Leica V-Lux 5 vs Nikon S9900

Let's take a more detailed look at the Leica V-Lux 5 and Nikon S9900, former being a Large Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Leica and Nikon. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the V-Lux 5 (20MP) and S9900 (16MP) and the V-Lux 5 (1") and S9900 (1/2.3") posses different sensor size.

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The V-Lux 5 was introduced 5 years later than the S9900 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Leica V-Lux 5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon S9900 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summation of how the V-Lux 5 matches up against the S9900 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica V-Lux 5 & Nikon Coolpix S9900. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica V-Lux 5 Gallery & Nikon S9900 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Leica V-Lux 5 has got exterior dimensions of 137mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs) whilst the Nikon S9900 has specifications of 112mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 289 grams (0.64 lbs).

Contrast the Leica V-Lux 5 and Nikon S9900 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the V-Lux 5 against the S9900.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the V-Lux 5 and S9900 is 55 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the V-Lux 5 and S9900.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The V-Lux 5 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Leica V-Lux 5 will show greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The more recent V-Lux 5 should have an advantage in sensor technology.