Leica X Vario vs Leica X1

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1
      58
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      53
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      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 X Vario and the Leica X1, 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 X Vario was introduced in June 2013 and Leica X1 was introduced in December 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Leica X Vario Highlights

      • 16.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,500 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Leica X1 Highlights

      • 12.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Leica X Vario
      4. Advantage of Leica X1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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 X Vario and Leica X1.

      PROS

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      •   Video Capture
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


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

      AVERAGE

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   DxO Overall Score - 78
      •   Weight - 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Leica X Vario

      Leica X Vario
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica X Vario over Leica X1.

      Leica X Vario vs Leica X1
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixel vs 12.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,500 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3272 vs 4272 x 2856
      Reaches Wider Angle 28 mm vs 35 mm mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 70 mm vs 35 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 2.5x vs 1x
      Min Normal Focus Distance 30 cm vs 60 cm
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 230k dot
      Viewfinder Electronic (optional) vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica X Vario.

      Leica X2
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Leica X (Typ 113)
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Leica X-U
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Canon R100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Panasonic GX9
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      20.3 MP

      Canon A3000 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      10 MP

      Sony a9 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Panasonic FS42
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.5-inch

      10.1 MP

      Samsung ST80
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.33-inch

      14.2 MP

      Olympus TG-4
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Sony WX5
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.2 MP

      Canon SX160 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Advantage of Leica X1

      Leica X1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica X1 over Leica X Vario.

      Leica X Vario vs Leica X1
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/3.5 vs f/2.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/6.4 vs f/2.8
      Lighter 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz) vs 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica X1.

      Leica X-U
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Leica X2
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Leica X (Typ 113)
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony a7 III
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      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 X Vario Leica X1
        High Native ISO12,5003,200
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
      WEAKNESSES Leica X Vario Leica X1
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Leica X Vario has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution and Leica X1 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

      Camera does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached on Leica X Vario.

      Sensor

      Leica X Vario features a 16.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,500. Leica X1 features a 12.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 249.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.

      Photography Features

      Leica X Vario can take pictures up to 4928 x 3272 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4944 x 3272, 4288 x 2856, 3264 x 2160, 2144 x1424, 1632 x 1080 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Leica X1 can take pictures up to 4272 x 2856 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3564 x 2160, 2144 x 1424, 1632 x 1080 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Leica X Vario comes with BP-DC8 battery pack with battery life of 450 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Leica X Vario has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Leica X1 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Leica X Vario, and up to 1/2000 sec on Leica X1. Leica X Vario can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Leica X1 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount to Leica X Vario..

      Physical Parameters

      Leica X Vario body has dimensions of 133 x 73 x 95 mm (5.24 x 2.87 x 3.74") and Leica X1 body has dimensions of 124 x 60 x 32 mm (4.88 x 2.36 x 1.26"). Leica X Vario weighs 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz) and Leica X1 weighs 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz).

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      133 mm

      73 mm

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      124 mm

      60 mm

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      73 mm

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      60 mm

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      95 mm

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      32 mm

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      Size comparisons of Leica X Vario and Leica X1

      Leica X Vario and Leica X1 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 X Vario

      Leica X1

      GOOD
      71
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      POOR
      53
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      POOR
      44
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      GOOD
      77
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      GOOD
      75
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Leica X Vario and Leica X1 and give them scores of 58 and 53 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 X Vario

      Leica X1

      OVERALL
      58
      OVERALL
      53

      Sensor

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      GOOD
      72
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 78
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      POOR
      54
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps

      Video

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Leica X Vario

      Leica X1

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      POOR
      52
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)


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

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