Leica V-Lux 3: The Ultimate Camera for Photography Enthusiasts

The Leica V-Lux 3 is a high-end camera that offers exceptional image quality, advanced features, and ease of use for photography enthusiasts. With an extensive zoom range, high-speed autofocus, and superior optics, this camera stands out among its competitors. In this blog post, we will explore the unique features and benefits of this camera for those who want to capture stunning images.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Leica V-Lux 3 article cover photo

Key Features

Dec 08 2011

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandLeica
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCMOS
Weight540g
MSRP$949USD

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Overview of the V-Lux 3

Have you been searching for the perfect camera to capture all your adventures and special moments? Look no further than the Leica V-Lux 3, a cutting-edge camera that offers exceptional image quality, superior optics, and advanced features. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, this camera has something to offer. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Leica V-Lux 3 and explore why it's the ultimate camera for photography enthusiasts. From its extended zoom range to its high-speed autofocus, we'll dive into all the features that make this camera so unique. So, let's get started!

Leica V-Lux 3 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Leica V-Lux 3 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution sensor
24x optical zoom
High-speed autofocus
Full HD video recording
Built-in electronic viewfinder
Supports RAW format
Wi-Fi connectivity
High-quality optics
Image stabilization
Wide range of shooting modes

Cons

Expensive
Bulky and heavy
Limited low-light performance
No touch screen
Short battery life
Limited manual control options
No external microphone jack
Limited ISO range
Limited dynamic range
Limited depth of field control

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Leica V-Lux 3

Weather sealed
Dimensions124 x 81 x 95mm
Weight540g
Thickness95mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Leica V-Lux 3 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution461k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 461k dots. This makes the Leica V-Lux 3 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

V-Lux 3 includes a electronic viewfinder with n/a of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Leica V-Lux 3 has a 12MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Leica V-Lux 3 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Dec 08 2011

Announced

100 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4000 x 3000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Leica V-Lux 3 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the V-Lux 3 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life410 shots
Battery ModelBP-DC 9
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Leica V-Lux 3 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Leica V-Lux 3 uses the BP-DC 9 model of battery pack. This is rated for 410 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Leica V-Lux 3 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Leica V-Lux 3 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Leica V-Lux 3 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 23 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Leica V-Lux 3?

The Leica V-Lux 3 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Leica V-Lux 3 weather sealed?

No the V-Lux 3 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Leica V-Lux 3 announced?

The Leica V-Lux 3 was announced on Dec 08 2011

Does the Leica V-Lux 3 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the V-Lux 3 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Leica V-Lux 3?

The V-Lux 3 has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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