Leica X vs Leica X Vario

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica X and the Leica X Vario, 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 Vario was introduced in June 2013. 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 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

      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 Vario.

      PROS

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      •   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
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output

      CONS

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      •   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
      •   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


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

      AVERAGE

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   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)

      Advantage of Leica X

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

      Leica X vs Leica X Vario
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 16.1 Megapixel
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/1.7 vs f/3.5
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/1.7 vs f/6.4
      Min Normal Focus Distance 20 cm vs 30 cm
      Lighter 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) vs 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)

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

      Advantage of Leica X Vario

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

      Leica X vs Leica X Vario
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 35 mm mm vs 28 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 35 mm vs 70 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 1x vs 2.5x
      Viewfinder vs Electronic (optional)
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Speaker vs Mono
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Longer Battery Life 350 shots vs 450 shots

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

      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 Vario
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO12,50012,500
        Face Detection
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
      WEAKNESSES Leica X Leica X Vario
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 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 Life350 shots450 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Leica X and Leica X Vario have 3.0" Fixed screens with 920k dot resolution.

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

      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 Vario features a 16.1 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 - 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 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.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      NFC on Leica X

      Leica X has 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. Both cameras have HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Leica X and Leica X Vario 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 Vario.


      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 Vario. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash. Leica X Vario 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 Vario body has dimensions of 133 x 73 x 95 mm (5.24 x 2.87 x 3.74"). Leica X weighs 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) and Leica X Vario weighs 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz).

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      133 mm

      73 mm

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      133 mm

      73 mm

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      73 mm

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      73 mm

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      78 mm

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      95 mm

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      Size comparisons of Leica X and Leica X Vario

      Leica X and Leica X Vario 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 Vario

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      71
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      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
      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

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      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
      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

      Portrait Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      GOOD
      71
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Street Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      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
      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)

      Travel Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      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
      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

      Evaluations

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

      OVERALL
      53
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      GOOD
      72
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 78

      Photo

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      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 Vario

      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 Vario

      POOR
      54
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Connectivity

      Leica X

      Leica X Vario

      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
      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

      Leica X Vario

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots


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

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