Leica V-Lux 5 vs Panasonic FZ80

Following is a complete review of the Leica V-Lux 5 and Panasonic FZ80, one is a Large Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Leica and Panasonic. The image resolution of the V-Lux 5 (20MP) and the FZ80 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the V-Lux 5 (1") and FZ80 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The V-Lux 5 was brought out 3 years after the FZ80 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the V-Lux 5 matches up versus the FZ80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica V-Lux 5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are available at Leica V-Lux 5 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Leica V-Lux 5 enjoys external measurements of 137mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") along with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ80 has dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check out the Leica V-Lux 5 and Panasonic FZ80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the V-Lux 5 and the FZ80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the V-Lux 5 and FZ80 is 55 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at specs. The pic underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the V-Lux 5 and FZ80.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The V-Lux 5 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Leica V-Lux 5 will resolve greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The newer V-Lux 5 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.