Leica V-Lux 5 vs Olympus E-P1

Let's look closer at the Leica V-Lux 5 and Olympus E-P1, former is a Large Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Leica and Olympus. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the V-Lux 5 (20MP) and E-P1 (12MP) and the V-Lux 5 (1") and E-P1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The V-Lux 5 was unveiled 10 years after the E-P1 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Leica V-Lux 5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the V-Lux 5 matches up versus the E-P1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica V-Lux 5 & Olympus PEN E-P1. The full galleries are viewable at Leica V-Lux 5 Gallery & Olympus E-P1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Leica V-Lux 5 has physical dimensions of 137mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") having a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs) and the Olympus E-P1 has dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Check out the Leica V-Lux 5 and Olympus E-P1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the V-Lux 5 and the E-P1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the V-Lux 5 and E-P1 is 55 and 86 respectively.

Generally, its tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through specifications. The picture here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the V-Lux 5 and E-P1.

Plainly, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The V-Lux 5 with its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh tougher and the Leica V-Lux 5 will result in more detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more modern V-Lux 5 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.