As widely expected, Leica has announced the V-Lux 5 today. It retains the same 20MP one-inch sensor as its predecessor but brings a stack of improvements. These including improved focus speed (down from 100ms to 90ms), a 3in 1.24MP swivelling touch monitor, and an improved 2.36MP OLED viewfinder. The camera also gets 4k video, focus stacking and post focus. Battery life has been improved from 350 to 440 images while, for the first time, the V-Lux gains in-camera USB charging to bring it into line with its Panasonic-based siblings, the C-Lux and D-Lux 7.
Impressive range
The appearance of the camera is more or less identical to the outgoing V-Lux, as is the camera’s main
The V-Lux 5, based on the Panasonic FZ1000 Mark II, is a solid update rather than being an entirely new model. In this it follows the D-Lux 7, based on the Panasonic LX100 Mark II, where the basic excellence of the earlier D-Lux was maintained but subtly improved. Panasonic is honest in making both these cameras a “Mark II” rather than portraying them as completely new models. Just as the D-Lux 7 wasn’t a must-have upgrade, the V-Lux 5 offers enough improvements to encourage a change, especially among owners who have enjoyed the current V-Lux for several years.
The new version weighs 778g, excluding battery and SD card. Oddly, the specification (see below) doesn’t mention weight but I will update this when I get the information. The V-Lux 5 is available immediate and will retail in the UK for £1,050, including tax.
Press Information
Made for Adventure: the Leica V-Lux 5.
London, 10 July 2019. Leica Camera presents the Leica V-Lux 5, one of the most versatile and multifaceted cameras in its product portfolio. No matter if the subject is far or close, indoor or outdoor, static or moving, the 24 – 400mm zoom lens, rapid autofocus and newly developed larger sensor make it the ideal camera for travel and adventure seekers. Whether you are on safari or planning your next backpacking journey, no trip can be complete without the V-Lux 5.
The camera offers a multitude of powerful functions, but not only for photos – it is also the ideal camera for capturing highest quality video footage, recording at 60-frames-per-second in excellent 4K definition which is four times the resolution of full-HD.
Featuring a newly developed OLED electronic viewfinder and flip touchscreen panel on the back provide the best view of the subject from every angle. With the touchscreen, helpful automatic modes and smart functions like face recognition or burst shooting, the Leica V-Lux 5 supports amateur photographers on their search for the perfect image. Thanks to its fast autofocus and a high continuous-shooting rate, the camera captures every detail, while innovative exposure modes like ‘Focus Stacking’ and ‘Post-focusing’ enrich its wide range of functions. The V-Lux 5 is the first model in this range that can be used with the Leica FOTOS App. To use the app, the user simply connects the camera to their iOS or Android smartphone via Bluetooth so it can be fully operated remotely. Photos and videos can be quickly and easily transferred for post-processing or sharing on social networks at any time.
The V-Lux 5’s state-of-the-art 20-megapixel one-inch sensor and Leica Vario-Elmarit 9.1-146mm f/2.8-4 aspherical lens delivers outstanding image performance whether shooting in macro, wide-angle, standard or telephoto settings. It takes shake-free stills and video in low lighting without needing a tripod thanks to its maximum apertures, ISO 12800 sensitivity and its integrated optical image stabiliser. The Leica V-Lux 5 takes 0.1 seconds to focus sharply on a subject, reliably capturing all the action in sensational clarity and detail.
The camera offers fantastic tools for composing subjects. With a resolution of 2.36 megapixels and organic light-emitting diode technology, its newly developed electronic viewfinder brings improved contrast and richer colour depth while simultaneously consuming less power. The battery can be charged via USB in addition to a main electric socket which comes in particularly handy when travelling.
The Leica V-Lux 5 is available from 10th July at Leica Store Mayfair, Leica Store City, Leica Store Harrods, authorised dealers and online at www.leicastore-mayfair.co.uk
Good to see this on Macfilos at birth as it were. The V-Lux 1 was my second camera back in 2011 with its 1/1.7 sensor which in my view made it superior to the subsequent small sensor models and in my testing could hold its own for image quality against the first RX10. Now there is reason to upgrade. So the selling off season for redundant gear starts soon!
It looks as if the haptics are much the same as the VL 1 – so I expect it to be a delight to hold. And the swivel screen was also an excellent feature then, much improved now.
Yes, I like the reversible screen which we’ve seen mainly on micro four-thirds cameras from Panasonic and Olympus. If you have a moveable screen it is a great advantage to be able to reverse it, turning the camera into a sort of V-Lux-D. Mind you, I am probable unusual in not using screens except for menu settings. I much prefer to have a smooth back to the camera and rely entirely on the viewfinder.