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Leica D-LUX 5 Comparison Review

The Leica D-LUX 5 is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in September 2010 and is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 10 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica D-LUX 5 a good camera? The D-LUX 5 has a Camera Elo of 1239. This rating puts the D-LUX 5 below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the D-LUX 5 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Leica D-LUX 5 is more than 14 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2010.

Headline Specifications
Leica D-LUX 5
Fixed lens compact camera
24-90mm f/2.0-3.3
10 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
720/60p Video
ISO 80 - 3 200 (80 - 12 800)
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.5 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge
110 x 65 x 43 mm, 271 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

The physical dimensions of the Leica D-LUX 5 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica D-LUX 5 vs credit card front
D-LUX 5 versus credit card top view
D-LUX 5 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica D-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.

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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 D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 1 141 mm 86 mm 142 mm 734 g 360 n Sep 2006 US$ 849ebay.com
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.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.
 
Olympus XZ-1 111 mm 65 mm 42 mm 275 g 320 n Jan 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
11.
 
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.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica D-LUX 5 was launched in the US market at a price of $699. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Leica D-LUX 5 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 4.4. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica D-LUX 5 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Leica D-LUX 5 sensor measures

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 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 D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
2.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
4.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 1 1/1.8 10.0 3648 2736480/30p18.49.5-72729
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
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.
 
Olympus XZ-1 1/1.7 10.1 3664 2752720/30p18.810.411734
11.
 
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 can also record movies. The D-LUX 5 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the D-LUX 5 can use is 720/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica D-LUX 5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 1235 n2.0 / 207 tilting n 1/2000s 2.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 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.
 
Olympus XZ-1optional n3.0 / 614 fixed n 1/2000s 2.0/s Y Y
11.
 
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.

One convenient feature of the D-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.

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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 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
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
4.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 1Ymono / mono---2.0---
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Olympus XZ-1Ymono / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---

The D-LUX 5 has a zoom lens built in (5.1-19.2mm f/2.0-3.3), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 24 to 90mm. 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 D-LUX 5 can be found in the free online Leica D-LUX 5 Manual or on the Leica support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D-LUX 5 handle or 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. This is where reviews by experts come in. 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 D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 1............ Sep 2006 US$ 849ebay.com
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2............ Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.com
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 3............ Dec 2011 US$ 949ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus XZ-14/5....74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Leica D-LUX 5 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D-LUX 5.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica D-LUX 5 based on?

The camera has a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor at its core.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica D-LUX 5?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200.

Can the Leica D-LUX 5 be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Leica provides the EVF1 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

How do I find the shutter count on my Leica D-LUX 5?

Leica embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your D-LUX 5 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Leica D-LUX 5 shutter count page.

Does the Leica D-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.

Which battery does the Leica D-LUX 5 use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC10 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica D-LUX 5
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-90mm f/2.0-3.3
    Launch Date September 2010
    Launch Price USD 699
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CCD
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.85 x 5.89 mm
    Sensor Area 46 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.8 mm
    Crop Factor 4.4x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 648 x 2 736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.14 μm
    Pixel Density 21.59 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 3 200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12 800 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.5 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC10 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 110 x 65 x 43 mm
    (4.3 x 2.6 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 271 g (9.6 oz)

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