Canon SX530 vs Leica X2

The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS and the Leica X2 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2015 and May 2012. Both the SX530 and the X2 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX530) and an APS-C (X2) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 15.9 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 16.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon SX530		Leica X2
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5		36mm f/2.8
15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor		16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video		no Video
ISO 100-3,200		ISO 100-12,500
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 461k dots		2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.6 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
210 shots per battery charge		450 shots per battery charge
120 x 82 x 92 mm, 442 g		124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS and the Leica X2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX530 and the Leica X2 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the SX530 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X2 is notably smaller (13 percent) than the Canon SX530. Moreover, the X2 is markedly lighter (22 percent) than the SX530. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX530 nor the X2 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the SX530 gets 210 shots out of its Canon NB-6LH battery, while the X2 can take 450 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC8 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Canon SX530	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	210	n	Jan 2015	US$ 429	ebay.com
2.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 1200D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	US$ 449	ebay.com
4.		Canon 1300D	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	485 g	500	n	Mar 2016	US$ 449	ebay.com
5.		Canon 4000D	129 mm	102 mm	77 mm	436 g	500	n	Feb 2018	US$ 399	amazon.com
6.		Canon G1 X	117 mm	81 mm	65 mm	534 g	250	n	Jan 2012	US$ 799	ebay.com
7.		Canon M10	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	301 g	255	n	Oct 2015	US$ 499	ebay.com
8.		Canon SX60	128 mm	93 mm	114 mm	650 g	340	n	Sep 2014	US$ 549	ebay.com
9.		Canon SX520	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	441 g	210	n	Jul 2014	US$ 399	ebay.com
10.		Canon SX540	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	205	n	Jan 2016	US$ 399	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X100T	127 mm	74 mm	52 mm	440 g	330	n	Sep 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
12.		Leica T	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Apr 2014	US$ 1 849	ebay.com
13.		Leica TL	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Nov 2016	US$ 1 695	ebay.com
14.		Leica X1	124 mm	60 mm	32 mm	306 g	260	n	Sep 2009	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
15.		Leica X Vario	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	US$ 2 849	ebay.com
16.		Leica X Typ 113	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SX530 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 79 percent) than the X2, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX530 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Leica X2 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X2 is 1221 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the SX530 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X2 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 16.1MP, the X2 offers a higher resolution than the SX530 (15.9MP), but the X2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 1.33μm for the SX530) due to its larger sensor. However, the SX530 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 7 months) than the X2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX530 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Canon PowerShot SX530 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X2 are ISO 100 to ISO 12500 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the SX530 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the X2 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon SX530	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	20.2	11.6	712	47
2.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
3.		Canon 1200D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
4.		Canon 1300D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.0	11.7	781	66
5.		Canon 4000D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.4	695	63
6.		Canon G1 X	1.5-inch	14.2	4352	3264	1080/24p	21.7	10.8	644	60
7.		Canon M10	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.2	11.4	753	65
8.		Canon SX60	1/2.3	14.2	4608	3072	1080/60p	19.2	10.8	127	39
9.		Canon SX520	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	20.1	11.5	672	46
10.		Canon SX540	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.3	11.7	806	48
11.		Fujifilm X100T	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.6	12.8	1483	78
12.		Leica T	APS-C	16.2	4944	3278	1080/30p	23.0	12.7	1082	75
13.		Leica TL	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.9	13.2	1690	81
14.		Leica X1	APS-C	12.2	4272	2856	none	22.6	11.8	1037	69
15.		Leica X Vario	APS-C	16.1	4928	3272	1080/30p	23.4	12.7	1320	78
16.		Leica X Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	12.8	1491	78
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The SX530 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the SX530 can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The SX530 and the X2 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SX530 and Leica X2 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon SX530	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.6/s	Y	Y
2.		Leica X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon 1200D	optical	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
4.		Canon 1300D	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
5.		Canon 4000D	optical	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
6.		Canon G1 X	optical	n	3.0 / 922	swivel	n	1/4000s	1.9/s	Y	Y
7.		Canon M10	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.6/s	Y	n
8.		Canon SX60	922	n	3.0 / 922	swivel	n	1/2000s	6.4/s	Y	Y
9.		Canon SX520	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.6/s	Y	Y
10.		Canon SX540	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.9/s	Y	Y
11.		Fujifilm X100T	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
12.		Leica T	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
13.		Leica TL	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
14.		Leica X1	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	3.0/s	Y	n
15.		Leica X Vario	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
16.		Leica X Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The SX530 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X2 comes with a built-in prime. The SX530 has a 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 optic and the X2 offers a 36mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Leica. The X2 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The SX530 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X2 uses SDHC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS and Leica X2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon SX530	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Leica X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon 1200D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon 1300D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon 4000D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon G1 X	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon M10	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon SX60	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon SX520	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon SX540	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Fujifilm X100T	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Leica T	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Leica TL	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
14.		Leica X1	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Leica X Vario	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Leica X Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the SX530 offers wifi support, while the X2 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both the SX530 and the X2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The SX530 was replaced by the Canon SX540, while the X2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the SX530 and X2 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX530 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X2 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon SX530 or the Leica X2 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (461k vs 230k dots).
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (79 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 7 months of technical progress since the X2 launch.

Advantages of the Leica X2:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 1.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.4).
• More compact: Is smaller (124x69mm vs 120x82mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 97g or 22 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in May 2012).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X2 is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 10 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX530 and the Leica X2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SX530 and the X2 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Canon SX530	..	+ +	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	US$ 429	ebay.com
2.		Leica X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 1200D	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	US$ 449	ebay.com
4.		Canon 1300D	4/5	o	4/5	73/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2016	US$ 449	ebay.com
5.		Canon 4000D	2.5/5	o	3/5	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	US$ 399	amazon.com
6.		Canon G1 X	5/5	+	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	US$ 799	ebay.com
7.		Canon M10	..	..	..	..	..	4/5	Oct 2015	US$ 499	ebay.com
8.		Canon SX60	3/5	+ +	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	US$ 549	ebay.com
9.		Canon SX520	..	+	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Jul 2014	US$ 399	ebay.com
10.		Canon SX540	..	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2016	US$ 399	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm X100T	5/5	+	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
12.		Leica T	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Apr 2014	US$ 1 849	ebay.com
13.		Leica TL	..	..	..	..	..	4/5	Nov 2016	US$ 1 695	ebay.com
14.		Leica X1	3/5	..	..	+	..	4/5	Sep 2009	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
15.		Leica X Vario	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	US$ 2 849	ebay.com
16.		Leica X Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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