Leica V-Lux 40 vs Nikon S5100

Here is a extended assessment of the Leica V-Lux 40 and Nikon S5100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Leica and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the V-Lux 40 (14MP) and the S5100 (12MP) is fairly similar and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The V-Lux 40 was revealed 22 months later than the S5100 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the V-Lux 40 matches up vs the S5100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica V-Lux 40 & Nikon Coolpix S5100. The full galleries are viewable at Leica V-Lux 40 Gallery & Nikon S5100 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Leica V-Lux 40 provides external measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Nikon S5100 has measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Leica V-Lux 40 and Nikon S5100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the V-Lux 40 compared to the S5100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 40 and S5100 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The graphic here will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the V-Lux 40 and S5100.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Leica V-Lux 40 to offer extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The newer V-Lux 40 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.