- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How they compare
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Compare with...
- Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
- Canon Powershot S100
- Canon PowerShot G1X
- Fujifilm FinePix X100
Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)The image quality is still exceptionally good by the standards of most other compact cameras, but apart from slightly faster performance and a more versatile zoom range there seems to be very little significant improvement over the LX3.
Rated 100% by by TL (May, 2011)I needed a compact camera for everyday use as my DSLR and the equipments are quite heavy to carry around, so I did some research and tested various compact cameras and 4/3 systems cameras, and decided to get this leica camera as it has the best combination of size, build quality, picture quality, and zoom range.
Conclusion Which is better for you?
Features Key features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 compared to the Leica D-LUX 5
MP10
1/1.6"
Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)With a superb f/2 wide-angle lens, a 10.1-megapixel 1/1.6-inch CCD sensor, a three-inch 460k monitor, full manual exposure controls, Raw capture mode and the best image quality in its class, the LX3 was an instant hit, especially with photography enthusiasts looking for a compact camera that could rival the performance of their digital SLRs.
10 MP
1/1.6"
Rated 100% by by Fernando-L.-Monteiro--Fernando (Feb, 2012)Excelent camera, very useful if you don't want to carry your weight DSLR to take quality pictures.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 10 MP   | 10 MP |
Lumix DMC-LX5 by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)File size 4.4MB The level of detail is outstanding, even though the 90mm-equivalent focal length doesn't zoom in quite as far as most other compacts.
D-LUX 5 by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)Generally however the level of detail captured is very good.
sensor size
Lumix DMC-LX5 by Jaganath (Dec, 2011)Pictures are awesome and almost up there with quality with micro four thirds.
D-LUX 5 by Ben (Nov, 2011)Granted my 5D is a bit dated now, but it's still pro quality full frame DSLR and better than 80% of all DSLR's out there.
wide angle lens
Lumix DMC-LX5 by N.-Ajlouny (Nov, 2010)All of these things were done really well and I am pleased to report that this camera took what my Fuji F30 could do with low light and turn it into something special with image stabilization and a nice wide angle lens.
aperture size
Lumix DMC-LX5 by John-CosenzaRather than posting more images showing how sharp the lens is (and it is a beautiful, fast lens), I'm intentionally uploading photos taken in low light-ISO up to 1600, handheld as slow as 1/4 second-with wedding photography, it's not just about razor sharpness (at least it wasn't with this couple-they loved the pictures).
D-LUX 5 by Sean-Foulkes (Mar, 2011)The little aperture/shutter speed adjust dial by your thumb is small, but works great considering it is almost invisible.
zoom range
| 0x | 3.8x | 4x |
Lumix DMC-LX5 by S.-Duford (Jan, 2011)I love the 24mm f/2.8 Leica lens, the image stabilization, the RAW capability, the full manual control, and the multiple-screen formats.
D-LUX 5 by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)grey. Whilst this may seem like a frippery to some, the core headline features are a modest sounding 10.1 megapixels yet from a larger than average 11.3MP, 1/1.63-inch CCD, a wide-angle focal range the equivalent of 24-90mm in 35mm old money, or a 3.8x optical zoom - equally modest in these 'travel zoom' times but adequate - plus a 3-inch LCD bestowed with 460k dot resolution.
body size
110 x 66 x 43 mm
110 x 65 x 25 mm
Lumix DMC-LX5 by Jeff-AskiWhen I first got it, I thought it was just as easy to carry around a Panasonic GF3 or a GH2 since the protruding lens with detachable cap makes too thick to fit in my pocket.
D-LUX 5 by J.-M.-Fitzpatrick--John-FitzpatrickIf you appreciate a nice compact camera which takes good pictures, I believe you are unlikely to be disappointed with the Leica.
Performance Real world tests of Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 vs Leica D-LUX 5
max continuous shooting
Lumix DMC-LX5 by rd-in-sf (Sep, 2010)On the LX-5, I can only shoot 3 shots on a burst and then I have to wait until it finishes before I shoot again.
Differences What are the advantages of each
Advantages compared to the Leica D-LUX 5
| Faster rapid fire | 6 fps | vs | 2.5 fps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around 2.5x faster continuous shooting; Take photos in rapid succession to capture motion | |||
| Significantly more highly reviewed by consumers | 89.43% | vs | 83.94% |
| Around 10% more highly reviewed by consumers | |||
Advantages compared to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
| Marginally more recently announced | Sep, 2010 | vs | Jul, 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Announced date 2 months later | |||
| Thinner | 25 mm | vs | 43 mm |
| More than 40% thinner | |||
| Smaller | 110 x 65 x 25 mm | vs | 110 x 66 x 43 mm |
| More than 40% smaller | |||
Reviews Word on the street
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Leica D-LUX 5 | ||
 |  
| 
| |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Rated by 378 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by The-Erstwhile-Photographer (Sep, 2011) Rated 60% by by S.-R.-Kimball (Feb, 2011)  Rated 100% by by L.-Debiasi (Dec, 2011) | Rated by 43 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by TL (May, 2011) Rated 100% by by TL (May, 2011) Rated 100% by by TL (May, 2011) | |
lens
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 100% by by Lowell (Dec, 2010)My reasons for buying this camera are as follows; I wanted a pocket-friendly camera to use as my main camera (not just a second camera) with good low-light capability, a wide angle lens and the auto focus and optical zoom in the HD video mode, The LX5 with the large sensor (large for a pocket-friendly camera), the fast f/2 lens (at the wide angle setting), and the excellent image stabilization meets my requirements.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 100% by by Sameh-Abdulrhim (Dec, 2011)Although I liked the pocket ability of the S95, I chose the LX5 because of the excellent build quality, wide angle bright Leica lens and the optical zoom.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)The LX5 has a new lens with 3.8x zoom, equivalent to 24-90mm, but this hasn't meant sacrificing the fast maximum aperture, which is now.
viewfinder
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Sep, 2010)Other key improvements to the LX5 include a re-designed user interface, Power OIS anti-shake system, Intelligent Resolution technology and an optional electronic viewfinder.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 100% by by Tankery--Tankery (Jun, 2012)The viewfinder I bought extra for the LX5 is better than the miniscule, blurry viewfinder on the G12.
Leica D-LUX 5 | Rated 80% by by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium special edition set that we’ve reviewed costs £855, while the regular black version is available for £630, with the optional EVF1 viewfinder costing £270.
image quality
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Sep, 2010)The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5's maximum shutter speed is 60 seconds in Manual shooting mode and the Starry Sky Mode scene mode, which is great news if you're seriously interested in night photography.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 80% by by Radio-Man--yarns13dynamic range REALLY is improved and EXCELLENT for a small camera, Highlight clipping or lack of, is REALLY good on the LX5 for such a small sensor (vs a dslr micro 4/3/nex etc.).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 80% by by Radio-Man--yarns13The LX5 seems to have much more accurate color.
photography
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Sep, 2010)The creative movie mode is where technologies converge and the LX5 becomes an intriguing prospect for would-be videographers, providing access as it does to the same creative exposure P,A,S,M modes selectable when shooting stills.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 80% by by Jianjing-Zhang--BuffaloI have a Canon DSLR (not 5D2 level) which I basically use for shooting portrait, and I always use my P&S for shooting landscape, I haven't see much difference when aperture is small and ISO is set to low, so I keep using P&S for landscape, unfortunately, my IXUS 60 died recentlySo I decided to continue my tradition since carrying DSLR with landscape lens is just not comfortable, and my choice is between LX5 and S95.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)With a high street price of £399.99 the LX5 may seem expensive, but it is substantially cheaper than any of its main rivals except one.
screen
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 60% by by T.-Vo (Mar, 2011)I love the video and the bright lens on the LX5 though.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 100% by by OWM (Oct, 2011)I bought the screw-on lens cap and LCD screen protector below and am satisfied with those items.Amazon.com: RainbowImaging Auto Lens Cap for PANASONIC LUMIX DMC LX5 LX-5, Leica D-LUX 5 (Black), with a glass optical LCD Screen protector (MSRP 22.99): Electronics.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 | Rated 100% by by David-J.-Peebler--DJPeebz (Nov, 2010)I have also discovered that not all LCD screen protectors are created equal and when it comes to the LX5, the best by far is the 14-layer GGS Optical Glass LCD Screen Protector.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 Highest resolution screen |
 | 4 | Canon PowerShot G1X Has a flip out screen |
 | 6 | Olympus XZ-1 4-way tie: Automatic panorama |
 | 7 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Has a touch screen |
 | 8 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 3-way tie: Shoots video in 24p |
