Key Features
Dec 08 2011
Announced
12 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Leica |
Sensor Type | 1/2.3-inch |
Sensor | CMOS |
Weight | 540g |
MSRP | $949USD |
Other similar cameras

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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
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Leica V-Lux 3
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 124 x 81 x 95mm |
Weight | 540g |
Thickness | 95mm |
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 Finder | Electronic |
Screen Type | Fully Articulated |
Screen Resolution | 461k dots |
Body type | SLR-like (bridge) |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above 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
Sensor | 1/2.3-inch |
Extended ISO | null - null |
Max resolution | 4000 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
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: 1/2.3-inch
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Battery Life | 410 shots |
Battery Model | BP-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.
FAQ
The Leica V-Lux 3 features a CMOS sensor
No the V-Lux 3 does not have weather sealing.
The Leica V-Lux 3 was announced on Dec 08 2011
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.
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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