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Canon T7 vs Leica X1

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 (called Canon 2000D in some regions) and the Leica X1 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2018 and September 2009. The T7 is a DSLR, while the X1 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 12.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon T7
versus
Leica X1
Canon T7   Leica X1
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses 36mm f/2.8
24 MP – APS-C sensor 12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800) ISO 100-3,200
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge260 shots per battery charge
129 x 101 x 78 mm, 475 g 124 x 60 x 32 mm, 306 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel T7 and the Leica X1? 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon T7 and the Leica X1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the T7 is only available in black.

Size Canon T7 vs Leica X1
Compare T7 versus X1 top
Comparison T7 or X1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X1 is considerably smaller (43 percent) than the Canon T7. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the T7 nor the X1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X1 has a lens built in, whereas the T7 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the T7 and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the T7 gets 500 shots out of its Canon LP-E10 battery, while the X1 can take 260 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. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon T7 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 475 g 500 n Feb 2018 US$ 449 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 77D 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 540 g 600 n Feb 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SL2 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 453 g 650 n Jun 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL3 122 mm 93 mm 70 mm 449 g 1070 n Apr 2019 US$ 599 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon T3 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T5 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T6 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 US$ 449ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T7i 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 532 g 600 n Feb 2017 US$ 749ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T100 129 mm 102 mm 77 mm 436 g 500 n Feb 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
13.
 
Fujifilm X100 126 mm 75 mm 54 mm 445 g 300 n Sep 2010 US$ 1 199ebay.com
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
15.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

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. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the X1 is 11 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (T7) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon T7 and Leica X1 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon T7 offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 12.2 MP of the Leica X1. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.72μm versus 5.51μm for the X1). However, it should be noted that the T7 is much more recent (by 8 years and 5 months) than the X1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Canon T7 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the T7 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X1 are 21.4 x 14.3 inches or 54.3 x 36.3 cm for good quality, 17.1 x 11.4 inches or 43.4 x 29 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.5 inches or 36.2 x 24.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X1 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

T7 versus X1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon T7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p23.813.3168481
2.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
3.
 
Canon 77D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.397178
4.
 
Canon SL2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.4104179
5.
 
Canon SL3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/25p23.913.4179182
6.
 
Canon T3 APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
7.
 
Canon T5 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
8.
 
Canon T6 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
9.
 
Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
10.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
11.
 
Canon T7i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.1158680
12.
 
Canon T100 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.469563
13.
 
Fujifilm X100 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/30p22.912.4100173
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
15.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
16.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
17.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
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 also of capturing video footage. The T7 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X1 does not. The highest resolution format that the T7 can use is 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the T7 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon T7, the Leica X1, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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 T7optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 77Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon SL2optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon SL3optical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon T3optical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon T5optical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon T6optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon T6ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Canon T7ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Canon T100optical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Fujifilm X1001440 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
15.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The T7 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X1 uses SDHC cards.

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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 EOS Rebel T7 and Leica X1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon T7Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
2.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 77DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon SL2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
5.
 
Canon SL3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Canon T3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon T5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon T6Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon T6iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
11.
 
Canon T7iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
12.
 
Canon T100Ymono / mono--mini2.0YY-
13.
 
Fujifilm X100Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---

It is notable that the T7 offers wifi support, while the X1 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The T7 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the X1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X1 was succeeded by the Leica X2. Further information on the features and operation of the T7 and X1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon T7 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon T7 better than the Leica X1 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel T7:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 12.2MP) with a 40% higher linear resolution.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • 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 (920k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
  • 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 modern: Reflects 8 years and 5 months of technical progress since the X1 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Leica X1:

  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the T7 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x60mm vs 129x101mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the T7).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2009).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the T7 is the clear winner of the match-up (11 : 5 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

T7 11:05 X1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon T7 and the Leica X1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the T7 or the X1. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon T7..o3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 449 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 77D4.5/5..4/582/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SL24/5+ +4/578/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL34/5o4.5/579/1004/54/5 Apr 2019 US$ 599 amazon.com
6.
 
Canon T3..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T53/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T64/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 US$ 449ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T6i5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T7i4.5/5..3.5/580/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 US$ 749ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T100..o3/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 US$ 399 amazon.com
13.
 
Fujifilm X1003/5....75/1004/55/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 199ebay.com
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
15.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. 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 would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. 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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    Specifications: Canon T7 vs Leica X1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon T7 Leica X1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses 36mm f/2.8
    Launch Date February 2018 September 2009
    Launch Price USD 449 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Canon T7 Leica X1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 332.27 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.8 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 4272 x 2856 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.72 μm 5.51 μm
    Pixel Density 7.22 MP/cm2 3.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 12,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Screen Specs Canon T7 Leica X1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.50x
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon T7 Leica X1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon T7 Leica X1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Canon T7 Leica X1
    Battery Type Canon LP-E10 Leica BP-DC8
    Battery Life (CIPA)500 shots per charge260 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 129 x 101 x 78 mm
    (5.1 x 4.0 x 3.1 in)
    124 x 60 x 32 mm
    (4.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 475 g (16.8 oz) 306 g (10.8 oz)
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