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Leica V-LUX 4 vs Nikon D850

The Leica V-LUX 4 and the Nikon D850 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2012 and July 2017. The V-LUX 4 is a fixed lens compact, while the D850 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (V-LUX 4) and a full frame (D850) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 45.4 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica V-LUX 4
versus
Nikon D850
Leica V-LUX 4   Nikon D850
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
25-600mm f/2.8 Nikon F mount lenses
12 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 6,400) ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (1312k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.2" LCD – 2359k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
540 shots per battery charge1840 shots per battery charge
125 x 87 x 110 mm, 588 g 146 x 124 x 79 mm, 1005 g
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Check V-LUX 4 offers at
ebay.com
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Check D850 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica V-LUX 4 and the Nikon D850? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica V-LUX 4 and the Nikon D850. 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 V-LUX 4 vs Nikon D850
Compare V-LUX 4 versus D850 top
Comparison V-LUX 4 or D850 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D850 is considerably larger (66 percent) than the Leica V-LUX 4. It is noteworthy in this context that the D850 is splash and dust-proof, while the V-LUX 4 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 4 has a lens built in, whereas the D850 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D850 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the V-LUX 4 gets 540 shots out of its Leica BP-DC12 battery, while the D850 can take 1840 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15a power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty 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 4 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Sep 2012 949ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX40 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 600 g 380 n Sep 2011 429ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
9.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 699ebay.com
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 849ebay.com
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 124 mm 81 mm 95 mm 540 g 410 n Dec 2011 949ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The V-LUX 4 was launched at a lower price than the D850, 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 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica V-LUX 4 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Nikon D850 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D850 is 2964 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.0. The sensor in the V-LUX 4 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D850 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Leica V-LUX 4 and Nikon D850 sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the D850 offers a higher resolution than the V-LUX 4 (12MP), but the D850 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 1.53μm for the V-LUX 4) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D850 is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 10 months) than the V-LUX 4, 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 neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D850 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D850 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica V-LUX 4 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 Leica V-LUX 4 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 Nikon D850 are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

V-LUX 4 versus D850 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
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.811.150143
2.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
7.
 
Canon SX40 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.610.940941
8.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
9.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.711.043042
12.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
13.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
14.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
15.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
17.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the D850 provides a better video resolution than the V-LUX 4. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Leica is limited to 1080/60p.

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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 4 has an electronic viewfinder (1312k dots), while the D850 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the D850 has a higher magnification than the one of the V-LUX 4 (0.75x vs 0.46x), 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 V-LUX 4 and Nikon D850 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty 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 41312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX40202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 10.3/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
9.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The V-LUX 4 has one, while the D850 does not. While the built-in flash of the V-LUX 4 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The V-LUX 4 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 D850 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D850 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 V-LUX 4 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D850 uses SDXC or XQD cards. The D850 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the V-LUX 4 only has one slot. The D850 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the V-LUX 4 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 V-LUX 4 and Nikon D850 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty 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 4Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
3.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon SX40Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
8.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
14.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---

It is notable that the D850 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the V-LUX 4 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D850 (unlike the V-LUX 4) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The D850 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the V-LUX 4 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the V-LUX 4 was succeeded by the Leica V-LUX Typ 114. Further information on the features and operation of the V-LUX 4 and D850 can be found, respectively, in the Leica V-LUX 4 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D850 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica V-LUX 4 better than the Nikon D850 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Leica V-LUX 4:

  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • 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.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the D850 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (125x87mm vs 146x124mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the D850).
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2012).

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D850:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 98%.
  • 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 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 (0.75x vs 0.46x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 460k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1840 versus 540) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • 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.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • 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 modern: Reflects 4 years and 10 months of technical progress since the V-LUX 4 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D850 is the clear winner of the contest (26 : 12 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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.

V-LUX 4 12:26 D850

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica V-LUX 4 and the Nikon D850 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the V-LUX 4 and the D850 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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
  empty  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 4............ Sep 2012 949ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX40..+....4.5/54/5 Sep 2011 429ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
9.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 699ebay.com
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2............ Sep 2010 849ebay.com
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3............ Dec 2011 949ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, 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.

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Check V-LUX 4 offers at
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Check D850 price at
amazon.com

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 V-LUX 4 vs Nikon D850

    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 V-LUX 4 Nikon D850
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 25-600mm f/2.8 Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2012 July 2017
    Launch Price USD 949 USD 3,299
    Sensor Specs Leica V-LUX 4 Nikon D850
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 45.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.53 μm 4.35 μm
    Pixel Density 42.74 MP/cm2 5.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 6,400 ISO 32 - 102,400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 100
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 26.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 14.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 2660
    Screen Specs Leica V-LUX 4 Nikon D850
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.46x 0.75x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1312k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 2359k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica V-LUX 4 Nikon D850
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica V-LUX 4 Nikon D850
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port 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
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Leica V-LUX 4 Nikon D850
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC12 Nikon EN-EL15a
    Battery Life (CIPA)540 shots per charge1840 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 125 x 87 x 110 mm
    (4.9 x 3.4 x 4.3 in)
    146 x 124 x 79 mm
    (5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 588 g (20.7 oz) 1005 g (35.5 oz)
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