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Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W

Portability
92
Imaging
37
Features
48
Overall
41
Leica V-Lux 40 front
 
Samsung HZ15W front
Portability
90
Imaging
34
Features
31
Overall
32

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W Key Specs

Leica V-Lux 40
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 210g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
  • Launched May 2012
Samsung HZ15W
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 24-240mm (F3.3-5.8) lens
  • 249g - 105 x 61 x 37mm
  • Announced February 2009
  • Other Name is WB550
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Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W Overview

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Leica and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the V-Lux 40 (14MP) and the HZ15W (12MP) is very close and both cameras posses the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The V-Lux 40 was introduced 3 years later than the HZ15W and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the V-Lux 40 grades versus the HZ15W in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Leica V-Lux 40 over the Samsung HZ15W

 V-Lux 40 HZ15W 
AnnouncedMay 2012February 2009Fresher by 40 months
Display resolution461k460kCrisper display (+1k dot)
Touch display Easily navigate

Reasons to pick Samsung HZ15W over the Leica V-Lux 40

 HZ15W V-Lux 40 
Focus manually More precise focus

Common features in the Leica V-Lux 40 and Samsung HZ15W

 V-Lux 40 HZ15W 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display size3"3"Same display measurement
Selfie screen Lack of selfie screen

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W Physical Comparison

In case you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Leica V-Lux 40 comes with exterior dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Samsung HZ15W has specifications of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check out the Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the V-Lux 40 compared to the HZ15W.

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the V-Lux 40 and HZ15W is 92 and 90 respectively.

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W top view buttons comparison

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W Sensor Comparison

Usually, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through specifications. The visual underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the V-Lux 40 and HZ15W.

Plainly, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but different resolution. You should expect to see the Leica V-Lux 40 to render more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The newer V-Lux 40 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W sensor size comparison

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W Screen and ViewFinder

Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica V-Lux 40 as a Portrait photography camera
Samsung HZ15W as a Portrait photography camera
35
resolution is good (14MP)
supports face detect autofocus
manual focus not available
no external flash support
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
31
manual focus
comes with face detect focusing
manual exposure not possible
external flash not possible
sensor resolution low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW support
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Street Comparison

Leica V-Lux 40 Street photography factors
Samsung HZ15W Street photography factors
65
has image stabilization (Optical)
boasts touch to focus
lighter than competitors in class (210g)
fixed screen
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
52
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
no moving screen
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW support
more heavy than competition in class (249 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Leica V-Lux 40
Sports photography with Samsung HZ15W
47
long zoom range (24-480mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
supports tracking focus
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
terrible battery (210 shots)
does not have phase detect autofocus
27
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
no shutter priority
sensor resolution low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Leica V-Lux 40
Travel photography with Samsung HZ15W
68
lighter than competitors in class (210 grams)
boasts touch to focus
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
has built in flash
fairly wide (24mm)
great zoom (480mm)
doesn't have Timelapse function
terrible battery (210 per charge)
display isn't selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f3.3)
54
built-in flash
decently wide (24mm)
lack of Timelapse recording
more heavy than competition in class (249g)
sensor resolution low (12MP)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Leica V-Lux 40 Landscape photography details
Samsung HZ15W Landscape photography details
42
fairly wide (24mm)
pretty good screen size (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (14MP)
manual focus not available
cannot switch lens (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.3)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
terrible battery (210 per charge)
doesn't have Timelapse function
40
manual focus
decently wide (24mm)
screen size is good (3")
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
can't change lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
manual exposure not possible
sensor resolution low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no RAW support
lack of Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica V-Lux 40 as a Vlogging camera
Samsung HZ15W as a Vlogging camera
35
fairly wide (24mm)
touchscreen
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detect autofocus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competitors in class (210g)
slow max aperture (f3.3)
display isn't selfie friendly
doesn't have microphone port
28
decently wide (24mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detect focusing
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pxls)
lack of microphone jack
more heavy than competition in class (249g)
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Leica V-Lux 40 vs Samsung HZ15W Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica V-Lux 40 and Samsung HZ15W
 Leica V-Lux 40Samsung HZ15W
General Information
Brand Name Leica Samsung
Model type Leica V-Lux 40 Samsung HZ15W
Alternate name - WB550
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Launched 2012-05-10 2009-02-23
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 14MP 12MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2
Maximum resolution 4320 x 3240 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 6400 3200
Lowest native ISO 100 80
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points 23 -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 24-480mm (20.0x) 24-240mm (10.0x)
Maximal aperture f/3.3-6.4 f/3.3-5.8
Macro focusing distance 3cm 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.9
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Display resolution 461 thousand dot 460 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15s 16s
Highest shutter speed 1/2000s 1/2000s
Continuous shooting speed 10.0 frames/s -
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 6.40 m 4.70 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red eye fix
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30, 15 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video file format MPEG-4, AVCHD Motion JPEG
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 210g (0.46 pounds) 249g (0.55 pounds)
Physical dimensions 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") 105 x 61 x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 210 photographs -
Style of battery Battery Pack -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (10 sec, 2 sec, Double, Motion Timer)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SC/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus, internal
Storage slots One One
Retail price $699 $330