• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 432.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S5 IS advantages over Leica V-LUX 2

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.76 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Leica V-LUX 2 advantages over Canon S5 IS

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.33 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • More telephoto lens reach
    600 mm vs 432 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 207k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 36 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Canon S5 IS
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • RAW file ability

Compare Canon S5 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Leica V-LUX 2
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ40

Canon S5 IS
Panasonic DMC-FZ40
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon S5 IS vs Panasonic DMC-FZ40

Leica V-LUX 2
Panasonic DMC-FZ40
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Hot shoe
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ40

Compared to Sony HX100V

Canon S5 IS
Sony HX100V
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Hot shoe
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon S5 IS vs Sony HX100V

Leica V-LUX 2
Sony HX100V
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Sony HX100V

Compared to Panasonic FZ150

Canon S5 IS
Panasonic FZ150
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • RAW file ability

Compare Canon S5 IS vs Panasonic FZ150

Leica V-LUX 2
Panasonic FZ150
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Panasonic FZ150

Compared to Sony HX200V

Canon S5 IS
Sony HX200V
  • $500
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon S5 IS vs Sony HX200V

Leica V-LUX 2
Sony HX200V
  • $850
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica V-LUX 2 vs Sony HX200V

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