• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony A900 advantages over Leica V-LUX 4

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 880 vs 540 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    81 mm vs 110 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Leica V-LUX 4 advantages over Sony A900

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Lighter weight
    590g vs 939g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A850

Sony A900
Sony A850
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Leica V-LUX 4
Sony A850
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica V-LUX 3

Sony A900
Leica V-LUX 3
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Internal flash
Leica V-LUX 4
Leica V-LUX 3
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A900
Nikon D800
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica V-LUX 4
Nikon D800
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A900
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica V-LUX 4
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic FZ200

Sony A900
Panasonic FZ200
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Leica V-LUX 4
Panasonic FZ200
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Headphone jack
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
Compare Other Cameras?