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Leica V-LUX 2 Comparison Review

The Leica V-LUX 2 is a fixed lens compact camera that was revealed to the public in September 2010 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 14 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica V-LUX 2 a good camera? The V-LUX 2 has a Camera Elo of 1417. This rating puts the V-LUX 2 below average of all superzoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the V-LUX 2 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Leica V-LUX 2 is more than 14 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2010.

Headline Specifications
Leica V-LUX 2
Fixed lens compact camera
25-600mm f/2.8-5.2
14 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/60i Video
ISO 100 - 1 600 (100 - 6 400)
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second
410 shots per battery charge
124 x 80 x 95 mm, 520 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 V-LUX 2 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica V-LUX 2 vs credit card front
V-LUX 2 versus credit card top view
V-LUX 2 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica V-LUX 2 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 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X100 126 mm 75 mm 54 mm 445 g 300 n Sep 2010 US$ 1 199ebay.com
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1 141 mm 86 mm 142 mm 734 g 360 n Sep 2006 US$ 849ebay.com
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 124 mm 81 mm 95 mm 540 g 410 n Dec 2011 US$ 949ebay.com
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Sep 2012 US$ 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ100 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 540 g 410 n Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 528 g 410 n Aug 2011 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 V-LUX 2 was launched in the US market at a price of $849. 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 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. 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.

The Leica V-LUX 2 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica V-LUX 2 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Leica V-LUX 2 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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.

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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 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
2.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
4.
 
Fujifilm X100 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/30p22.912.4100173
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1 1/1.8 10.0 3648 2736480/30p18.49.5-72729
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.711.043042
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.811.150143
8.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
9.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
10.
 
Panasonic FZ100 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.730639
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.410.913240
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 2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the V-LUX 2 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from 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 V-LUX 2 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 V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X1001440 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1235 n2.0 / 207 tilting n 1/2000s 2.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 3202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 41312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic FZ100202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/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 2 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 2

One convenient feature of the V-LUX 2 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 2 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 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Fujifilm X100Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1Ymono / mono---2.0---
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 4Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic FZ100Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic FZ150Ystereo / ---mini2.0---

The V-LUX 2 has a zoom lens built in (4.5-108mm f/2.8-5.2), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 25 to 600mm. 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 2 can be found in the free online Leica V-LUX 2 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 2 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 2............ Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X1003/5....75/1004/55/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 199ebay.com
5.
 
Leica V-LUX 1............ Sep 2006 US$ 849ebay.com
6.
 
Leica V-LUX 3............ Dec 2011 US$ 949ebay.com
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 4............ Sep 2012 US$ 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ100..+....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic FZ1503/5+ +..76/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Leica V-LUX 2 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the V-LUX 2.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Leica V-LUX 2?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica V-LUX 2?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

Does the Leica V-LUX 2 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the V-LUX 2 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

Does the Leica V-LUX 2 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 V-LUX 2 use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC9 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, 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 2
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2
    Launch Date September 2010
    Launch Price USD 849
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 14 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 320 x 3 240 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.41 μm
    Pixel Density 49.86 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 6 400 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Resolution 202k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 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-DC9 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)410 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 80 x 95 mm
    (4.9 x 3.1 x 3.7 in)
    Camera Weight 520 g (18.3 oz)

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