Leica V-Lux 30 vs Olympus SH-1

On this page, we will be comparing the Leica V-Lux 30 and Olympus SH-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Leica and Olympus. The resolution of the V-Lux 30 (14MP) and the SH-1 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The V-Lux 30 was announced 3 years earlier than the SH-1 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the V-Lux 30 matches up against the SH-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica V-Lux 30 and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The whole galleries are provided at Leica V-Lux 30 Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Leica V-Lux 30 offers outer dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 43mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Olympus SH-1 has sizing of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica V-Lux 30 and Olympus SH-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the V-Lux 30 compared to the SH-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 30 and SH-1 is 90 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking a spec sheet. The picture here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the V-Lux 30 and SH-1.

As you can see, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus SH-1 to give you more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged V-Lux 30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.