Leica V-LUX 3 vs Sony RX10 IV
The Leica V-LUX 3 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in December 2011 and September 2017. Both the V-LUX 3 and the RX10 IV are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/2.3-inch (V-LUX 3) and an one-inch (RX10 IV) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 20 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica V-LUX 3 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV? 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.
Body comparison
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica V-LUX 3 and the Sony RX10 IV. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX10 IV is notably larger (24 percent) than the Leica V-LUX 3. Moreover, the RX10 IV is substantially heavier (103 percent) than the V-LUX 3. It is noteworthy in this context that the RX10 IV is splash and dust-proof, while the V-LUX 3 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
Concerning battery life, the V-LUX 3 gets 410 shots out of its Leica BP-DC9 battery, while the RX10 IV can take 400 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the RX10 IV can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.
The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica V-LUX 3 | 124 mm | 81 mm | 95 mm | 540 g | 410 | n | Dec 2011 | 949 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sony RX10 IV | 133 mm | 94 mm | 145 mm | 1095 g | 400 | Y | Sep 2017 | 1,699 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 117 mm | 81 mm | 65 mm | 534 g | 250 | n | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | 116 mm | 74 mm | 66 mm | 553 g | 240 | n | Feb 2014 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX30 | 123 mm | 92 mm | 108 mm | 601 g | 370 | n | Sep 2010 | 429 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX40 | 123 mm | 92 mm | 108 mm | 600 g | 380 | n | Sep 2011 | 429 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon SX50 | 123 mm | 87 mm | 106 mm | 595 g | 315 | n | Sep 2012 | 429 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica V-LUX 2 | 124 mm | 80 mm | 95 mm | 520 g | 410 | n | Sep 2010 | 849 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 4 | 125 mm | 87 mm | 110 mm | 588 g | 540 | n | Sep 2012 | 949 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic FZ100 | 124 mm | 82 mm | 92 mm | 540 g | 410 | n | Jul 2010 | 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic FZ150 | 124 mm | 82 mm | 92 mm | 528 g | 410 | n | Aug 2011 | 499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic FZ200 | 125 mm | 87 mm | 110 mm | 588 g | 540 | n | Jul 2012 | 599 | ebay.com | |
13. | Sony RX10 | 129 mm | 88 mm | 102 mm | 813 g | 420 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony RX10 II | 129 mm | 88 mm | 102 mm | 813 g | 400 | Y | Jun 2015 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Sony RX10 III | 133 mm | 94 mm | 127 mm | 1051 g | 420 | Y | Mar 2016 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony RX100 V | 102 mm | 58 mm | 41 mm | 299 g | 220 | n | Oct 2016 | 999 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX100 VI | 102 mm | 58 mm | 43 mm | 301 g | 240 | n | Jun 2018 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
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 3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 44 percent) than the RX10 IV, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica V-LUX 3 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Sony RX10 IV an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the RX10 IV is 314 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 2.7. The sensor in the V-LUX 3 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the RX10 IV offers a 3:2 aspect.
With 20MP, the RX10 IV offers a higher resolution than the V-LUX 3 (12MP), but the RX10 IV nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 1.53μm for the V-LUX 3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the RX10 IV is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 9 months) than the V-LUX 3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the V-LUX 3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Sony RX10 IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX10 IV for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica V-LUX 3 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.
The RX10 IV has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Leica V-LUX 3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 100-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.
In terms of underlying technology, the V-LUX 3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the RX10 IV 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.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica V-LUX 3 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.7 | 11.0 | 430 | 42 | |
2. | Sony RX10 IV | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.0 | 12.2 | 408 | 63 | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 1.5-inch | 14.2 | 4352 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 21.7 | 10.8 | 644 | 60 | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | 1.5-inch | 13.0 | 4160 | 3120 | 1080/30p | 21.5 | 10.8 | 581 | 58 | |
5. | Canon SX30 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | 4320 | 3240 | 720/30p | 19.4 | 10.7 | 320 | 39 | |
6. | Canon SX40 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 19.6 | 10.9 | 409 | 41 | |
7. | Canon SX50 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 20.3 | 11.2 | 179 | 47 | |
8. | Leica V-LUX 2 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | 4320 | 3240 | 1080/60i | 19.4 | 10.7 | 321 | 39 | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 4 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.8 | 11.1 | 501 | 43 | |
10. | Panasonic FZ100 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | 4320 | 3240 | 1080/60i | 19.4 | 10.7 | 306 | 39 | |
11. | Panasonic FZ150 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.4 | 10.9 | 132 | 40 | |
12. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.1 | 10.8 | 114 | 37 | |
13. | Sony RX10 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 22.9 | 12.6 | 474 | 69 | |
14. | Sony RX10 II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 23.0 | 12.6 | 531 | 70 | |
15. | Sony RX10 III | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 23.1 | 12.6 | 472 | 70 | |
16. | Sony RX100 V | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.8 | 12.4 | 586 | 70 | |
17. | Sony RX100 VI | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 12.3 | 478 | 64 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the RX10 IV provides a better video resolution than the V-LUX 3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Leica is limited to 1080/60p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the RX10 IV offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the V-LUX 3 (2359k vs 202k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica V-LUX 3 and Sony RX10 IV in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
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 V-LUX 3 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Sony RX10 IV | 2359 | Y | 3.0 / 1440 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 24.0/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon G1 X | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 1.9/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | optional | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 5.2/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Canon SX30 | 202 | n | 2.7 / 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 0.6/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Canon SX40 | 202 | n | 2.7 / 230 | swivel | n | 1/3200s | 10.3/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Canon SX50 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 461 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Leica V-LUX 2 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 4 | 1312 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Panasonic FZ100 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Panasonic FZ150 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
12. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1312 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
13. | Sony RX10 | 1440 | Y | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/3200s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
14. | Sony RX10 II | 2359 | Y | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/3200s | 14.0/s | Y | Y | |
15. | Sony RX10 III | 2359 | Y | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 14.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Sony RX100 V | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 24.0/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Sony RX100 VI | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 24.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The RX10 IV has a touchscreen, while the V-LUX 3 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
The V-LUX 3 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the RX10 IV 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 RX10 IV 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).
Both the V-LUX 3 and the RX10 IV have zoom lenses built in. The V-LUX 3 has a 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2 optic and the RX10 IV offers a 24-600mm f/2.4-4.0 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Sony provides a wider angle of view at the short end than the Leica and the same tele-photo reach at the long end. The RX10 IV offers the faster maximum aperture.
The V-LUX 3 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX10 IV uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The RX10 IV supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the V-LUX 3 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
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 V-LUX 3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica V-LUX 3 | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Sony RX10 IV | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
3. | Canon G1 X | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
5. | Canon SX30 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Canon SX40 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | YES | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Canon SX50 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Leica V-LUX 2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 4 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Panasonic FZ100 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Panasonic FZ150 | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Panasonic FZ200 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Sony RX10 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
14. | Sony RX10 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
15. | Sony RX10 III | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
16. | Sony RX100 V | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
17. | Sony RX100 VI | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y |
It is notable that the RX10 IV offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the V-LUX 3 does not provide wifi capability.
The RX10 IV is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the V-LUX 3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the V-LUX 3 was succeeded by the Leica V-LUX 4. Further information on the features and operation of the V-LUX 3 and RX10 IV can be found, respectively, in the Leica V-LUX 3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX10 IV Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Leica V-LUX 3 better than the Sony RX10 IV or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Reasons to prefer the Leica V-LUX 3:
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- More compact: Is smaller (124x81mm vs 133x94mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Less heavy: Is lighter (by 555g or 51 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
- More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (44 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in December 2011).
Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 32%.
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
- Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- 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.
- More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2359k vs 202k dots).
- Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 460k dots).
- Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (24 vs 12 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
- Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.4 vs f/2.8).
- Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
- Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
- More modern: Reflects 5 years and 9 months of technical progress since the V-LUX 3 launch.
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RX10 IV is the clear winner of the contest (24 : 8 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica V-LUX 3 and the Sony RX10 IV place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera listing 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 V-LUX 3 or the RX10 IV 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 expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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.
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica V-LUX 3 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Dec 2011 | 949 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sony RX10 IV | 5/5 | + | 3.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2017 | 1,699 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 5/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G1 X Mark II | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon SX30 | 3/5 | + + | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2010 | 429 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon SX40 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2011 | 429 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon SX50 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 429 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica V-LUX 2 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2010 | 849 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica V-LUX 4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2012 | 949 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic FZ100 | .. | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2010 | 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic FZ150 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2011 | 499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic FZ200 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | 599 | ebay.com | |
13. | Sony RX10 | 5/5 | + | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony RX10 II | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2015 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Sony RX10 III | 5/5 | + | .. | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2016 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony RX100 V | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 83/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2016 | 999 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX100 VI | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 83/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2018 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
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 make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
- Canon D30 vs Leica V-LUX 3
- Canon SL1 vs Leica V-LUX 3
- Canon SX520 vs Leica V-LUX 3
- Canon SX730 vs Sony RX10 IV
- Fujifilm X-E2S vs Sony RX10 IV
- Leica V-LUX 3 vs Nikon D70s
- Leica V-LUX 3 vs Olympus E-PL8
- Leica V-LUX 3 vs Sony NEX-5T
- Olympus E-M1 vs Sony RX10 IV
- Panasonic FZ150 vs Sony RX10 IV
- Sony A77 II vs Sony RX10 IV
- Sony A99 II vs Sony RX10 IV
Specifications: Leica V-LUX 3 vs Sony RX10 IV
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 Model | Leica V-LUX 3 | Sony RX10 IV |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | Fixed lens compact camera |
Camera Lens | 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2 | 24-600mm f/2.4-4.0 |
Launch Date | December 2011 | September 2017 |
Launch Price | USD 949 | USD 1,699 |
Sensor Specs | Leica V-LUX 3 | Sony RX10 IV |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Format | 1/2.3" Sensor | 1" Sensor |
Sensor Size | 6.17 x 4.55 mm | 13.2 x 8.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 28.0735 mm2 | 116.16 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 7.7 mm | 15.9 mm |
Crop Factor | 5.6x | 2.7x |
Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | 20 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 pixels | 5472 x 3648 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 1.53 μm | 2.41 μm |
Pixel Density | 42.74 MP/cm2 | 17.18 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | 4K/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 3,200 ISO | 100 - 12,800 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100 - 6,400 ISO | 64 - 25,600 ISO |
Screen Specs | Leica V-LUX 3 | Sony RX10 IV |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 202k dots | 2359k dots |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 460k dots | 1440k dots |
LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | Tilting screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Leica V-LUX 3 | Sony RX10 IV |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | On-Sensor Phase-detect |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/2000s | 1/2000s |
Continuous Shooting | 12 shutter flaps/s | 24 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | no E-Shutter | up to 1/32000s |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | MS or SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
UHS card support | no | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Leica V-LUX 3 | Sony RX10 IV |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | micro HDMI |
Microphone Port | no MIC socket | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | no Headphone port | Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
Near-Field Communication | no NFC | NFC built-in |
Body Specs | Leica V-LUX 3 | Sony RX10 IV |
Environmental Sealing | not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Leica BP-DC9 | Sony NP-FW50 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 shots per charge | 400 shots per charge |
In-Camera Charging | no USB charging | USB charging |
Body Dimensions |
124 x 81 x 95 mm (4.9 x 3.2 x 3.7 in) |
133 x 94 x 145 mm (5.2 x 3.7 x 5.7 in) |
Camera Weight | 540 g (19.0 oz) | 1095 g (38.6 oz) |
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