• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 580.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Leica V-LUX 3 advantages over Pentax X-5

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Pentax X-5 advantages over Leica V-LUX 3

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    22 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Impressive 26x optical zoom lens delivers crisp images, even when at full tele; Comfortable, ergonomic camera build feels higher-end than its low price point suggests; Lots of effective, automated features make picture-taking a fun experience for the beginner.

  • DSLR-style camera body might attract enthusiasts who will be disappointed in the X-5's consumer focus; Frustratingly slow to use all around; AA batteries can fall out when retrieving the SD card; Some design quirks are off-putting.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic FZ150

Leica V-LUX 3
Panasonic FZ150
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • External Mic Jack
  • Longer exposure
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
Pentax X-5
Panasonic FZ150
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • RAW file ability

Compared to Fujifilm S4200

Leica V-LUX 3
Fujifilm S4200
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • RAW file ability
  • $192
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
Pentax X-5
Fujifilm S4200
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $192
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Panasonic FZ200

Leica V-LUX 3
Panasonic FZ200
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Pentax X-5
Panasonic FZ200
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica V-LUX 4

Leica V-LUX 3
Leica V-LUX 4
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
Pentax X-5
Leica V-LUX 4
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More pixels
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm S6800

Leica V-LUX 3
Fujifilm S6800
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • More telephoto lens reach
Pentax X-5
Fujifilm S6800
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
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