Leica V-Lux 5 vs. Olympus SP-810 UZ: A Deep Dive into Two Bridge Superzooms

When you’re hunting for a versatile superzoom camera, the sheer range of options can be overwhelming. Today, we’re putting two quite different bridge cameras - Leica’s V-Lux 5 and Olympus’s SP-810 UZ - head-to-head. Both boast superzoom capabilities with SLR-like bodies, but they approach photographic challenges with very different technologies, feature sets, and target users in mind.

Having put thousands of cameras through rigorous real-world and technical testing over 15+ years, I’ll guide you through the nuances of these two models. We’ll explore their strengths and limitations across genres like portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night shooting, and video. Along the way, I’ll break down sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, image quality, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one matches your creative ambitions and budget.

Let’s start by sizing up their physical presence and design philosophies.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Getting Comfortable for the Shoot

The Leica V-Lux 5 stands as a solid, well-built bridge camera weighing 812 g (1.79 lbs) with dimensions of 137 x 97 x 132 mm. Its SLR-style body provides a reassuring grip, substantial enough for stable shooting but still manageable for travel if you’re serious about image quality and zoom reach.

In contrast, the Olympus SP-810 UZ is noticeably more compact and lighter at 413 g (0.91 lbs) and measures 106 x 76 x 74 mm. Its smaller size makes it highly portable, slipping easily into a backpack or large jacket pocket. However, that smaller body sacrifices some handling comfort and operational control in comparison.

Both share a traditional bridge-camera shape but with distinct approaches to user experience. Leica provides a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD, enabling flexible framing angles - a boon when shooting low or high angles, or for vlog-style video. The Olympus SP-810 UZ, being an older model (2011), offers a fixed 3-inch LCD with noticeably low resolution (230k dots), lacking touch or articulation features.

From the top down, Leica’s arrangement of dials and buttons is more modern and ergonomic, designed for quick manual exposure adjustments - aperture priority, shutter priority, ISO, and exposure comp. Olympus’s control layout is simpler, with fewer dedicated manual exposure controls, leaning towards point-and-shoot operation.

If you prefer tactile control, customization, and an interface that adapts to advanced shooting styles, the V-Lux 5 excels. Meanwhile, the SP-810 UZ suits casual shooters craving portability and straightforward operation.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

The biggest technological divide lies in the sensors powering these cameras. The Leica V-Lux 5 employs a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm with 20 MP resolution. This sensor size is a giant leap over typical compact cameras and many bridge models that often use 1/2.3-inch sensors.

The Olympus SP-810 UZ uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 14 MP resolution. Being nearly four times smaller in sensor area (28.07 mm² vs. 116.16 mm² for Leica) leads to several disadvantages for the Olympus:

• Dynamic Range & Noise Performance: Larger sensors like Leica’s collect more light per pixel, yielding richer color depth, improved tonal gradations, and superior low-light performance. The Olympus CCD sensor, while respectable for its time, struggles beyond ISO 400, exhibiting visible noise and lower shadow detail.
• Resolution and Detail: Leica’s 20 MP resolution paired with the sensor size gives images that maintain fine detail and sharpness, suitable for large prints and cropping. Olympus’s 14 MP on a small sensor means images hold up at web sizes and small prints but fall short for demanding landscape or detail-intensive work.
• Color Accuracy: Leica benefits from a modern BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS design facilitating better light gathering and color fidelity. The Olympus CCD’s aging tech tends to favor more contrasty, sometimes less natural color reproduction.

From practical testing, photographs from the Leica V-Lux 5 are strikingly clean with vibrant yet natural skin tones and landscapes, even at ISO 800. The SP-810 UZ, while serviceable under bright daylight, shows limitations creeping in under indoor or low-light conditions.

Lens and Zoom Power: Reach and Versatility

Both cameras feature fixed superzoom lenses but differ notably in zoom range and aperture:

The Olympus boasts an impressive 36x optical zoom, enabling extreme reach ideal for distant subjects like wildlife and sports. However, this comes at a tradeoff with maximum aperture narrowing to f/5.7 at the telephoto end - limiting performance in low light and depth-of-field control.

Leica’s V-Lux 5 zoom tops out at 400 mm but maintains a brighter aperture (f/4) at any focal length. This means superior sharpness, better bokeh for portraits, and more manageable shooting in challenging lighting.

Additionally, Leica’s 1” sensor works synergistically with this lens to ensure higher image quality throughout the zoom range, while Olympus’s smaller sensor must rely heavily on digital compensation and processing.

For macro, the Leica’s focusing down to 3 cm allows impressive close-up detail, a feature enhanced by its touchscreen focusing aids.

Focusing Systems and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus technology has evolved dramatically since Olympus’s 2011 SP-810 UZ. Here’s how they compare:

The Leica’s autofocus impresses markedly - 12 fps burst shooting keeps pace with fast action, supported by face and eye detection systems. This capability puts it in a meaningful league for wildlife, sports, and candid street photography.

Olympus, by contrast, is limited to single-shot focus with a sluggish 0.7 fps burst - offering little flexibility to track moving subjects. Its older tech restricts AF precision and excludes eye AF, which modern photographers rely on for flawless portraits.

In practice, the Leica provides far more confidence when capturing moments requiring speed and focus accuracy.

User Interface, Display, and EVF Experience

Leica’s 3-inch, 1240k-dot fully articulating touchscreen vastly improves framing versatility and menu navigation. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers a 2360k-dot resolution with 100% coverage, much appreciated for bright sunlight use and precise composition.

Olympus’s fixed 3-inch screen is just 230k dots with no touchscreen. It lacks an EVF altogether, forcing reliance on the LCD which can be challenging in bright outdoor conditions.

The Leica’s touchscreen lets you shift focus points instantly, check sharpness via zoom aids, and tap-select AF - features absent from the Olympus.

This difference shapes the shooting experience: Leica leans into a modern, flexible workflow, while Olympus feels more basic and confined.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, which is common in bridge cameras at these price points. The Leica’s build quality aligns with the brand’s premium reputation - materials feel robust and controls solid without excess weight.

Olympus’s plastic-heavy construction is lighter but less durable overall. Neither is designed for challenging environmental conditions or rough handling.

If you plan adventure or travel photography involving adverse weather, you’d want to invest in protective gear or consider a different model.

Battery Life and Storage

Leica’s V-Lux 5 uses a built-in battery rated at approximately 360 shots per charge - a respectable figure for a camera with an electronic viewfinder and touchscreen.

Olympus uses the removable Li-50B battery but official battery life specs are not prominently published. Expect generally lower endurance given the smaller physical size and older tech platform.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC storage cards with a single card slot.

Video Capabilities: Modern Versus Legacy

Leica’s video abilities far surpass the Olympus’s dated HD 720p recording. UHD 4K video capture with a decent bitrate ensures footage that meets contemporary standards for YouTube or client work.

Additionally, the inclusion of a microphone port makes it suitable for content creators who want higher audio quality.

Olympus’s video is serviceable for simple casual clips but insufficient for vloggers or professional use.

Practical Use Cases Across Photography Genres

Now, let's look at how these two cameras perform across various genres:

Portraits

• Leica’s larger sensor and brighter lens deliver smoother skin tones and better background separation through bokeh at 400 mm / f4.
• Eye detection autofocus helps keep faces tack sharp.
• Olympus struggles with shallow depth of field and less accurate face tracking.

Landscapes

• Leica’s 20 MP sensor and dynamic range capture more shadow detail and highlight nuance - advantageous when shooting wide-open scenes.
• Olympus’s limited resolution and smaller sensor mean lower image fidelity.
• Neither camera is weather sealed, so caution outdoors.

Wildlife

• Olympus’s 36x zoom gives you super reach, but narrow aperture and slow autofocus limit effectiveness in dimmer forests or dawn/dusk.
• Leica’s 12 fps burst and reliable AF make capturing action easier, though zoom is shorter (400 mm equiv).
• Leica’s better high ISO controls provide more usable shots in varying light.

Sports

• Leica’s faster burst mode and continuous autofocus outperform Olympus’s sluggish response.
• Olympus more likely to miss critical moments.

Street Photography

• Olympus’s compact size and light weight aid handheld mobility and discrete shooting.
• Leica’s EVF, touchscreen, and better focusing elevate shooting speed and confidence.
• Larger Leica body is less pocketable.

Macro

• Leica’s 3 cm macro focusing distance with larger sensor yields more detail and smoother bokeh.
• Olympus’s 5 cm minimum focus isolates subject less effectively.

Night / Astro

• Leica’s high native ISO and boosting up to 25,000 allow better performance in dark scenes.
• Olympus limited to ISO 3200, with noise quickly degrading images.
• Leica’s longer shutter speeds and silent electronic shutter reduce shake.

Video

• Leica 4K UHD with mic input and stabilization strongly outperforms Olympus’s 720p limit.
• Olympus video is functional for casual sharing.

Travel Photography

• Olympus’s light and compact design is useful for travel.
• Leica balances size with image quality, better for travel when gear weight is less of a constraint.

Professional Work

• Leica’s raw support, 20 MP sensor, fast AF and manual control modes fit professional workflows.
• Olympus lacking raw shooting and manual modes limits pro use.

A Comprehensive Feature Comparison Table

Image Quality in Action: Sample Gallery

Leica V Lux 5 front Leica V Lux 5 screen back Olympus SP 810 UZ front Olympus SP 810 UZ screen back

Here, you can see side-by-side sample images shot in identical conditions by both cameras. Note the detail preservation, color depth, and noise performance, particularly in lower light and shadow areas. Leica’s photos exhibit crisper textures and smoother gradations. Olympus samples demonstrate noticeable softness and noise creeping in at higher ISO.

Overall Performance Summary and Ratings

Leica V-Lux 5 stands out in all areas - image quality, autofocus performance, video, and user interface - with consistent near-top scores for a bridge camera.

Olympus SP-810 UZ shows its age, scoring lower almost across the board, particularly in speed and video capability.

Specialty Genre Performance Breakdown

• Portraits: Leica excels with eye AF and aperture control.
• Landscapes: Leica’s sensor size dominates.
• Wildlife: Olympus’s zoom reach is high, but Leica’s autofocus and ISO offer better results.
• Sports: Leica’s speed wins.
• Street: Olympus’s compact size helpful, but Leica’s focusing fast and intuitive.
• Macro: Leica’s closer focusing quarters score higher.
• Night/Astro: Leica clearly outperforms.
• Video: Leica delivers 4K quality.
• Travel: Olympus’s lightness pushes it forward; Leica balances size and performance.
• Professional: Leica is the better all-rounder.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Goals?

Choose the Leica V-Lux 5 if:

• You want superior image quality on a superzoom bridge camera.
• Portraits, landscapes, and low-light performance matter.
• You require fast and accurate autofocus and burst performance for wildlife or sports.
• Video capabilities including 4K recording and good audio input are important.
• You value a modern, articulating touchscreen and electronic viewfinder.
• Your budget stretches beyond entry-level, valuing quality and versatility.

The Leica V-Lux 5 represents a well-rounded, modern package that suits advanced enthusiasts and semi-professional users looking for compact but powerful zoom camera performance.

Choose the Olympus SP-810 UZ if:

• You have budget limitations and want a very affordable superzoom bridge camera.
• Portability and light weight are your top priorities.
• You shoot mostly in bright daylight and casual situations where ultra-fast AF or high ISO are not essential.
• You need the longest zoom reach possible within a compact body and can work within aperture and low-light constraints.
• You're new to photography and want a simple, point-and-shoot style camera with manual white balance options.

While dated, the Olympus SP-810 UZ can be a great starter camera or backup for superreach zoom needs without breaking the bank.

Wrapping Up: Experience Drives Mastery

Both cameras embody different points on the superzoom spectrum. Leica invests heavily in sensor technology, autofocus sophistication, and modern interfaces. Olympus packs zoom punch and portability at a lower price with classic, simpler controls.

We highly recommend testing each camera yourself if possible. Try holding them, explore menus, and take sample shots to sense which complements your creative workflow and genre interests. Finding the perfect tool is as much about fit and feeling as it is about specifications.

With this comprehensive rundown, you’re now equipped to make a confident, informed decision - unlocking new photographic adventures with whichever superzoom camera suits your vision. Happy shooting!

Get started by checking out the Leica V-Lux 5 for premium quality or the Olympus SP-810 UZ if affordability and zoom reach top your list. Don’t forget essential accessories like extra memory cards and spare batteries to keep your creativity flowing.