Leica C vs Leica C-Lux

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica C and the Leica C-Lux, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Leica C was introduced in September 2013 and Leica C-Lux was introduced in June 2018. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Leica C Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • 200k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Leica C-Lux Highlights

      • 20.1 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 49 Focus Points
      • 5-Axis Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,240k dot Fixed Screen
      • 2,330k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

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

      PROS

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 195 g (0.43 lb / 6.88 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,330k dot
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Light - 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)
      •   USB Charging
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 200k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps

      Advantage of Leica C

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica C over Leica C-Lux.

      Leica C vs Leica C-Lux
      Lower Native ISO 80 vs 125
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.0 vs f/3.3
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.9 vs f/6.4
      Min Macro Focus Distance 3 cm vs 5 cm
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 195 g (0.43 lb / 6.88 oz) vs 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica C.

      Advantage of Leica C-Lux

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica C-Lux over Leica C.

      Leica C vs Leica C-Lux
      Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 20.1 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 12,800
      Higher Boosted ISO 12,800 vs 25,600
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 5472 x 3648
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 28 mm vs 24 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 200 mm vs 360 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 7.1x vs 15x
      Touch Screen vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 1,240k dot
      Higher Resolution Viewfinder 200k dot vs 2,330k dot
      Average Metering vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 3840 x 2160
      Built-In Bluetooth vs
      Longer Battery Life 250 shots vs 370 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica C-Lux.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Leica C Leica C-Lux
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO6,40012,800
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization 5-Axis Sensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Micro
        Built-In Wi-Fi
        Light195 g (0.43 lb / 6.88 oz)340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Leica C Leica C-Lux
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inch1-inch
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No External Flash Connectivity
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life250 shots370 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Leica C and Leica C-Lux have 3.0" Fixed screens with 920k dot and 1,240k dot resolutions respectively. Leica C-Lux also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Leica C-Lux) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.


      Viewfinder

      Leica C has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 200k dot resolution and Leica C-Lux has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,330k dot resolution. (0.46x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Leica C-Lux has 100% coverage magnification.

      Sensor

      Leica C features a 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400 and expands to 80 - 12,800 in boosted mode. Leica C-Lux features a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

      Photography Features

      Leica C can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. Leica C-Lux can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi

      Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 2.4 GHz on Leica C-Lux) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      Bluetooth on Leica C-Lux

      Leica C-Lux 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.


      NFC

      Cameras have Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Leica C has a Mini HDMI and Leica C-Lux has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Leica C-Lux comes with BP-DC15 battery pack with battery life of 370 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Leica C has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Leica C-Lux has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Leica C, and up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/2000 sec with mechanical shutter on Leica C-Lux. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m on Leica C and 6.80 m at Auto ISO on Leica C-Lux..

      Physical Parameters

      Leica C body has dimensions of 103 x 63 x 28 mm (4.06 x 2.48 x 1.1") and Leica C-Lux body has dimensions of 113 x 67 x 46 mm (4.45 x 2.64 x 1.81"). Leica C weighs 195 g (0.43 lb / 6.88 oz) and Leica C-Lux weighs 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz).

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      103 mm

      63 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      113 mm

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      63 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      28 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      46 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Leica C and Leica C-Lux

      Leica C and Leica C-Lux for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      POOR
      53
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      GOOD
      73
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 200k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      GOOD
      80
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,330k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 200k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      GOOD
      75
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,330k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      GOOD
      71
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 195 g (0.43 lb / 6.88 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Small Sensor
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 195 g (0.43 lb / 6.88 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Leica C and Leica C-Lux and give them scores of 64 and 72 out of 100 recpectively. 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.


      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      72

      Sensor

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      72
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160

      Focusing

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      GOOD
      70
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      82
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 200k dot
      GOOD
      83
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,240k dot
      •   High Resolution Viewfinder - 2,330k dot

      Connectivity

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      84
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Leica C

      Leica C-Lux

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 195 g (0.43 lb / 6.88 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Internal Storage
      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots


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

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.