V Lux 3 to V Lux 5 upgrade - worthwhile?

[jhluxton]

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I can't say I can see much in the way of comments about the V Lux 5 which appeared during the summer. 

I currently use a V Lux 3 which I bought shortly after it was released and find it useful for taking long range shots of ships and distant subjects.

However, between buying the V Lux 3 and the present I acquired a M262 and ME240 and the lower quality images of the V Lux 3 is becoming noticeable - as one might expect.

However, I do find it a good camera to take when travelling by sea for photographing other ships, and given its much lower value, for taking to locations where one might meet unsavoury characters who might wish to relieve one of an M or even a X1 which I also own. 

Is there anyone who has upgraded from V Lux3 to V Lux 5? 

Is it a worthwhile upgrade or should I just stick with the current model and put my spare cash towards yet another M lens? 

John

[wda]

John, I have the penultimate model V Lux T.114 I think. The latest model does have a bigger sensor, but nothing to rival the quality from full-frame. For your limited need I would not think the upgrade could be justified. Keep the model you have and save the funds for a future need. Don't let it burn a hole in your pocket.

[stuny]

Each Vlux model, from the forerunner Panasonic model, has been better than the prior one.  I've not tried the "5" but have had the Panasonic (2004), borrowed the "2" from Leica for Antarctica WHEN Leica was slow to return other gear from repair, the "4" and the "114."  Two advantages of the "114" that might be worth your considering are:  manual focusing that is relatively easy to do when you can't use auto focus, and interpolative software that increases the equivalent long end of the lens to 800mm without loss of quality.  If these fit in to what and how you shoot, then perhaps a change is appropriate.

The "114" and the "5" are larger than your "3."

[jhluxton]

On 1/1/2020 at 3:50 PM, stuny said:

Each Vlux model, from the forerunner Panasonic model, has been better than the prior one.  I've not tried the "5" but have had the Panasonic (2004), borrowed the "2" from Leica for Antarctica WHEN Leica was slow to return other gear from repair, the "4" and the "114."  Two advantages of the "114" that might be worth your considering are:  manual focusing that is relatively easy to do when you can't use auto focus, and interpolative software that increases the equivalent long end of the lens to 800mm without loss of quality.  If these fit in to what and how you shoot, then perhaps a change is appropriate.

The "114" and the "5" are larger than your "3."

Thanks for info - still considering the move.