Leica V-LUX 5 Comparison Review
The Leica V-LUX 5 is a fixed lens compact camera that was officially introduced in July 2019 and is equipped with an one-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 20 megapixel.
Is the Leica V-LUX 5 a good camera? The V-LUX 5 has a Camera Elo of 2582. This rating puts the V-LUX 5 among the top 10 percent of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (one inch cameras), the V-LUX 5 also ranks among the top 10 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 5-star performance rating.
Leica V-LUX 5 |
---|
Fixed lens compact camera |
25-400mm f/2.8-4.0 |
20 MP, 1" Sensor |
4K/30p Video |
ISO 125 - 12 800 (80 - 25 600) |
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) |
3.0 LCD, 1240k dots |
Swivel touchscreen |
12 shutter flaps per second |
350 shots per battery charge |
136 x 97 x 131 mm, 812 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
The physical dimensions of the Leica V-LUX 5 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica V-LUX 5 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible 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 5 | 136 mm | 97 mm | 131 mm | 812 g | 350 | n | Jul 2019 | 1,249 | amazon.com | |
2. | Canon G5 X Mark II | 111 mm | 61 mm | 46 mm | 340 g | 230 | n | Jul 2019 | 899 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica C-LUX | 113 mm | 67 mm | 46 mm | 340 g | 370 | n | Jun 2018 | 1,049 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica D-LUX 7 | 115 mm | 66 mm | 65 mm | 392 g | 300 | n | Nov 2018 | 1,195 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | 137 mm | 99 mm | 131 mm | 830 g | 360 | n | Sep 2014 | 1,349 | ebay.com | |
6. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 137 mm | 99 mm | 131 mm | 831 g | 360 | n | Jun 2014 | 899 | ebay.com | |
7. | Panasonic FZ1000 II | 136 mm | 97 mm | 131 mm | 810 g | 350 | n | Feb 2019 | 899 | amazon.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ2500 | 138 mm | 102 mm | 135 mm | 915 g | 350 | n | Sep 2016 | 1,199 | amazon.com | |
9. | Sony RX10 II | 129 mm | 88 mm | 102 mm | 813 g | 400 | Y | Jun 2015 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
10. | Sony RX100 VI | 102 mm | 58 mm | 43 mm | 301 g | 240 | n | Jun 2018 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony RX100 VII | 102 mm | 58 mm | 43 mm | 302 g | 260 | n | Jul 2019 | 1,199 | amazon.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica V-LUX 5 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,249. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
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 tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Leica V-LUX 5 features an one-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.7. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica V-LUX 5 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative 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 5 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.2 | 12.4 | 584 | 65 | |
2. | Canon G5 X Mark II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.2 | 12.4 | 583 | 65 | |
3. | Leica C-LUX | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 12.3 | 481 | 64 | |
4. | Leica D-LUX 7 | Four Thirds | 16.8 | 4736 | 3552 | 4K/30p | 22.9 | 12.8 | 1002 | 72 | |
5. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 21.6 | 11.7 | 127 | 60 | |
6. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 11.7 | 517 | 64 | |
7. | Panasonic FZ1000 II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 12.4 | 546 | 65 | |
8. | Panasonic FZ2500 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 23.0 | 12.6 | 538 | 70 | |
9. | Sony RX10 II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 23.0 | 12.6 | 531 | 70 | |
10. | Sony RX100 VI | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 12.3 | 478 | 64 | |
11. | Sony RX100 VII | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 21.8 | 12.4 | 418 | 63 | |
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 V-LUX 5 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the V-LUX 5 can use is 4K/30p.
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 with a resolution of 2360k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica V-LUX 5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
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 5 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Canon G5 X Mark II | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 30/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Leica C-LUX | 2330 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Leica D-LUX 7 | 2764 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
5. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Panasonic FZ1000 II | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Panasonic FZ2500 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Sony RX10 II | 2359 | Y | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/3200s | 14.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Sony RX100 VI | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 24.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Sony RX100 VII | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 90.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
The LCD screen on the Leica V-LUX 5 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.
One convenient feature of the V-LUX 5 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection 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 5 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 5 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
2. | Canon G5 X Mark II | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
3. | Leica C-LUX | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
4. | Leica D-LUX 7 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
5. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
6. | Panasonic FZ1000 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
7. | Panasonic FZ1000 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
8. | Panasonic FZ2500 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Sony RX10 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
10. | Sony RX100 VI | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
11. | Sony RX100 VII | - | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y |
It is notable that the V-LUX 5 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The V-LUX 5 has a zoom lens built in (9.1-146mm f/2.8-4.0), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 25 to 400mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.
Further information on the features and operation of the V-LUX 5 can be found in the free online Leica V-LUX 5 Manual or on the Leica support site.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the V-LUX 5 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. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings 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]).
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 5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jul 2019 | 1,249 | amazon.com | |
2. | Canon G5 X Mark II | 4/5 | + | 4/5 | 82/100 | .. | 4/5 | Jul 2019 | 899 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica C-LUX | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2018 | 1,049 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica D-LUX 7 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | Nov 2018 | 1,195 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica V-LUX Typ 114 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | Sep 2014 | 1,349 | ebay.com | |
6. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2014 | 899 | ebay.com | |
7. | Panasonic FZ1000 II | .. | .. | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2019 | 899 | amazon.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ2500 | .. | + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2016 | 1,199 | amazon.com | |
9. | Sony RX10 II | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2015 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
10. | Sony RX100 VI | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 83/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2018 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony RX100 VII | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 5/5 | Jul 2019 | 1,199 | amazon.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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Leica V-LUX 5 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the V-LUX 5.
What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica V-LUX 5 based on?
The camera features a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica V-LUX 5?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600.
Does the Leica V-LUX 5 have a selfie-friendly screen?
Yes, the LCD-screen of the V-LUX 5 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.
Is completely silent shooting possible with the Leica V-LUX 5?
The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.
Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica V-LUX 5?
No, the Leica V-LUX 5 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.
Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Leica V-LUX 5?
The V-LUX 5 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.
Does the Leica V-LUX 5 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Does the Leica V-LUX 5 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the Leica V-LUX 5 use?
The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC12 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Where can I find the best deals for the Leica V-LUX 5?
Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Leica.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, 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.
- Canon T3 vs Leica V-LUX 5
- Canon T4i vs Leica V-LUX 5
- Leica Q2 vs Leica V-LUX 5
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Nikon D4S
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Olympus E-P3
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Panasonic GF3
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Panasonic TZ100
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Panasonic TZ95
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Ricoh GR III
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Sony A6300
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Sony A7C R
- Leica V-LUX 5 vs Sony RX100 V
Camera Model | Leica V-LUX 5 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 25-400mm f/2.8-4.0 | |
Launch Date | July 2019 | |
Launch Price | USD 1 249 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | BSI-CMOS | |
Sensor Format | 1" Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 13.2 x 8.8 mm | |
Sensor Area | 116 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 15.9 mm | |
Crop Factor | 2.7x | |
Sensor Resolution | 20 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 5 472 x 3 648 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 2.41 μm | |
Pixel Density | 17.18 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
Movie Capability | 4K/30p Video | |
ISO Setting | 125 - 12 800 ISO | |
ISO Boost | 80 - 25 600 ISO | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2360k dots | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 1240k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | |
V-logging Friendliness | Front-flip possible | |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 12 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | Electronic Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | Intervalometer Built-in | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | UHS-I | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Leica BP-DC12 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 shots per charge | |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
Body Dimensions |
136 x 97 x 131 mm (5.4 x 3.8 x 5.2 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 812 g (28.6 oz) |
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