Leica V-Lux 5 vs Olympus SP-590 UZ

Let's look more in depth at the Leica V-Lux 5 and Olympus SP-590 UZ, former being a Large Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Leica and Olympus. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the V-Lux 5 (20MP) and SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the V-Lux 5 (1") and SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The V-Lux 5 was unveiled 11 years later than the SP-590 UZ and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the V-Lux 5 matches up versus the SP-590 UZ in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica V-Lux 5 & Olympus SP-590 UZ. The full galleries are viewable at Leica V-Lux 5 Gallery & Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. 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 Olympus SP-590 UZ has sizing of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Contrast the Leica V-Lux 5 and Olympus SP-590 UZ in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the V-Lux 5 against the SP-590 UZ.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the V-Lux 5 and SP-590 UZ is 55 and 72 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by going through specs. The visual underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the V-Lux 5 and SP-590 UZ.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The V-Lux 5 using its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Leica V-Lux 5 will provide more detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern V-Lux 5 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.