Leica V-Lux 5 Review

Main Features

20MP - 1 BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 80 - 12500( expands to 25000)

24-400 mm F2.8-4 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fully Articulated Screen

2360k dot Electronic viewfinder

12.0 fps continuous shooting

4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video

Built-in Wireless

812g. 137 x 97 x 132 mm

Replaced Leica V-Lux 4

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Leica V-Lux 5 Overview

Leica V-Lux 5 Review - Editor's Note

First introduced in January 2020 , Leica V-Lux 5 is a 20.0MP Large Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1 (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor. Leica replaced the older V-Lux 4 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Leica V-Lux 5 vs Leica V-Lux 4

Leica V-Lux 5 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Leica V-Lux 5 is the latest member of Leica's V-Lux series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Leica V-Lux Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Leica V-Lux 5	2020	20.0MP - 1	12.0 fps	137 x 97 x 132mm	812g
Leica V-Lux 4 Compare	2012	12.0MP - 1/2.3"	12.0 fps	125 x 87 x 110mm	588g
Leica V-Lux 40 Compare	2012	14.0MP - 1/2.3"	10.0 fps	105 x 59 x 28mm	210g
Leica V-Lux 3 Compare	2011	12.0MP - 1/2.3"	12.0 fps	124 x 81 x 95mm	540g
Leica V-Lux 30 Compare	2011	14.0MP - 1/2.3"	10.0 fps	105 x 58 x 43mm	219g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
Leica V-Lux 5 vs V-Lux 4 vs V-Lux 40 vs V-Lux 3 vs V-Lux 30

Leica V-Lux 5 has an Overall Score of 62/100 and ranked #12 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Bridge), and ranked #256 out of 1212 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Leica V-Lux 5 Type Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Leica V-Lux 5 Compared to other Bridge Cameras

Now let's get in to more details of our Leica V-Lux 5 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Image Stabilization

Articulating Screen

External Flash Shoe

4K (UHD) Video

Touch Screen

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

RAW Shooting

Face Detection Focusing

20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

49 Focus Points

1.240k dots LCD Resolution

1/4000s High Shutter Speed

1/1/16000 secs Electronic Shutter Speed

12.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Long Battery Life (360 shots)

Manual Focusing

Manual Exposure

External Microphone Port

24mm Wide Angle Lens

400mm Good Tele Lens

16.7X Optical Zoom

Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide

2360kdot Viewfinder Resolution

3D Shooting Capability

Panorama Shooting

AE Bracketing

Selfie Friendly LCD Screen

Remote control with a smartphone

High Video bit rate of 100mbps

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CONs

Heavy Body: 812

No Environmental Sealing

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Leica V-Lux 5 Sensor and Photography Features

Leica V-Lux 5 has a 20.0MP 1 (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. V-Lux 5 has a native ISO range of 80 - 12500 which can be boosted to 25000 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Leica V-Lux 5 is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica V-Lux 5 vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Leica V-Lux 5's 1 sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Leica V-Lux 5 Physical Specs

Leica V-Lux 5 weighs 812 g (1.79 lb / 28.64 oz) and has external dimensions of 137 x 97 x 132 mm (5.39 x 3.82 x 5.2″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, Leica V-Lux 5 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 132mm, it is not small either, 27mm thicker than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

DSLR-Like Cameras

Leica V-Lux 5

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR-Like Cameras

Leica V-Lux 5

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Leica V-Lux 5 with the dimensions:

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Leica V-Lux 5 with its main competitors:

Leica V-Lux 5 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs V-Lux 5	Thickness	vs V-Lux 5
Panasonic FZ1000 II Compare	808g	4g lighter	132mm	equal thickness
Sony RX10 IV Compare	1095g	283g heavier	145mm	13mm thicker
Leica D-Lux 7 Compare	403g	409g lighter	64mm	68mm thinner
Panasonic FZ2500 Compare	915g	103g heavier	135mm	3mm thicker
Leica V-Lux 4 Compare	588g	224g lighter	110mm	22mm thinner
Leica C-Lux Compare	340g	472g lighter	46mm	86mm thinner
Panasonic FZ1000 Compare	831g	19g heavier	131mm	1mm thinner
Panasonic FZ300 Compare	691g	121g lighter	117mm	15mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Leica V-Lux 5 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Leica V-Lux 5 Lens

Leica V-Lux 5 features a 24-400 mm F2.8-4 16.7x zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 400mm.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 5

Widest - Samsung WB2200F

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 5

Longest - Nikon P1000

Average

With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end. The long end is also quite fast at f4.00.

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 5

Fastest - Sony RX10 III

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 5

Fastest - Olympus 1

Average

V-Lux 5 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Leica V-Lux 5's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Leica V-Lux 5 LCD and Viewfinder

Leica V-Lux 5 has a Fully Articulated 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,240k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips. For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Leica V-Lux 5 will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of V-Lux 5's LCD screen is Vloggers.

V-Lux 5 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder has a resolution of 2,360kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Leica V-Lux 5 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Leica V-Lux 5 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Leica V-Lux 5's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our V-Lux 5. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect V-Lux 5 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or Yes port.

Battery

Leica V-Lux 5 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 360 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 353 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

Battery Life Comparison in Large Sensor Superzoom Cameras

Leica V-Lux 5

Min

Average

Max

Sony RX10 III with its 420shots is the model with longest battery life among Large Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Leica V-Lux 5 vs Sony RX10 III or take a look at Longest Battery Life Bridge cameras list.

Leica V-Lux 5 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Panasonic FZ1000 II Compare	3840 x 2160	350shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony RX10 IV Compare	3840 x 2160	400shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Leica D-Lux 7 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	Yes	No
Panasonic FZ2500 Compare	4096 x 2160	350shots	Yes	No	No
Leica V-Lux 4 Compare	1920 x 1080	540shots	No	No	No
Leica C-Lux Compare	3840 x 2160	370shots	Yes	Yes	No
Panasonic FZ1000 Compare	3840 x 2160	360shots	Yes	No	Yes
Panasonic FZ300 Compare	3840 x 2160	380shots	Yes	No	No

Leica V-Lux 5 Video Features

With Leica V-Lux 5, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps with bit rates up to 100 mbps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. This means that Leica V-Lux 5 provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some exotic 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the new standard in consumer video world.
It is also a big step up from its predecessor V-Lux 4 which has a max video resolution of 1920 x 1080 only. If you are thinking of upgrading your V-Lux 4 and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of V-Lux 5.

V-Lux 5 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Leica V-Lux 5 also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

Leica V-Lux 5 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Leica V-Lux 5 can shoot continuously at max speed of 12.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. V-Lux 5 also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/1/16000 secs. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

Flash

V-Lux 5 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

Focusing

Leica V-Lux 5 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 49 points to choose from.

Leica V-Lux 5 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Leica V-Lux 5 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Leica V-Lux 5 in 5 different photography areas.

Leica V-Lux 5 for Portrait Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 has a score of 52 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Average sized 1 sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Leica V-Lux 5 for Portrait Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 for Street Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 has a score of 63 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Image Stabilization

Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability
Medium sized Body
Average sized 1 sensor

Read the details of how we scored Leica V-Lux 5 for Street Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 for Sports Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 has a score of 58 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
49 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

External Flash Shoe
Image Stabilization
400 mm Tele Lens
Fast Lens at Tele: f4.00
RAW shooting capability
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Leica V-Lux 5 for Sports Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 for Daily Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 has a score of 52 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.

16.7X Optical Zoom
RAW shooting capability
Medium size Body

Average sized 1 sensor
812g
Body Thickness 132mm

Read the details of how we scored Leica V-Lux 5 for Daily Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 for Landscape Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 has a score of 41 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability

Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Average sized 1 sensor
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Leica V-Lux 5 for Landscape Photography

Leica V-Lux 5 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Leica V-Lux 5 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of V-Lux 5 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.

Read a more detailed analysis of Leica V-Lux 5 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Leica V-Lux 5

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Leica V-Lux 5 amongst Camera Decision readers.

Panasonic FZ1000 II

Compare

Sony RX10 IV

Compare

Leica D-Lux 7

Compare

Panasonic FZ2500

Compare

Leica V-Lux 4

Compare

Leica C-Lux

Compare

Panasonic FZ1000

Compare

Panasonic FZ300

Compare

Leica V-Lux 5 Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Leica V-Lux 5 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Leica V-Lux 5's price range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leica V-Lux 5

Does the Leica V-Lux 5 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Leica V-Lux 5 have RAW support?
Does the Leica V-Lux 5 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Leica V-Lux 5 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Leica V-Lux 5?
What is the Sensor Size of Leica V-Lux 5?
is the Leica V-Lux 5 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Leica V-Lux 5 have Touch Screen?
Does the Leica V-Lux 5 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica V-Lux 5?

Leica V-Lux 5 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Leica
Model	Leica V-Lux 5
Announced	2020-01-17
Body Type	SLR-like (bridge)
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	24-400 mm (16.7x)
Max Aperture	F2.8-4
Macro Focus Range	3cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fully Articulated
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	1,240k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	2,360k dots
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	60s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/4000s
Max Electronic Shutter Speed	1/1/16000 secs
Continuous Shooting	12.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	13.50 m (with Auto ISO)
Flash Modes	Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, auto w/slow sync and redeye reduction, on, off
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	1
Sensor Dimensions	13.2 x 8.8 mm
Sensor Area	116.16mm²
Sensor Resolution	20 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	5472 x 3648
Max Native ISO	12,500
Max Boosted ISO	25000
Min Native ISO	80
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	49
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	Yes
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	812g
Physical Dimensions	137 x 97 x 132mm
Battery Life	360 shots
Battery Type	Built-in
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage Slots	1