Leica X1 vs Leica X2

      Leica X1

      Leica X2
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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 X1 and the Leica X2, 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 X1 was introduced in December 2009 and Leica X2 was introduced in May 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      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

      Leica X2 Highlights

      • 16.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,500 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Leica X1
      4. Advantage of Leica X2
      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 X1 and Leica X2.

      PROS

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      •   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
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      •   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
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   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 X1

      Leica X2

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps

      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 X2.

      Leica X1 vs Leica X2
      Reaches Wider Angle 35 mm mm vs 36 mm mm
      Lighter 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz) vs 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)

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

      Leica X Vario
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Leica X-U
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      APS-C

      16.2 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
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon R50
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R7
      Image cannot be found

      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

      Advantage of Leica X2

      Leica X2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica X2 over Leica X1.

      Leica X1 vs Leica X2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixel vs 16.1 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 12,500
      Max Image Resolution 4272 x 2856 vs 4928 x 3264
      Reachs More Telephoto 35 mm vs 36 mm
      Min Normal Focus Distance 60 cm vs 30 cm
      Viewfinder vs Electronic (optional)
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps vs 5.0 fps

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Leica X2.

      Leica X Vario
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Leica X (Typ 113)
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Leica X-U
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-M1
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Fujifilm S3 Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Fujifilm S4500
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Canon R100
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 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 X1 Leica X2
        High Native ISO3,20012,500
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output
        Light306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Leica X1 Leica X2
        No Video Capture
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points1111
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        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 X1 and Leica X2 have 2.70" Fixed screens with 230k dot resolution.

      Camera does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional electronic viewfinder can be attached on Leica X2.

      Sensor

      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 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Leica X2 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 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. Leica X2 can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 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, 16:9 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.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Leica X1, and up to 1/2000 sec on Leica X2. Leica X1 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps. Leica X2 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount to Leica X2..

      Physical Parameters

      Leica X1 body has dimensions of 124 x 60 x 32 mm (4.88 x 2.36 x 1.26") and Leica X2 body has dimensions of 124 x 69 x 52 mm (4.88 x 2.72 x 2.05"). Leica X1 weighs 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz) and Leica X2 weighs 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz).

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      124 mm

      60 mm

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      124 mm

      69 mm

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      60 mm

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      69 mm

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      32 mm

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      52 mm

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      Size comparisons of Leica X1 and Leica X2

      Leica X1 and Leica X2 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 X1

      Leica X2

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      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
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      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
      POOR
      51
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      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)
      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      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)
      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Leica X1 and Leica X2 and give them scores of 53 and 55 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 X1

      Leica X2

      OVERALL
      53
      OVERALL
      55

      Sensor

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,500 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      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
      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 X1

      Leica X2

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

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

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Leica X1

      Leica X2

      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 X1

      Leica X2

      POOR
      52
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 306 g (0.67 lb / 10.79 oz)
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 450 shots
      •   Internal Storage


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

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