Leica D-LUX 6 vs Olympus E-M5

The Leica D-LUX 6 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2012 and February 2012. The D-LUX 6 is a fixed lens compact, while the E-M5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 1/1.7-inch (D-LUX 6) and a Four Thirds (E-M5) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 10 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 15.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Leica D-LUX 6		Olympus E-M5
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
24-90mm f/1.4-2.3		Micro Four Thirds lenses
10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor		15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 80-6,400 (80 - 12,800)		ISO 200-25,600
Viewfinder optional		Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots		3.0" LCD – 610k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second		9 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilization		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
330 shots per battery charge		360 shots per battery charge
111 x 68 x 46 mm, 298 g		122 x 89 x 43 mm, 425 g

Check D-LUX 6 offers at
ebay.com
Check E-M5 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica D-LUX 6 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5? 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.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica D-LUX 6 and the Olympus E-M5 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D-LUX 6 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the E-M5 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M5 is considerably larger (44 percent) than the Leica D-LUX 6. It is noteworthy in this context that the E-M5 is splash and dust-proof, while the D-LUX 6 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the D-LUX 6 has a lens built in, whereas the E-M5 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 E-M5 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D-LUX 6 gets 330 shots out of its Leica BP-DC10 battery, while the E-M5 can take 360 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-1 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

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 6	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Sep 2012	US$ 699	ebay.com
2.		Olympus E-M5	122 mm	89 mm	43 mm	425 g	360	Y	Feb 2012	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X10	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	350 g	270	n	Sep 2011	US$ 599	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X20	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	US$ 599	ebay.com
6.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	118 mm	66 mm	55 mm	405 g	300	n	Sep 2014	US$ 1 195	ebay.com
7.		Leica D-LUX 5	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Sep 2010	US$ 699	ebay.com
8.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
9.		Olympus E-M1	130 mm	94 mm	63 mm	497 g	350	Y	Sep 2013	US$ 1 399	ebay.com
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	124 mm	85 mm	45 mm	469 g	310	Y	Feb 2015	US$ 1 099	ebay.com
11.		Olympus E-P5	122 mm	69 mm	37 mm	420 g	330	n	May 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
12.		Olympus PEN-F	125 mm	72 mm	37 mm	427 g	330	n	Jan 2016	US$ 1 199	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic FZ200	125 mm	87 mm	110 mm	588 g	540	n	Jul 2012	US$ 599	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic GX7	123 mm	71 mm	55 mm	402 g	350	n	Aug 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic LX7	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Jul 2012	US$ 499	ebay.com
16.		Ricoh GR	117 mm	61 mm	35 mm	245 g	290	n	Apr 2013	US$ 799	ebay.com
17.		Sony RX100 II	102 mm	58 mm	38 mm	281 g	350	n	Jun 2013	US$ 749	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D-LUX 6 was launched at a lower price than the E-M5, 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 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica D-LUX 6 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Olympus E-M5 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M5 is 436 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.65 and 2.0. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3. The D-LUX 6 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.

With 15.9MP, the E-M5 offers a higher resolution than the D-LUX 6 (10MP), but the E-M5 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 2.05μm for the D-LUX 6) due to its larger sensor. However, the D-LUX 6 is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the E-M5, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus E-M5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the E-M5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica D-LUX 6 are 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm for good quality, 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica D-LUX 6 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 80-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (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.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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 6	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	19.8	10.8	-303	43
2.		Olympus E-M5	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60i	22.8	12.3	826	71
3.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
4.		Fujifilm X10	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.5	11.3	245	50
5.		Fujifilm X20	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.1	10.9	-462	46
6.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	Four Thirds	12.7	4112	3088	4K/30p	22.4	12.1	607	67
7.		Leica D-LUX 5	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/60p	19.5	10.4	-583	39
8.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
9.		Olympus E-M1	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	23.0	12.7	757	73
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	23.0	12.5	842	73
11.		Olympus E-P5	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	22.8	12.4	895	72
12.		Olympus PEN-F	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	23.1	12.4	894	74
13.		Panasonic FZ200	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.1	10.8	114	37
14.		Panasonic GX7	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60p	22.6	12.2	718	70
15.		Panasonic LX7	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	20.7	11.7	147	50
16.		Ricoh GR	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	13.5	972	78
17.		Sony RX100 II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	22.5	12.4	483	67
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D-LUX 6 provides a higher frame rate than the E-M5. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the E-M5 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the D-LUX 6 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the D-LUX 6 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the Visoflex (Typ 020). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica D-LUX 6, the Olympus E-M5, and comparable cameras.

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 6	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
2.		Olympus E-M5	1440	n	3.0 / 610	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0/s	n	Y
3.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2/s	Y	Y
4.		Fujifilm X10	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
5.		Fujifilm X20	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
6.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	2764	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	n	Y
7.		Leica D-LUX 5	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
8.		Leica X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
9.		Olympus E-M1	2360	n	3.0 / 1037	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	Y
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	2360	n	3.0 / 1037	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	Y
11.		Olympus E-P5	optional	n	3.0 / 1037	tilting	Y	1/8000s	9.0/s	Y	Y
12.		Olympus PEN-F	2360	n	3.0 / 1037	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	Y
13.		Panasonic FZ200	1312	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
14.		Panasonic GX7	2760	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Panasonic LX7	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Ricoh GR	optional	n	3.0 / 1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0/s	Y	n
17.		Sony RX100 II	optional	n	3.0 / 1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/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 D-LUX 6 has one, while the E-M5 does not. While the built-in flash of the D-LUX 6 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Leica D-LUX 6 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D-LUX 6 and the E-M5 write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M5 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the D-LUX 6 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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 D-LUX 6 and Olympus OM-D E-M5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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 6	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Olympus E-M5	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon G16	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Fujifilm X10	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Fujifilm X20	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Leica D-LUX 5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Leica X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Olympus E-M1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
11.		Olympus E-P5	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Olympus PEN-F	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Panasonic FZ200	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Panasonic GX7	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Panasonic LX7	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Ricoh GR	Y	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony RX100 II	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

Both the D-LUX 6 and the E-M5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-M5 was replaced by the Olympus E-M5 II, while the D-LUX 6 was followed by the Leica D-LUX Typ 109. Further information on the features and operation of the D-LUX 6 and E-M5 can be found, respectively, in the Leica D-LUX 6 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M5 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica D-LUX 6 and the Olympus E-M5? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Leica D-LUX 6:

• Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 610k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the E-M5 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (111x68mm vs 122x89mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the E-M5).
• 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 modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 7 months after the E-M5).

Arguments in favor of the Olympus OM-D E-M5:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (15.9 vs 10MP), which boosts linear resolution by 26%.
• 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.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (12 points each). 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica D-LUX 6 and the Olympus E-M5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D-LUX 6 and the E-M5 in practical situations. 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 where reviews by experts come in. 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica D-LUX 6	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Sep 2012	US$ 699	ebay.com
2.		Olympus E-M5	4/5	+ +	..	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	Feb 2012	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
3.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	US$ 549	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X10	..	..	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	US$ 599	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X20	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	US$ 599	ebay.com
6.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	US$ 1 195	ebay.com
7.		Leica D-LUX 5	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2010	US$ 699	ebay.com
8.		Leica X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
9.		Olympus E-M1	5/5	+ +	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	US$ 1 399	ebay.com
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	5/5	+ +	4.5/5	81/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2015	US$ 1 099	ebay.com
11.		Olympus E-P5	5/5	+ +	..	78/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
12.		Olympus PEN-F	..	..	4/5	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	US$ 1 199	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic FZ200	3/5	+ +	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	US$ 599	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic GX7	4/5	+	..	79/100	5/5	5/5	Aug 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic LX7	3/5	+ +	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	US$ 499	ebay.com
16.		Ricoh GR	5/5	..	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	US$ 799	ebay.com
17.		Sony RX100 II	5/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	US$ 749	ebay.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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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.

Check D-LUX 6 offers at
ebay.com
Check E-M5 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~

Check D-LUX 6 offers at
ebay.com
Check E-M5 offers at
ebay.com

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.