. Its petite size lends itself perfectly to street and travel photography where discretion and portability are priorities. You’ll feel comfortable slipping it into a jacket pocket or small bag - ready for grab-and-go shooting.

Conversely, the Olympus SP-590 UZ feels like a proper bridge camera, fairly hefty at 116×84×81 mm and weighing in at a solid 413 grams - almost double the Leica’s weight. The design mimics an SLR with a more substantial grip and larger controls, appealing to photographers who want something more DSLR-like in handling without the bulk of interchangeable lenses.

Controls reflect that divergence. The Olympus offers a more traditional DSLR-style command dial and dedicated buttons for key settings, which tend to be more tactile and easier to operate without looking - ideal for action or wildlife shooting where quick adjustments are essential.

The Leica V-Lux 30 compensates for its size with a touchscreen interface, offering some modern conveniences but at the expense of tactile feedback. Its fixed 3-inch, 460k-dot screen provides reasonably sharp live view and menu navigation but can feel limiting for fast operational changes in the field.

If ergonomics and control precision are paramount, the Olympus edges ahead. But for those valuing compactness, the Leica’s pocketability seals the deal.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras pack identical sensor sizes - 1/2.3-inch with dimensions of about 6.08×4.56 mm and a sensor area of roughly 27.72 mm². This small sensor size is typical for superzoom compacts aiming to cram long lenses into manageable bodies but comes with inherent image quality limitations like elevated noise at high ISO and modest dynamic range.

The Leica V-Lux 30 touts a 14-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor, a respectable combo for 2011. The higher resolution compared to the Olympus’s 12MP CCD sensor gives the Leica a slight edge in resolution. CMOS sensors typically perform better in low light and deliver faster processing thanks to improved electronics compared to CCD technology.

I’ve seen the Venus Engine’s prowess in reducing noise and improving color reproduction on Panasonic and Leica cameras - it’s a definite plus here for the V-Lux 30.

Although raw shooting is not supported on the Leica (a disappointing omission for enthusiasts wanting maximum editing latitude), JPEG output is clean, well-balanced, and exhibits decent dynamic range for this class.

The Olympus SP-590 UZ’s CCD sensor emphasizes sharpness and color fidelity at base ISO and supports raw capture - an important benefit if you want maximum control over RAW file conversion and corrections. However, CCD sensors generally suffer more from noise at higher sensitivities and slower readout speeds, limiting burst rates and video resolutions.

Judging overall image quality from my tests, the Leica produces slightly cleaner images with better high ISO capability, while the Olympus shines with raw flexibility and sharpness in well-lit conditions.

Zoom Range Showdown: Reach Versus Speed

One of the headlining features of superzoom cameras is their extensive focal range. Here, these two cameras represent vastly different choices.

Leica V-Lux 30: Fixed 24-384 mm (equiv. 16× zoom), maximum aperture F3.3-5.9
Olympus SP-590 UZ: Fixed 26-676 mm (equiv. 26× zoom), maximum aperture F2.8-5.0

The Olympus’s 26× zoom lens clearly offers longer reach, extending into near-telephoto territory covering 26-676 mm equivalent. This is a dream for wildlife or sports shooters on tight budgets who want considerable telephoto reach without interchangeable lenses.

However, the Leica's 16× zoom lens starts wider at 24 mm and is slightly faster on the wide end at F3.3 compared to Olympus’s F2.8. This gives a bit more flexibility for landscapes or interiors where wider context is key.

While the Olympus lens boasts the faster aperture at the telephoto end (F5.0 vs F5.9), I found overall sharpness and contrast on the Leica lens superior, showcasing Leica’s legacy of fine optics - even on a budget compact.

For close-up work, the Leica’s macro focus starts at 3cm, whereas the Olympus can focus as close as 1cm, delivering higher magnification potential - a boon for macro enthusiasts craving more detail without additional lenses or accessories.

Autofocus Performance and Shooting Experience

When evaluating autofocus (AF), responsiveness and accuracy are vital - especially in fast-paced scenarios like wildlife or sports.

The Leica’s AF system is contrast-detection based with 11 focus points. It supports continuous autofocus and tracking (though without face or animal eye detection). The camera also features touch-sensitive AF selection on the rear touchscreen.

The Olympus relies on contrast detection too but lacks face detection and continuous AF modes - it only supports single AF, which can slow you down if your subject moves.

Burst rate is an important factor for action photography:

• Leica V-Lux 30: Up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting
• Olympus SP-590 UZ: 6 frames per second continuous shooting

That 10fps burst speed is surprisingly snappy for a superzoom compact, giving the Leica a real advantage for capturing fleeting wildlife moments or sports action.

AF speed on both units is competitive within their class, but the Olympus’s lack of continuous and tracking AF modes limits practical usability for moving subjects.

Video Capabilities: Where Budget Zoomers Differ

Shooting video is no longer an afterthought, even in compact cameras - so how do these two fare?

Leica V-Lux 30 offers Full HD 1080p video at 60fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, alongside 720p and lower resolutions.

Olympus SP-590 UZ maxes out at a less impressive 640×480 VGA resolution at 30fps, encoding with Motion JPEG - a format known for bloated files and less editing flexibility.

Neither camera offers microphone input or headphone output, so audio quality is limited to the built-in mono mikes.

In real-world use, the Leica’s Full HD 60fps video delivers smooth, usable results with decent detail and color reproduction, especially under good lighting.

The Olympus video is largely unusable for anything beyond casual snapshots due to its low resolution and mediocre codec.

If video capability is a factor, Leica takes a definitive win here.

Viewing and Interface: LCD and Finders

While the Leica V-Lux 30 omits any viewfinder, Olympus includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The Leica's 3-inch fixed touchscreen with 460k dots offers crisp framing and intuitive control but forces you to shoot from waist or eye level only by raising the screen - limiting framing creativity.

Olympus SP-590 UZ sports a 2.7-inch LCD with 230k dots - noticeably less sharp and without touchscreen features - but compensates with its EVF, allowing eye-level composition in bright environments where LCD visibility degrades.

The EVF is small and low-res, but for outdoors or fast action, having it often outweighs the poorer LCD performance. I personally value electronic finders in bright sunlight, so the Olympus has a leg up for daylight shooting.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Build quality directly affects reliability, especially outdoors.

Despite its compact size, the Leica feels solid and well-built with a metal body. It offers no environmental sealing - no dust, moisture, or freeze protection.

The Olympus takes a step forward here by providing weather sealing to help resist moisture and dust ingress - a feature unusual for cameras in this price and sensor class. Its plastic shell is reasonably rugged, fitting the “bridge” style robustness.

If you’re an outdoor or adventure shooter who may face less than ideal conditions, Olympus’s environmental sealing is a practical bonus.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance factors heavily into travel and event shooting.

Leica V-Lux 30 offers around 260 shots per charge - a modest figure for a compact.

The Olympus’s battery life is unspecified in spec sheets; however, my practical tests generally find similar or slightly lower endurance due to the EVF usage.

Storage-wise, Leica uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, a universal format easy to find and affordable.

Olympus uses either xD Picture Card or microSD - with both less common today, especially xD cards, which are obsolete for many.

Given that both share USB 2.0 ports and HDMI outputs but lack wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, transferring images involves cables or card readers - something to consider for rapid workflow needs.

Images in Practice: Sample Gallery Insights

To really get a feel for what these cameras produce, I gathered side-by-side samples.

Leica V Lux 30 front Leica V Lux 30 screen back Olympus SP 590 UZ front Olympus SP 590 UZ screen back

Portraits shot with the Leica show nice skin tones, smooth bokeh at telephoto focal lengths, and pleasant color balance - even if the lack of face detection means manual focus precision is more important.

The Olympus samples illustrate slightly punchier colors and sharper edges at base ISO but compare less favorably in low light, exhibiting increased noise and lower dynamic range.

Landscapes highlight the Leica’s wider angle coverage and richer tonal gradations, while Olympus tends toward more contrasty but flatter renditions.

Wildlife attempts demonstrate the Olympus’s impressive reach, able to capture distant subjects crisply thanks to the longer 676 mm equivalent, despite some softness at longer zoom extremes. The Leica’s 384 mm max reach limits framing but rewards with cleaner images and better autofocus tracking.

Performance Scoring: Overall and Genre-Specific

Condensing the above facts into a scoring framework based on our rigorous testing methodology reveals the following:

To add granularity:

• Portrait: Leica shines due to cleaner CMOS sensor and superior optics
• Landscape: Tie - Leica wider angle vs Olympus marginally better dynamic range in RAW
• Wildlife: Olympus extended zoom wins for reach, Leica better AF tracking
• Sports: Leica higher burst rate and continuous AF benefit fast action
• Street: Leica smaller size and discreetness ideal
• Macro: Olympus closer focus distance valuable
• Night / Astro: Leica better high ISO noise control
• Video: Leica far superior Full HD capability
• Travel: Leica compactness and GPS useful
• Professional Work: Neither DSLR-grade, but Leica more reliable build

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

If you’re scanning the market for a small sensor superzoom with an emphasis on portability, superior image quality from a CMOS sensor, faster autofocus, decent burst rates, and HD video, the Leica V-Lux 30 is the more versatile and modern-feeling choice. It’s well suited for travel, street, portraits, and casual sports or wildlife - provided you’re okay with its limited max zoom reach and no raw capture.

If your budget is tighter and you need the reach to capture distant subjects - wildlife, sports from afar - and appreciate the solidity of an SLR-like grip, plus raw support for post-processing, the Olympus SP-590 UZ remains a compelling option. It’s less refined in video and interface and bulkier but rewards those who prioritize zoom length and weather-resistant build.

Looking Beyond: Alternatives to Consider

Given these cameras date back a decade or so, newer alternatives from brands like Canon (PowerShot SX70), Nikon (Coolpix P950), or Panasonic (FZ1000 series) offer modern sensors, higher resolutions, advanced autofocus, 4K video, and larger sensors - excellent investments for those prioritizing image quality over ultimate zoom.

Parting Thoughts from My Testing Bench

Digital camera tech has marched on, but revisiting gear like Leica V-Lux 30 and Olympus SP-590 UZ teaches valuable lessons:

• Sensor size matters more than megapixels for image quality and high ISO usability.
• Ergonomics directly influence shooting enjoyment - compact isn't always convenient for manual control.
• Lens speed and zoom range are trade-offs; longer zooms often trade off sharpness and speed.
• Video capability can no longer be ignored even in compact cameras.
• Features such as face detection, touch AF, and wireless connectivity substantially improve user experience.
• Raw support extends editing flexibility but may be less critical for casual shooters.

Hopefully, this detailed, hands-on comparison helps you align your camera choice with your specific photography ambitions and style. Cameras are tools that should inspire, not frustrate - and informed decisions make all the difference.

Happy shooting!

For any questions about specific use cases or deeper tech dive requests, feel free to reach out - I have plenty more samples and measurements from these cameras to share.