By David Farkas, LeicaStore Miami
Today, Leica has announced
the V-Lux 5, the successor to the extremely popular V-Lux (Typ 114). With many
of the same specifications that made the previous V-Lux such a hit, the V-Lux 5
sports a redesigned body, faster performance, new shooting modes, a larger rear
display with touchscreen functionality, USB charging, quicker autofocus, a
higher quality EVF, enhanced Wi-Fi with Bluetooth, and more. I’m sure that the
added features and speed will come as welcome additions to an already capable
superzoom platform.
Let’s run through the main
aspects of the V-Lux 5 and see where it differs from its predecessor. To see an
at-a-glance summary, we’ve got a handy comparison table below, along with full
tech specs. Read on.
Sensor
At the heart of the V-Lux
5 is a 20 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor. We’re not sure if this is the same
sensor used previously, or an upgraded version at the same resolution. In the
former, we honestly have few complaints. In the latter, we’ll be curious to see
improvements in low light performance.
Lens
Bolted to the front is a
16X DC-Vario-Elmarit 9.1-146mm f/2.8-4 ASPH, equivalent to 25-400mm f/2.8-4 in
full frame. Perhaps the defining aspect of the V-Lux, the lens delivers
exceptional flexibility with a wide zoom range coupled with a fast aperture.
Autofocus speed has been bumped about 10%, now clocking in around just 90ms to
move through the entire focus range. Additionally, minimum aperture has been
expanded from f/8 to f/11, allowing some more creative freedom.
Rear LCD Display
The articulating rear
3-inch LCD receives some nice updates. The screen resolution has been increased
from 920K pixels to a hefty 1.24 million. Both brighter and crisper, the screen
now also comes equipped with full touchscreen control. Combined with the highly-customizable
function buttons on the body, the touchscreen will enable quick, intuitive
operation.
EVF
The previous V-Lux already
featured a high-res 2.36 megapixel OLED EVF, so the upgrade here is a bit more
subtle – but still welcome. Magnification has been upped to 0.74x, resulting in
a larger and clearer image with greater eye relief.
Body Design
Starting with the
ergonomic body of the V-Lux 114, the V-Lux 5 shows some understated styling
tweaks. Rounded edges give way to slightly more angular ones. The rear thumb
dial now resides on the top edge of the camera, and a new second control wheel
now sits just behind the shutter release. The Zoom/Focus toggle and OIS
switches on the side of the lens are replaced with three custom function soft
buttons. The camera is also a hair lighter, now weighing just 812 grams.
4K Post Focus Modes
We first saw these 4K
video modes on the Leica D-Lux 7. Now, useful features like Post Focus and
Focus Stacking make their way to the V-Lux 5. Essentially, the camera is using
a 30 fps burst of 4K shots, 8.3 MP each, to capture images across a large focus
range. You can then use the processing power in the camera to either select a
point of focus or stack all the images together for maximum depth of field.
This feature is useful for macro and landscape applications and could certainly
help when attempting to photograph quickly-moving and unpredictable subjects
like kids and pets. Sure, you’ll sacrifice a bit of resolution, but it might be
worth it.
Connectivity
Another upgrade right from
the D-Lux 7 is the upgraded Wi-Fi WLAN with Bluetooth. Connection to the Leica
FOTOS app is faster, simpler to set up and more robust. For those using the
FOTOS app, this will be a significant change.
Battery
Thankfully, the new V-Lux
5 uses the same BP-DC12 rechargeable Li-Ion battery that we’re use to from the
V-Lux 114, Q 116 and CL. If you plan on trading in a V-Lux 114, hold onto those
extra batteries. And if you don’t already know, you should get a Nitecore USBcharger so you can charge on the go. It’s one of my favorite accessories. With
the V-Lux 5, you also gain the ability to charge the battery in the camera over
micro USB. Personally, I’d stick with the external USB charge solution, but
options are always nice to have.
Pricing, Availability and
Ordering
The V-Lux 5 should be
available within the next few weeks for a price of $1,250. If you are
interested in ordering the new Leica V-Lux 5, you can do so at Leica Store
Miami, by calling them at 305-921-4433, emailing info@leicastoremiami.com, or
simply by clicking the button below.
Press Release
Leica V-Lux 5
The Superzoom Camera For
Explorers
Leica Camera introduces
the latest addition to its line of premium compact cameras, the Leica V-Lux 5. Whether
traversing the globe, capturing family memories, or catching a summer music
festival, the V-Lux 5 is the perfect companion to take everywhere and capture
subjects both near and far in amazing quality. Its high-speed autofocus and
burst shooting capabilities are quick enough to keep up with any subject or
fleeting moment, and the long 25-400 mm equivalent zoom range will get you
close to everything you want to see and record – with both still-pictures and
4K video.
The large 1-inch 20
megapixel sensor and incredibly expansive 16x zoom range of the Leica DC
Vario-Elmarit 9.1-146 mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. lens make the V-Lux 5 the perfect
do-it-all compact camera for any situation. It sports a brand new OLED
electronic viewfinder with 2.36 megapixels of resolution for improved color,
contrast and power-efficiency. The new 3″ tilt-and-swivel touchscreen display
now allows for streamlined ways to control the camera and optional custom
functions. And with the capability to charge
the battery in the camera
via USB, the Leica V-Lux 5 is the most travel-ready and versatile V-Lux camera
to date.
Key Features:
20 megapixel 1-inch sensor
9.1-146 mm (25-400 mm
equiv.) f/2.8-4 ASPH. lens
2.36 megapixel OLED EVF
with 0.74x magnification
3″ articulating
touchscreen with 1.24 million pixels
High-speed AF & 12 fps
continuous burst shooting
4K video recording and 4K
photo modes
Post-Focus & Focus
Stacking modes
Improved battery life
Micro-USB battery charging
Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
connectivity with Leica FOTOS
2-year Leica warranty
For more informatiopn and tech specs go here
For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Buy vintage Leica cameras from
America's premier Leica specialist
http://www.tamarkinauctions.com/ http://www.tamarkin.com/leicagallery/upcoming-show
Buy vintage Leica cameras from
America's premier Leica specialist
http://www.tamarkinauctions.com/ http://www.tamarkin.com/leicagallery/upcoming-show
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
Click on image to enlarge
Order: info@gmpphoto.com
Please make payment via PayPal to GMP Photography
No comments:
Post a Comment