Leica Announces V-Lux 5 Superzoom Camera

Today, Leica has announced the V-Lux 5, the successor to the extremely popular V-Lux (Typ 114). With many of the same specifications that made the previous V-Lux such a hit, the V-Lux 5 sports a redesigned body, faster performance, new shooting modes, a larger rear display with touchscreen functionality, USB charging, quicker autofocus, a higher quality EVF, enhanced Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, and more. I'm sure that the added features and speed will come as welcome additions to an already capable superzoom platform.

Let's run through the main aspects of the V-Lux 5 and see where it differs from its predecessor. To see an at-a-glance summary, we've got a handy comparison table below, along with full tech specs. Read on.

Sensor

At the heart of the V-Lux 5 is a 20 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor. We're not sure if this is the same sensor used previously, or an upgraded version at the same resolution. In the former, we honestly have few complaints. In the latter, we'll be curious to see improvements in low light performance.

Lens

Bolted to the front is a 16X DC-Vario-Elmarit 9.1-146mm f/2.8-4 ASPH, equivalent to 25-400mm f/2.8-4 in full frame. Perhaps the defining aspect of the V-Lux, the lens delivers exceptional flexibility with a wide zoom range coupled with a fast aperture. Autofocus speed has been bumped about 10%, now clocking in around just 90ms to move through the entire focus range. Additionally, minimum aperture has been expanded from f/8 to f/11, allowing some more creative freedom.

Rear LCD Display

The articulating rear 3-inch LCD receives some nice updates. The screen resolution has been increased from 920K pixels to a hefty 1.24 million. Both brighter and crisper, the screen now also comes equipped with full touchscreen control. Combined with the highly-customizable function buttons on the body, the touchscreen will enable quick, intuitive operation.

EVF

The previous V-Lux already featured a high-res 2.36 megapixel OLED EVF, so the upgrade here is a bit more subtle – but still welcome. Magnification has been upped to 0.74x, resulting in a larger and clearer image with greater eye relief.

Body Design

Starting with the ergonomic body of the V-Lux 114, the V-Lux 5 shows some understated styling tweaks. Rounded edges give way to slightly more angular ones. The rear thumb dial now resides on the top edge of the camera, and a new second control wheel now sits just behind the shutter release. The Zoom/Focus toggle and OIS switches on the side of the lens are replaced with three custom function soft buttons. The camera is also a hair lighter, now weighing just 812 grams.

4K Post Focus Modes

We first saw these 4K video modes on the Leica D-Lux 7. Now, useful features like Post Focus and Focus Stacking make their way to the V-Lux 5. Essentially, the camera is using a 30 fps burst of 4K shots, 8.3 MP each, to capture images across a large focus range. You can then use the processing power in the camera to either select a point of focus or stack all the images together for maximum depth of field. This feature is useful for macro and landscape applications and could certainly help when attempting to photograph quickly-moving and unpredictable subjects like kids and pets. Sure, you'll sacrifice a bit of resolution, but it might be worth it.

Connectivity

Another upgrade right from the D-Lux 7 is the upgraded Wi-Fi WLAN with Bluetooth. Connection to the Leica FOTOS app is faster, simpler to set up and more robust. For those using the FOTOS app, this will be a significant change.

Battery

Thankfully, the new V-Lux 5 uses the same BP-DC12 rechargeable Li-Ion battery that we're use to from the V-Lux 114, Q 116 and CL. If you plan on trading in a V-Lux 114, hold onto those extra batteries. And if you don't already know, you should get a Nitecore USB charger so you can charge on the go. It's one of my favorite accessories. With the V-Lux 5, you also gain the ability to charge the battery in the camera over micro USB. Personally, I'd stick with the external USB charge solution, but options are always nice to have.

Compared to V-Lux (Typ 114)

Pricing, Availability and Ordering

The V-Lux 5 should be available within the next few weeks for a price of $1,250. If you are interested in ordering the new Leica V-Lux 5, you can do so at Leica Store Miami, by calling them at 305-921-4433, emailing info@leicastoremiami.com, or simply by clicking the button below.

Order Leica V-Lux 5

Tech Specs

Press Release

Leica V-Lux 5
The Superzoom Camera For Explorers

Leica Camera introduces the latest addition to its line of premium compact cameras, the Leica V-Lux 5. Whether traversing the globe, capturing family memories, or catching a summer music festival, the V-Lux 5 is the perfect companion to take everywhere and capture subjects both near and far in amazing quality. Its high-speed autofocus and burst shooting capabilities are quick enough to keep up with any subject or fleeting moment, and the long 25-400 mm equivalent zoom range will get you close to everything you want to see and record – with both still-pictures and 4K video.

The large 1-inch 20 megapixel sensor and incredibly expansive 16x zoom range of the Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 9.1-146 mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. lens make the V-Lux 5 the perfect do-it-all compact camera for any situation. It sports a brand new OLED electronic viewfinder with 2.36 megapixels of resolution for improved color, contrast and power-efficiency. The new 3″ tilt-and-swivel touchscreen display now allows for streamlined ways to control the camera and optional custom functions. And with the capability to charge
the battery in the camera via USB, the Leica V-Lux 5 is the most travel-ready and versatile V-Lux camera to date.

Key Features:

• 20 megapixel 1-inch sensor
• 9.1-146 mm (25-400 mm equiv.) f/2.8-4 ASPH. lens
• 2.36 megapixel OLED EVF with 0.74x magnification
• 3″ articulating touchscreen with 1.24 million pixels
• High-speed AF & 12 fps continuous burst shooting
• 4K video recording and 4K photo modes
• Post-Focus & Focus Stacking modes
• Improved battery life
• Micro-USB battery charging
• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity with Leica FOTOS
• 2-year Leica warranty