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Leica S3 vs V-LUX 5

The Leica S3 and the Leica V-LUX 5 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2018 and July 2019. The S3 is a DSLR, while the V-LUX 5 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a medium format (S3) and an one-inch (V-LUX 5) sensor. The S3 has a resolution of 64 megapixels, whereas the V-LUX 5 provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica S3
versus
Leica V-LUX 5
Leica S3   Leica V-LUX 5
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Leica S mount lenses 25-400mm f/2.8-4.0
64 MP – Medium Format sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
4K/24p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-50,000 ISO 125-12,800 (80 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1240k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g 136 x 97 x 131 mm, 812 g
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Check S3 offers at
ebay.com
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Check V-LUX 5 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S3 and the Leica V-LUX 5? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica S3 and the Leica V-LUX 5 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica S3 vs Leica V-LUX 5
Compare S3 versus V-LUX 5 top
Comparison S3 or V-LUX 5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica V-LUX 5 is considerably smaller (31 percent) than the Leica S3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the S3 is splash and dust resistant, while the V-LUX 5 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the V-LUX 5 has a lens built in, whereas the S3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the S3 gets .. shots out of its Leica BP-PRO1 battery, while the V-LUX 5 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC12 power pack. The power pack in the V-LUX 5 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 5 136 mm 97 mm 131 mm 812 g 350 n Jul 2019 1,249 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Nov 2018 1,195ebay.com
6.
 
Leica C-LUX 113 mm 67 mm 46 mm 340 g 370 n Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10-P 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Aug 2018 7,995ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
11.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 830 g 360 n Sep 2014 1,349ebay.com
12.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
13.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 138 mm 102 mm 135 mm 915 g 350 n Sep 2016 1,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 VI 102 mm 58 mm 43 mm 301 g 240 n Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV 133 mm 94 mm 145 mm 1095 g 400 Y Sep 2017 1,699 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The V-LUX 5 was launched at a lower price than the S3, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica S3 features a medium format sensor and the Leica V-LUX 5 an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the V-LUX 5 is 91 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.8 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica S3 and Leica V-LUX 5 sensor measures

With 64MP, the S3 offers a higher resolution than the V-LUX 5 (20MP), but the S3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.59μm versus 2.41μm for the V-LUX 5) due to its larger sensor. However, the V-LUX 5 is a somewhat more recent model (by 9 months) than the S3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica S3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 49 x 32.7 inches or 124.5 x 83 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 39.2 x 26.1 inches or 99.6 x 66.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 32.7 x 21.8 inches or 83 x 55.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica V-LUX 5 are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica S3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica V-LUX 5 are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the S3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the V-LUX 5 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S3 versus V-LUX 5 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 5 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458465
3.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
4.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.912.8100272
6.
 
Leica C-LUX 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.348164
7.
 
Leica M10-P Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none25.114.1273993
8.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none25.113.7276393
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007 Medium Format 37.5 7500 50004K/24p25.113.7276393
11.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.611.712760
12.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
13.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
14.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
15.
 
Panasonic FZ2500 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653870
16.
 
Sony RX100 VI 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.347864
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.240863
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the V-LUX 5 provides a faster frame rate than the S3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the S3 is limited to 4K/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the V-LUX 5 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the S3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the V-LUX 5 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the S3 (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the S3 has a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica S3 and Leica V-LUX 5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 52360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 72764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica C-LUX2330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica M10-Poptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s n n
11.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 1142359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
13.
 
Leica S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
15.
 
Panasonic FZ25002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony RX100 VI2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV2359 Y3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the S3, but is missing on the V-LUX 5 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The V-LUX 5 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the S3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the V-LUX 5 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica V-LUX 5 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The S3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the V-LUX 5 uses SDXC cards. The S3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the V-LUX 5 only has one slot. The S3 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the V-LUX 5 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica S3 and Leica V-LUX 5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
4.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Leica C-LUX-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Leica M10-PY- / -----Y--
8.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
11.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic FZ2500Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
16.
 
Sony RX100 VI-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
17.
 
Sony RX10 IVYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the S3 has a microphone port, which is missing on the V-LUX 5. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica S3 (unlike the V-LUX 5) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the S3 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The V-LUX 5 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the S3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the S3 from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the S3 and V-LUX 5 can be found, respectively, in the Leica S3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica V-LUX 5 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica S3 and the Leica V-LUX 5? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Arguments in favor of the Leica S3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (64 vs 20MP) with a 79% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.70x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2018).


Advantages of the Leica V-LUX 5:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/30p versus 4K/24p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the S3 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (136x97mm vs 160x120mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the S3).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (9 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the V-LUX 5 comes out slightly ahead of the S3 (20 : 19 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

S3 19:20 V-LUX 5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S3 and the Leica V-LUX 5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the S3 or the V-LUX 5 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
2.
 
Leica V-LUX 5........4/54/5 Jul 2019 1,249 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 7..........4.5/5 Nov 2018 1,195ebay.com
6.
 
Leica C-LUX....3.5/5..4.5/54/5 Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10-P....3/5....4/5 Aug 2018 7,995ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
10.
 
Leica S Typ 0074/5.......... Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
11.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114..........5/5 Sep 2014 1,349ebay.com
12.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
13.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic FZ2500..+..82/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2016 1,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 VI4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2018 1,199ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV5/5+3.5/584/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2017 1,699 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Leica S3 vs Leica V-LUX 5

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica S3 Leica V-LUX 5
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses 25-400mm f/2.8-4.0
    Launch Date September 2018 July 2019
    Launch Price USD 18,995 USD 1,249
    Sensor Specs Leica S3 Leica V-LUX 5
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 1350 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 64 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9800 x 6533 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.59 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 4.74 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/24p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 125 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 25,600 ISO
    Screen Specs Leica S3 Leica V-LUX 5
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.87x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1240k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica S3 Leica V-LUX 5
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica S3 Leica V-LUX 5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Leica S3 Leica V-LUX 5
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-PRO1 Leica BP-DC12
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    136 x 97 x 131 mm
    (5.4 x 3.8 x 5.2 in)
    Camera Weight 1260 g (44.4 oz) 812 g (28.6 oz)
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