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Canon G12 vs Leica D-LUX 5

The Canon PowerShot G12 and the Leica D-LUX 5 are two digital cameras that were announced in September 2010. Both the G12 and the D-LUX 5 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 10 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon G12
versus
Leica D-LUX 5
Canon G12   Leica D-LUX 5
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 24-90mm f/2.0-3.3
10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor 10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor
720/24p Video 720/60p Video
ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 12,800) ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 12,800)
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
2.8" LCD – 461k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.1 shutter flaps per second 2.5 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
112 x 76 x 48 mm, 401 g 110 x 65 x 43 mm, 271 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G12 and the Leica D-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 Canon G12 and the Leica D-LUX 5 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon G12 vs Leica D-LUX 5
Compare G12 versus D-LUX 5 top
Comparison G12 or D-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 D-LUX 5 is notably smaller (16 percent) than the Canon G12. Moreover, the D-LUX 5 is markedly lighter (32 percent) than the G12. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G12 nor the D-LUX 5 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G12 gets 370 shots out of its Canon NB-7L battery, while the D-LUX 5 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC10 power pack.

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
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 124 mm 81 mm 95 mm 540 g 410 n Dec 2011 US$ 949ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon P7800 119 mm 78 mm 50 mm 399 g 350 n Sep 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 US$ 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.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 G12 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 29 percent) than the D-LUX 5, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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

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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/1.7-inch sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the D-LUX 5 is 7 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 4.6 (G12) and 4.4. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3. The D-LUX 5 has the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between multiple aspect ratios, while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.

Canon G12 and Leica D-LUX 5 sensor measures

Even though the D-LUX 5 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 10 megapixels. This implies that the D-LUX 5 has a lower pixel density and marginally larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 2.14μm versus 2.07μm for the G12), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. The two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.

The Canon PowerShot G12 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 80-12800. The Leica D-LUX 5 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CCD (Charged Coupled Device) 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.

G12 versus D-LUX 5 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many 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 comparator-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.
 
Canon G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
3.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
4.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
5.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
6.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.711.043042
9.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
10.
 
Nikon P7800 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/30p21.211.720054
11.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
12.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
13.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
14.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
15.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D-LUX 5 provides a faster frame rate than the G12. It can shoot movie footage at 720/60p, while the Canon is limited to 720/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the G12 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the D-LUX 5 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the D-LUX 5 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF1. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon G12 and Leica D-LUX 5 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.
 
Canon G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 3202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon P7800921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

Both the G12 and the D-LUX 5 have zoom lenses built in. The G12 has a 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 optic and the D-LUX 5 offers a 24-90mm f/2.0-3.3 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Leica provides a wider angle of view at the short end than the Canon, but less tele-photo reach at the long end. The D-LUX 5 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G12 and the D-LUX 5 write their files to SDXC cards.

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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 Canon PowerShot G12 and Leica D-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
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon P7800Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---

Both the G12 and the D-LUX 5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G12 was replaced by the Canon G15, while the D-LUX 5 was followed by the Leica D-LUX 6. Further information on the features and operation of the G12 and D-LUX 5 can be found, respectively, in the Canon G12 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica D-LUX 5 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon G12 better than the Leica D-LUX 5 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G12:

  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (29 percent cheaper at launch).

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Arguments in favor of the Leica D-LUX 5:

  • 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.
  • Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (720/60p versus 720/24p).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.8") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (2.5 vs 1.1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.8).
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x65mm vs 112x76mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 130g or 32 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D-LUX 5 is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 4 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.

G12 04:13 D-LUX 5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G12 and the Leica D-LUX 5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom 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 G12 or the D-LUX 5 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts 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
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 429ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 3............ Dec 2011 US$ 949ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon P78003/5......4/54.5/5 Sep 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 US$ 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated 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 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: Canon G12 vs Leica D-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 Canon G12 Leica D-LUX 5
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 24-90mm f/2.0-3.3
    Launch Date September 2010 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 499 USD 699
    Sensor Specs Canon G12 Leica D-LUX 5
    Sensor Technology CCD CCD
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.6 x 5.7 mm 7.85 x 5.89 mm
    Sensor Area 43.32 mm2 46.2365 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.5 mm 9.8 mm
    Crop Factor 4.6x 4.4x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 pixels 3648 x 2736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.07 μm 2.14 μm
    Pixel Density 23.04 MP/cm2 21.59 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/24p Video 720/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3,200 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12,800 ISO 80 - 12,800 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 47 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.4 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.2 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 161 ..
    Screen Specs Canon G12 Leica D-LUX 5
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.8inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 461k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon G12 Leica D-LUX 5
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 1.1 shutter flaps/s 2.5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon G12 Leica D-LUX 5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon G12 Leica D-LUX 5
    Battery Type Canon NB-7L Leica BP-DC10
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 112 x 76 x 48 mm
    (4.4 x 3.0 x 1.9 in)
    110 x 65 x 43 mm
    (4.3 x 2.6 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 401 g (14.1 oz) 271 g (9.6 oz)
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