• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Leica V-LUX 3 advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More telephoto lens reach
    600 mm vs 500 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 410 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Sony HX30V advantages over Leica V-LUX 3

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 95 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    250g vs 540g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    18.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

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Buy the Leica V-LUX 3
Leica V-LUX 3

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Buy the Sony HX30V

Review Excerpt

  • Solid build; Fast autofocus; Excellent zoom range and functionality; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Useful creative effects modes.

  • Image quality not as good as predecessor; No electronic viewfinder; Confusing menu system and user manual.

  • Read our Sony HX30V Express Review

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

Compare Leica V-LUX 3 vs Panasonic FZ150

Sony HX30V
Panasonic FZ150
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX30V vs Panasonic FZ150

Compared to Sony HX10V

Leica V-LUX 3
Sony HX10V
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Leica V-LUX 3 vs Sony HX10V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX10V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX20V

Leica V-LUX 3
Sony HX20V
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Thinner

Compare Leica V-LUX 3 vs Sony HX20V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX20V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX20V

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

Compare Leica V-LUX 3 vs Panasonic FZ200

Sony HX30V
Panasonic FZ200
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony HX30V vs Panasonic FZ200

Compared to Leica V-LUX 4

Leica V-LUX 3
Leica V-LUX 4
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Leica V-LUX 3 vs Leica V-LUX 4

Sony HX30V
Leica V-LUX 4
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony HX30V vs Leica V-LUX 4

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