Leica V-Lux 3

    63
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    Highlights

    • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
    • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 461k dot Fully Articulated Screen
    • Electronic Viewfinder
    • 12.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Leica V-Lux 3 was announced in 2011 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Bridge camera with 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 6,400. The camera has a Fully Articulated 3.0" screen with 461k dot resolution and built-in Electronic viewfinder. It has an image stabilization.

    Leica V-Lux 3 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Leica V series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Leica V series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Leica V-Lux 5
    Compare
    		January
    2020    		 20.1 MP
    1-inch    		 80 - 12,500 Articulated 3.0"
    1,240k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Leica V-Lux 4
    Compare
    		September
    2012    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.33-inch    		 100 - 3,200 Articulated 3.0"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Leica V-Lux 40
    Compare
    		May
    2012    		 14.1 MP
    1/2.33-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Leica V-Lux 3 December
    2011    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.3-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Leica V-Lux 30
    Compare
    		May
    2011    		 14.1 MP
    1/2.33-inch    		 80 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Leica V-Lux 2
    Compare
    		September
    2010    		 14.1 MP
    1/2.33-inch    		 100 - 6,400 Articulated 3.0"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Leica V-Lux 20
    Compare
    		April
    2010    		 12.1 MP
    1/2.33-inch    		 80 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    461k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Leica V-Lux 5 vs V-Lux 4 vs V-Lux 40 vs V-Lux 3 vs V-Lux 30 vs V-Lux 2.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Leica V-Lux 3.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-In Bluetooth
    •   Internal Storage
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
    •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Leica V-Lux 3 to its predecessor V-Lux 2 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Leica V-Lux 3 vs Leica V-Lux 2
    Larger Sensor 1/2.3-inch vs 1/2.33-inch
    Higher Resolution Screen 461k dot vs 460k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 12.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
    Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
    Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
    Microphone Input vs
    Built-In Bluetooth vs
    Internal Storage 70 MB vs 40 MB
    DOWNGRADES Leica V-Lux 3 vs Leica V-Lux 2
    Lower Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 14.1 Megapixel
    Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 4320 x 3240
    Higher Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 60 sec
    Heavier 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz) vs 520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Leica V-Lux 3 vs V-Lux 2.

    Successor

    In 2012 Leica V-Lux 3 was replaced by Leica V-Lux 4. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Leica V-Lux 3 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3
    Multi Area Autofocus vs
    Center Autofocus vs
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Continuous Autofocus vs
    Face Detection vs
    Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/2.8 vs f/5.2
    Lower Min Shutter Speed 60 sec vs 30 sec
    Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
    Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Longer Battery Life 540 shots vs 410 shots
    DOWNGRADES Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3
    Smaller Sensor 1/2.33-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
    Lower Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Lower Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 461k dot
    Heavier 588 g (1.30 lb / 20.74 oz) vs 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Leica V-Lux 3 vs V-Lux 4.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fully Articulated screen

    Leica V-Lux 3 has a 3.0" Fully Articulated screen with 461k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards. Fully articulated screen makes this camera selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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    Leica V-Lux 3 with Fully Articulated screen


    Electronic Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage.

    Sensor

    Leica V-Lux 3 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 3264 x 2176, 3264 x 1840, 2992 x 2992, 2560 x 1920, 2560 x 1712, 2560 x 1440, 2448 x 2448, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1360, 1920 x 1920, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1536 x 1536, 640 x 480, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Image Stabilization

    The camera has an image stabilization.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Leica V-Lux 3.

    Leica V-Lux 4
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.33-inch

    12.1 MP

    Leica V-Lux 40
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.33-inch

    14.1 MP

    Leica V-Lux 30
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.33-inch

    14.1 MP

    Leica V-Lux 2
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.33-inch

    14.1 MP

    Leica V-Lux 20
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.33-inch

    12.1 MP

    Leica V-Lux 5
    Image cannot be found

    1-inch

    20.1 MP

    Canon R50
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Sony a6100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon Z30
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.9 MP

    Sony a6600
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Canon 5DS
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    50.6 MP

    Canon 5DS R
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    50.6 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Bluetooth

    Camera has a built-in Bluetooth which lets you to connect the camera to a smartphone or a dedicated remote control device. This allows you to remotely trigger the camera, adjust settings and controls remotely through a paired mobile app. While Wi-Fi is generally faster for transferring larger files, Bluetooth can be used for small, selective transfers, it can provide real-time information about your camera's battery status, memory card capacity, and other key settings directly on your paired smartphone or smartwatch.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in Bluetooth.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Leica V-Lux 3 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is an HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Leica V-Lux 3 comes with BP-DC 9 battery pack with battery life of 410 shots.


    Internal Storage and External Storage Slots

    The camera has 70 MB internal storage and a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Leica V-Lux 3's shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 12.0 fps.


    Flash

    Leica V-Lux 3 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 9.50 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount.

    Physical Parameters

    Leica V-Lux 3 has dimensions of 124 x 81 x 95 mm (4.88 x 3.19 x 3.74"). It weighs 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    124 mm (4.88")

    81 mm (3.19")

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    81 mm (3.19")

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    95 mm (3.74")

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    Leica V-Lux 3 dimensions

    Leica V-Lux 3 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Leica V-Lux 3 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    POOR
    47

    Leica V-Lux 3 gets a score of 47 and is POOR choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    59

    Leica V-Lux 3 gets a score of 59 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    63

    Leica V-Lux 3 gets a score of 63 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Leica V-Lux 3 gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    81

    Leica V-Lux 3 gets a score of 81 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    81

    Leica V-Lux 3 gets a score of 81 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots

    Leica V-Lux 3 Evaluation

    We evaluate Leica V-Lux 3 and give score of 63 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    63

    Sensor

    POOR
    51

    We give Leica V-Lux 3 a score of 51 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

    Photo

    GOOD
    72

    We give Leica V-Lux 3 a score of 72 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps

    Video

    POOR
    46

    We give Leica V-Lux 3 a score of 46 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    POOR
    52

    We give Leica V-Lux 3 a score of 52 for Focusing parameters.

    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    81

    We give Leica V-Lux 3 a score of 81 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    82

    We give Leica V-Lux 3 a score of 82 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    41

    We give Leica V-Lux 3 a score of 41 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
    •   Internal Storage


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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