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Leica V-LUX Typ 114 Comparison Review

The Leica V-LUX (Typ 114) is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in September 2014 and is equipped with an one-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 20 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica V-LUX Typ 114 a good camera? The V-LUX Typ 114 has a Camera Elo of 2017. This rating puts the V-LUX Typ 114 among the top 50 percent of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (one inch cameras), the V-LUX Typ 114 ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Leica V-LUX Typ 114
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 (2359k dots)
3.0 LCD, 921k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
12 shutter flaps per second
360 shots per battery charge
137 x 99 x 131 mm, 830 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.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Leica V-LUX Typ 114 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided 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.

Leica V-LUX Typ 114 vs credit card front
V-LUX Typ 114 versus credit card top view
V-LUX Typ 114 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica V-LUX Typ 114 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.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 830 g 360 n Sep 2014 US$ 1 349ebay.com
2.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 118 mm 66 mm 55 mm 405 g 300 n Sep 2014 US$ 1 195ebay.com
3.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Nov 2018 US$ 1 195ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Sep 2012 US$ 949ebay.com
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 5 136 mm 97 mm 131 mm 812 g 350 n Jul 2019 US$ 1 249 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ2000 138 mm 102 mm 135 mm 915 g 350 n Sep 2016 US$ 1 199 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony RX10 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 420 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX10 II 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 400 Y Jun 2015 US$ 1 299ebay.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 Typ 114 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,349. 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.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 Typ 114 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 Typ 114 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Leica V-LUX Typ 114 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most 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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p21.611.712760
2.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.412.160767
3.
 
Leica D-LUX 7 Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.912.8100272
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.811.150143
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 5 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458465
7.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
9.
 
Panasonic FZ2000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653870
10.
 
Sony RX10 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.912.647469
11.
 
Sony RX10 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653170
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 also of capturing video footage. The V-LUX Typ 114 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the V-LUX Typ 114 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 Typ 114 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2359k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica V-LUX Typ 114 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
    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 Typ 1142359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 1092764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
3.
 
Leica D-LUX 72764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 41312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 52360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic FZ20002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Sony RX101440 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Sony RX10 II2359 Y3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/3200s 14.0/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 (Typ 114) 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.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the V-LUX Typ 114

One convenient feature of the V-LUX Typ 114 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.

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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 (Typ 114) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    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 Typ 114Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Leica D-LUX 7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 4Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic FZ2000Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
10.
 
Sony RX10Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony RX10 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-

It is notable that the V-LUX Typ 114 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The V-LUX Typ 114 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 Typ 114 can be found in the free online Leica V-LUX Typ 114 Manual or on the Leica support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the V-LUX Typ 114 handle or perform in practice. 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica V-LUX Typ 114..........5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 1 349ebay.com
2.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 1 195ebay.com
3.
 
Leica D-LUX 7..........4.5/5 Nov 2018 US$ 1 195ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 4............ Sep 2012 US$ 949ebay.com
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 5........4/54/5 Jul 2019 US$ 1 249 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ2000..+..82/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 199 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony RX105/5+..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX10 II5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2015 US$ 1 299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, 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 comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Leica V-LUX Typ 114 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the V-LUX Typ 114.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica V-LUX Typ 114 based on?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica V-LUX Typ 114?

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 Typ 114 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the V-LUX Typ 114 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

Is completely silent shooting possible with the Leica V-LUX Typ 114?

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 Typ 114?

No, the Leica V-LUX (Typ 114) 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 Typ 114?

The V-LUX Typ 114 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 Typ 114 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 Typ 114 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 Typ 114 use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC12 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica V-LUX Typ 114
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 25-400mm f/2.8-4.0
    Launch Date September 2014
    Launch Price USD 1 349
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology 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 2359k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s
    Silent ShootingElectronic Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer 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
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC12 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)360 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 137 x 99 x 131 mm
    (5.4 x 3.9 x 5.2 in)
    Camera Weight 830 g (29.3 oz)

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