Leica V-Lux 40 vs Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to compact cameras with fixed zoom lenses, choosing the right model can be a challenge - especially if you’re balancing budget, durability, and photographic versatility. Today, I’m diving deep into two compelling contenders from the early 2010s: the Leica V-Lux 40 and the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS. I’ve spent hours testing both cameras in various shooting scenarios and scrutinizing their specs and operations hands-on, so let’s figure out which one might deserve a spot in your kit.

Whether you’re a hobbyist who wants an easy-to-carry superzoom, an outdoor enthusiast after dependability, or a budget-conscious shooter seeking bang for your buck, this comparison aims to give you clear, practical insights grounded in real-world experience.

Size and Handling: First Impressions with Ergonomics and Controls

Clearly, pocketability and comfort influence whether you’ll actually carry a camera every day. Let’s start by examining their size and physical feel.

The Leica touts itself as a small-sensor superzoom bridge camera, while the Olympus markets heavily toward rugged outdoor utility with its “Tough” credentials.

Leica V-Lux 40:

• Dimensions: 105 x 59 x 28 mm; Weight: 210 g
• Ergonomics lean toward compactness with a slightly squared-off grip.
• No electronic viewfinder, small 3” fixed screen, but decent button layout tailored for quick superzoom operation.

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS:

• Dimensions: 111 x 67 x 29 mm; Weight: 230 g
• Slightly chunkier, built to take knocks and water splashes (more on that later).
• Buttons are well spaced, but the grip seems less refined for long sessions; it fits your hand in a wedged sort of way.

When putting clubs in thumbs (aka holding the camera for long periods), the Leica felt a bit more refined despite being a tad smaller. The TG-2’s rugged body is reassuring but bulkier due to weatherproofing layers.

Design and Control Layout: Quick Access to Essential Features

A camera’s control scheme makes or breaks your shooting experience, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects.

Take a look at the top control layout and how they stack up.

V-Lux 40:

• Clean top panel with dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation.
• A mode dial including manual, aperture, shutter priority – rare in compact fixed zooms.
• Touch-sensitive 3” screen complements physical controls.

TG-2 iHS:

• More stripped back controls: No dedicated shutter or aperture dials.
• Basic wheel for zoom and limited exposure compensation buttons.
• OLED 3” screen (non-touch) offers better visibility outdoors but fewer direct menu options.

If you crave direct tactile control or like to shoot in manual modes, Leica’s V-Lux 40 feels designed with photographers in mind. Olympus is more for point-and-shoot use, with fewer buttons.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peeking Under the Hood

Both cameras feature tiny 1/2.3” sensors - a staple for compact cameras yet a weak point compared to mirrorless or DSLRs. Size puts limits on dynamic range and noise control, but implementation matters a lot.

Technical Details:

• Leica V-Lux 40: 14MP CMOS sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), max ISO 6400.
• Olympus TG-2 iHS: 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), also ISO 6400 max.

The TG-2 features a BSI (backside illuminated) sensor, which theoretically improves low light sensitivity, while the Leica uses a standard CMOS chip.

Image Quality in Real Life:

• Dynamic Range: Leica pulls ahead with punchier colors and deeper shadows in daylight, useful for landscapes and portraits. The Olympus’s dynamic range is respectable but tends to clip highlights faster.
• Sharpness & Details: You’ll notice the Leica’s slightly higher megapixel count results in crisper images, especially when you pixel peep or crop. However, the Olympus lens is noticeably sharper wide-open at f/2.0 in the short telephoto range.
• Noise Performance: The TG-2’s BSI sensor helps it shine at ISO 800-1600 with less grain, a big plus for nighttime or indoor shooting. Leica struggles more here, showing earlier noise at higher ISO.

Bottom line: Leica is better suited for vibrant daytime shooting with extended zoom reach, while Olympus is your pick for low-light fixed zoom shooting within its restricted range.

The Lenses: Zoom Range, Aperture, and Macro Magic

Lens specs directly dictate shooting style adaptability.

Leica V-Lux 40:

• 24–480 mm equivalent focal length (20x zoom).
• Aperture varies f/3.3–6.4; not especially bright at telephoto end.
• Claimed focus as close as 3cm – decent macro but limited by lens speed.

Olympus TG-2 iHS:

• 25–100 mm equivalent focal length (4x zoom).
• Aperture f/2.0–4.9; very bright at wide end, handy for low light.
• Close focusing at 1cm, excellent for true macro shots.

The Leica’s zoom range is seriously impressive for a compact - click from wide-angle landscapes to wildlife-like telephoto with a single lens. However, smaller apertures at the long end limit shallow depth of field and low-light shooting there.

The Olympus sacrifices reach for brighter lens glass and outstanding macro capabilities, making it a winner for nature close-ups and underwater flower/stones photography (remember, it’s a waterproof body too).

Autofocus Performance and Speed: Tracking Your Subjects

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems enhanced with face detection. Let’s see what that means on the ground.

• Leica V-Lux 40: 23 AF points, tracking including face detection, continuous focus supported, touch AF enabled.
• Olympus TG-2 iHS: Unknown AF points, continuous focus lacks, single AF mode only, also face detection.

In quick-focus tests on stationary subjects, both cameras lock focus evenly well. However, in tracking moving subjects:

• Leica’s continuous autofocus gives you a slight edge shooting kids and pets in motion.
• Olympus’s single AF mode means framing fast-moving objects can be frustrating.

Also, the Leica’s touch to focus is a convenience, speeding up selecting focus points.

For wildlife or sports hobbyists, Leica offers more practical AF flexibility despite the fixed lens limits.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance: Can They Take A Beating?

This is where the Olympus changes the game - built for adventure shooters who often find themselves in rugged or wet environments.

• Olympus TG-2 iHS: Waterproof to 15m, shockproof from 2.1m drops, crushproof (up to 100kgf), dustproof, and freezeproof to -10°C. Pretty much a tank for undersea or mountain use.
• Leica V-Lux 40: Standard compact build, no weather sealing or rugged reinforcements.

If you’re hiking, snorkelling, skiing, or prone to slapping your cams around, the TG-2’s durability is unmatched at this price point. The Leica, while sturdy, requires more careful handling.

Screen and Viewfinder: Your Window to Composition

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder, so relying on rear screens is necessary.

• Leica V-Lux 40: 3” touchscreen, 461k dots, fixed. Being touch-enabled makes menu navigation and touch focusing friendlier.
• Olympus TG-2 iHS: 3” OLED fixed screen with 610k dots, non-touch. The OLED panel provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility.

If you value true touchscreen operation and quicker menu escapes, Leica wins here. But if you spend serious time outdoors in bright sunshine, the Olympus’s OLED display really shines (literally).

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can They Run?

Portable shooting means battery and storage capacity matter.

• Leica V-Lux 40: Rated for 210 shots per charge. Uses proprietary battery pack; single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.
• Olympus TG-2 iHS: Rated for 350 shots on a Li-90B battery; similar storage slot.

Olympus’s significantly longer battery life is notable, whether you’re traveling remote locations or on a day hike without convenient recharging options.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures from Boxes

Both provide Full HD recording, but with subtle differences.

Leica V-Lux 40

• 1080p at 60fps, also supports 720p and lower.
• Formats: MPEG-4, AVCHD.
• Optical image stabilization active in video.
• No mic or headphone ports.

Olympus TG-2 iHS

• 1080p at 30fps only.
• Formats: MPEG-4, H.264.
• Sensor-shift image stabilization.
• Also no external audio support.

If you want smoother slow-motion 1080p capture, Leica’s 60fps tops Olympus. However, Olympus’s video stabilization is very effective handheld, especially outdoors or underwater.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

Having covered specs and test metrics, let me share personal shooting insights for popular photography styles.

Portrait Photography

Leica’s extended zoom and manual exposure modes offer more framing creativity and control over skin tone rendition. The narrower apertures limit shallow depth of field, but digital face detection AF works well. Olympus struggles with depth and AF flexibility but its bright lens is nice indoors with natural light.

Landscape Photography

Leica’s 24mm wide to 480mm telephoto range lets you capture sweeping vistas plus distant details. Although sensor size caps dynamic range, the camera’s colors feel vibrant. Olympus narrower zoom and smaller resolution make it less versatile here.

Wildlife Photography

Leica’s longer zoom, faster continuous AF, and 10 fps burst speed give it clear advantages shooting birds or small animals at distance. Olympus lags behind with 4x zoom and slower autofocus.

Sports and Action

Leica’s ability to shoot at 10fps and continuous AF tracking give it a leg up for casual sports snapshots. Olympus, with 5fps and single AF, is less optimal here.

Street Photography

Olympus’s ruggedness plus discreet design is appealing for urban street shooters who want to avoid damaging gear or get close to subjects in tricky settings. Leica’s louder zoom and larger size make it less suited for candid stealth.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s ability to focus as close as 1cm with its bright f/2.0 lens makes it excellent for macro nature photography - flowers, insects, textures. Leica’s minimum focus distance is 3cm, and slower aperture requires extra light.

Night / Astro

Olympus’s BSI sensor and brighter lens fare moderately better but still struggle beyond ISO 1600. Leica’s higher megapixels don’t help much in low light without noise creeping in. Neither camera is ideal for serious astrophotography.

Video Production

Leica’s 1080p60 recording makes it the better tool for fluid video clips, though neither offers external mic/headphone jacks for quality audio control.

Travel Photography

Leica’s extensive zoom and manual modes give versatility; Olympus’s durability, excellent battery life, and outdoor screen offer peace of mind in variable conditions. Weight difference is negligible.

Professional Use

Neither camera fits professional workflows needing RAW support or interchangeable lenses. Leica’s manual modes help creative control, but Olympus’s lack of manual exposure heavily limits professional appeal.

Connectivity & Extras: What’s Missing?

Both cameras oddly skip built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is a shame for modern wireless transfers.

The Leica includes built-in GPS, which can geotag photos - a win for travel shooters. Olympus also offers GPS functionality.

Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for file transfer and playback but no advanced tethering options.

Value Comparison: What You Get for Your Money

At launch:

• Leica V-Lux 40 retailed for roughly $700, positioning it as a premium compact with superzoom versatility.
• Olympus TG-2 iHS came in around $380, representing a mid-budget tough camera niche.

Their drastically different price tags reflect priorities: Leica demands more upfront for zoom reach and control; Olympus trades zoom for robustness and macro prowess.

Summary Table of Main Pros and Cons

Leica V Lux 40 front Leica V Lux 40 screen back Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back

Scoring Their Performance: Overall and by Genre

Here’s a visual breakdown based on my testing across multiple use cases:

• Leica shines in zoom versatility, portrait, wildlife, and action shooting.
• Olympus dominates ruggedness, macro, battery life, and outdoor visibility.

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Go Leica V-Lux 40 if:

• You want a superzoom compact with manual control over exposure and focus.
• You prioritize zoom reach, fast burst shooting, and better color depth.
• You mostly shoot portraits, wildlife at longer ranges, or landscapes needing framing options.
• Touchscreen and more sophisticated controls matter to you.
• You have a mid-high budget and want an all-rounder for casual and creative photography.

Go Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS if:

• You’re an outdoor adventurer needing a nearly indestructible camera.
• Macro close-ups and wide apertures for dim situations excite you.
• You appreciate longer battery life for remote trips.
• You want a camera you won’t worry about dropping or getting wet.
• You’re budget-conscious but want solid image quality in tough conditions.

Final Thoughts: Beyond Specs to Real Use

Choosing between Leica’s V-Lux 40 and Olympus TG-2 iHS hinges on what you value most. The Leica offers a more versatile photographic toolkit, thoughtful manual controls, and better zoom reach - but lacks weather resistance, limiting rugged use.

The Olympus, while more limited zoom-wise, excels in durability, macro abilities, and battery life. It’s perfect as a grab-and-go camera for hikers, snorkelers, or anyone who needs their gear to withstand the elements.

In my extensive experience testing compact cameras, both models hold up well within their niches. But I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Leica for everyday photography and creative flexibility. Meanwhile, the Olympus is a dependable companion for adventure lovers and close-up nature photography enthusiasts.

Consider your priorities, handle both if you can, and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Either way, you’re getting a compact camera that packs a punch despite small sensors - one built for zoom versatility, the other for rugged reliability.

Happy shooting out there!

Note: Price and features reflect original launch data; check current market for updated models or used bargains.