Leica X vs Leica X-U

      Leica X

      Leica X-U
      53
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      57
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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 and the Leica X-U, 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 was introduced in September 2014 and Leica X-U was introduced in January 2016. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Leica X Highlights

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

      Leica X-U Highlights

      • 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,500 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Leica X
      4. Advantage of Leica X-U
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      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 and Leica X-U.

      PROS

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      •   Video Capture
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   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 - 350 shots
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Weight - 635 g (1.40 lb / 22.40 oz)

      Advantage of Leica X

      Leica X (Typ 113)
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica X over Leica X-U.

      Leica X vs Leica X-U
      Cheaper £1550, $2,295 vs $2950
      Face Detection vs
      HDMI Output vs
      Lighter 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) vs 635 g (1.40 lb / 22.40 oz)

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

      Leica X Vario
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Leica X1
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      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Leica X2
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      OM System TG-7
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      1/2.3-inch

      12 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Sony H90
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Panasonic LS5
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.33-inch

      14 MP

      Canon ELPH 115 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      16.0 MP

      Nikon S1100pj
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Nikon A100
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      20 MP

      Nikon AW100
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Nikon L810
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Advantage of Leica X-U

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

      Leica X vs Leica X-U
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fixed vs Fully Articulated
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Water Proof vs
      Dust Proof vs
      Shock Proof vs
      Longer Battery Life 350 shots vs 450 shots

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

      Leica X1
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      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Leica X Vario
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Leica X2
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Canon R6 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Canon R5 C
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      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Sony a6600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 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 Leica X-U
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO12,50012,500
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Leica X Leica X-U
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        No Image Stabilization
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Short Battery Life350 shots450 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Leica X and Leica X-U have 3.0" screens with 920k dot resolution. Leica X has a Fixed screen Leica X-U has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

      Sensor

      Leica X features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23 x 15.5 mm and a total area of 356.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,500. Leica X-U features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,500.

      Photography Features

      Leica X can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4272 x 2856, 3264 x 2160, 2144 x 1424, 1632 x 1080 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Leica X-U can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      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. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Leica X and Leica X-U come with BP-DC8 battery pack with battery life of 350 shots on Leica X and with battery life of 450 shots on Leica X-U.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Leica X, and up to 1/2000 sec on Leica X-U. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 2.00 m at ISO 100 on Leica X-U. Leica X-U also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount..

      Physical Parameters

      Leica X body has dimensions of 133 x 73 x 78 mm (5.24 x 2.87 x 3.07") and Leica X-U body has dimensions of 140 x 79 x 88 mm (5.51 x 3.11 x 3.46"). Leica X weighs 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) and Leica X-U weighs 635 g (1.40 lb / 22.40 oz).

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      133 mm

      73 mm

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      140 mm

      79 mm

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      73 mm

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      79 mm

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      78 mm

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      88 mm

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      Size comparisons of Leica X and Leica X-U

      Leica X and Leica X-U 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

      Leica X-U

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      79
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      POOR
      46
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      GOOD
      71
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      73
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      GOOD
      78
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 635 g (1.40 lb / 22.40 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 635 g (1.40 lb / 22.40 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Leica X and Leica X-U and give them scores of 53 and 57 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

      Leica X-U

      OVERALL
      53
      OVERALL
      57

      Sensor

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      POOR
      51
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps

      Video

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

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

      Focusing

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      POOR
      54
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      GOOD
      71
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Leica X

      Leica X-U

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   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

      Leica X-U

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      GOOD
      71
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 635 g (1.40 lb / 22.40 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots


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

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