Leica T Comparison Review
The Leica T (Typ 701) is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in April 2014 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.2 megapixel.
Is the Leica T a good camera? The T Typ 701 has a Camera Elo of 1909. This rating puts the T Typ 701 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the T Typ 701 ranks among the top 50 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.
Leica T |
---|
Mirrorless system camera |
Leica T mount lenses |
16.2 MP, APS-C Sensor |
1080/30p Video |
ISO 100 - 12 500 |
Viewfinder optional |
3.7 LCD, 1230k dots |
Fixed touchscreen |
5 shutter flaps per second |
400 shots per battery charge |
134 x 69 x 33 mm, 384 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Leica T vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica T alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica T | 134 mm | 69 mm | 33 mm | 384 g | 400 | n | Apr 2014 | EUR 1 499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon 100D | 117 mm | 91 mm | 69 mm | 407 g | 380 | n | Mar 2013 | EUR 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon M3 | 111 mm | 68 mm | 44 mm | 366 g | 250 | n | Feb 2015 | EUR 749 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon M10 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 35 mm | 301 g | 255 | n | Oct 2015 | EUR 499 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica D-LUX 8 | 130 mm | 69 mm | 62 mm | 397 g | 300 | n | Jul 2024 | EUR 1 599 | amazon.com | |
6. | Leica TL | 134 mm | 69 mm | 33 mm | 384 g | 400 | n | Nov 2016 | EUR 1 649 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica TL2 | 134 mm | 69 mm | 33 mm | 399 g | 250 | n | Jul 2017 | EUR 1 949 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica X2 | 124 mm | 69 mm | 52 mm | 345 g | 450 | n | May 2012 | EUR 1 749 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica X Vario | 133 mm | 73 mm | 95 mm | 680 g | 450 | n | Jun 2013 | EUR 2 449 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D5500 | 124 mm | 97 mm | 70 mm | 470 g | 820 | n | Jan 2015 | EUR 799 | ebay.com | |
11. | Olympus E-M10 II | 120 mm | 83 mm | 47 mm | 390 g | 320 | n | Aug 2015 | EUR 599 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica T was launched in the US market at a price of $1,849. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Leica T features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica T among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. 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 alternatives.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica T | APS-C | 16.2 | 4944 | 3278 | 1080/30p | 23.0 | 12.7 | 1082 | 75 | |
2. | Canon 100D | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 21.8 | 11.3 | 843 | 63 | |
3. | Canon M3 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 11.8 | 1169 | 72 | |
4. | Canon M10 | APS-C | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.2 | 11.4 | 753 | 65 | |
5. | Leica D-LUX 8 | Four Thirds | 16.8 | 4736 | 3552 | 4K/30p | 23.1 | 13.4 | 1557 | 75 | |
6. | Leica TL | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1690 | 81 | |
7. | Leica TL2 | APS-C | 24.1 | 6014 | 4014 | 4K/30p | 23.9 | 13.3 | 1753 | 82 | |
8. | Leica X2 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | none | 23.2 | 12.4 | 1275 | 74 | |
9. | Leica X Vario | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3272 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.7 | 1320 | 78 | |
10. | Nikon D5500 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.1 | 14.0 | 1438 | 84 | |
11. | Olympus E-M10 II | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 23.1 | 12.5 | 842 | 73 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The T Typ 701 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the T Typ 701 can use is 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica T and comparable cameras.
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. | Leica T | optional | n | 3.7 / 1230 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
2. | Canon 100D | optical | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.9/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon M3 | optional | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 4.2/s | Y | n | |
4. | Canon M10 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 4.6/s | Y | n | |
5. | Leica D-LUX 8 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1860 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
6. | Leica TL | optional | n | 3.7 / 1230 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Leica TL2 | optional | n | 3.7 / 1230 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Leica X2 | optional | n | 2.7 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
9. | Leica X Vario | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Nikon D5500 | optical | n | 3.2 / 1037 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Olympus E-M10 II | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One convenient feature of the T Typ 701 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection 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 Leica T (Typ 701) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica T | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
2. | Canon 100D | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon M3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Canon M10 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
5. | Leica D-LUX 8 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 3.0 | Y | - | Y | |
6. | Leica TL | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Leica TL2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Leica X2 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Leica X Vario | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D5500 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
11. | Olympus E-M10 II | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - |
It is notable that the T Typ 701 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
Further information on the features and operation of the T Typ 701 can be found in the free online Leica T Manual or on the Leica support site.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the T Typ 701 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica T | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Apr 2014 | EUR 1 499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon 100D | 4/5 | + | .. | 78/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2013 | EUR 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon M3 | 4/5 | o | .. | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2015 | EUR 749 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon M10 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | Oct 2015 | EUR 499 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica D-LUX 8 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jul 2024 | EUR 1 599 | amazon.com | |
6. | Leica TL | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | Nov 2016 | EUR 1 649 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica TL2 | 3.5/5 | .. | 3/5 | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jul 2017 | EUR 1 949 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica X2 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3/5 | 4/5 | May 2012 | EUR 1 749 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica X Vario | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2013 | EUR 2 449 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D5500 | 5/5 | + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2015 | EUR 799 | ebay.com | |
11. | Olympus E-M10 II | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 80/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2015 | EUR 599 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Leica T FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the T Typ 701.
What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica T based on?
The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica T?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500.
Can the Leica T be equipped with an optional viewfinder?
Yes, Leica provides the Visoflex (Typ 020) as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Leica T (Typ 701)?
Leica does not publish a shutter rating for the T Typ 701. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
Does the Leica T feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Leica T for flash photography?
The T Typ 701's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.
Which battery does the Leica T use?
The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC13 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
Camera Model | Leica T | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | |
Camera Lens | Leica T mount lenses | |
Launch Date | April 2014 | |
Launch Price | USD 1 849 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 23.6 x 15.7 mm | |
Sensor Area | 371 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.3 mm | |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | |
Sensor Resolution | 16.2 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 944 x 3 278 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 4.79 μm | |
Pixel Density | 4.37 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 12 500 ISO | |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 75 | |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 23.0 | |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 12.7 | |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1082 | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Viewfinder optional | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.7 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 1230k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 5 shutter flaps/s | |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | no | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Leica BP-DC13 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 shots per charge | |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | |
Body Dimensions |
134 x 69 x 33 mm (5.3 x 2.7 x 1.3 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 384 g (13.5 oz) |
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