Leica X vs Leica X1

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Leica X 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 was introduced in September 2014 and Leica X1 was introduced in December 2009. 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 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

      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 X1.

      PROS

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      •   Video Capture
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   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

      Leica X1

      •   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
      •   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

      Leica X1

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Leica X

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

      Leica X vs Leica X1
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 12.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,500 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 vs 4272 x 2856
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/1.7 vs f/2.8
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/1.7 vs f/2.8
      Min Normal Focus Distance 20 cm vs 60 cm
      Min Macro Focus Distance 20 cm vs 30 cm
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 230k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps

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

      Advantage of Leica X1

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

      Leica X vs Leica X1
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Speaker vs Mono
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) vs 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)

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

      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 X1
        High Native ISO12,5003,200
        Face Detection
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Light486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Leica X Leica X1
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Viewfinder
        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

      Screen

      Leica X 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.

      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 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 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 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

      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 comes with BP-DC8 battery pack with battery life of 350 shots.


      External Storage Slots

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


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash. Leica X1 also accepts external flash..

      Physical Parameters

      Leica X body has dimensions of 133 x 73 x 78 mm (5.24 x 2.87 x 3.07") and Leica X1 body has dimensions of 124 x 60 x 32 mm (4.88 x 2.36 x 1.26"). Leica X weighs 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz) and Leica X1 weighs 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz).

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      133 mm

      73 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      124 mm

      60 mm

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      73 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      60 mm

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      78 mm

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      32 mm

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      Size comparisons of Leica X and Leica X1

      Leica X 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

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   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

      Leica X1

      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
      •   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

      Leica X1

      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
      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

      Leica X1

      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
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      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
      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

      Leica X1

      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
      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 and Leica X1 and give both of them the score of 53 out of 100. 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 X1

      OVERALL
      53
      OVERALL
      53

      Sensor

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      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
      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

      Leica X1

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

      Focusing

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      POOR
      54
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Leica X

      Leica X1

      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 X1

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 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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