Leica V-Lux 30 vs Panasonic FZ80

Following is a extended comparison of the Leica V-Lux 30 and Panasonic FZ80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Leica and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the V-Lux 30 (14MP) and FZ80 (18MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The V-Lux 30 was manufactured 6 years before the FZ80 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Leica V-Lux 30 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the V-Lux 30 grades against the FZ80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica V-Lux 30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are viewable at Leica V-Lux 30 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Leica V-Lux 30 features physical measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 43mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.7") along with a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ80 has proportions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

See the Leica V-Lux 30 and Panasonic FZ80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the V-Lux 30 and the FZ80.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the V-Lux 30 and FZ80 is 90 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes just by going over specifications. The picture here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the V-Lux 30 and FZ80.

To sum up, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic FZ80 to offer you extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged V-Lux 30 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.