Leica X Typ 113 vs Panasonic FZ200

The Leica X (Typ 113) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2014 and July 2012. Both the X Typ 113 and the FZ200 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an APS-C (X Typ 113) and a 1/2.3-inch (FZ200) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Leica X Typ 113		Panasonic FZ200
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
35mm f/1.7		25-600mm f/2.8
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor		12 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-12,500		ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 6,400)
Viewfinder optional		Electronic viewfinder (1312k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots		3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
350 shots per battery charge		540 shots per battery charge
133 x 73 x 78 mm, 486 g		125 x 87 x 110 mm, 588 g

Check X Typ 113 offers at
ebay.com
Check FZ200 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X (Typ 113) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200? 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

The physical size and weight of the Leica X Typ 113 and the Panasonic FZ200 are illustrated 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 width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X Typ 113 can be obtained in three different colors (black, brown, white), while the FZ200 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 Panasonic FZ200 is notably larger (12 percent) than the Leica X Typ 113. Moreover, the FZ200 is markedly heavier (21 percent) than the X Typ 113. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X Typ 113 nor the FZ200 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the X Typ 113 gets 350 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the FZ200 can take 540 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.		Leica X Typ 113	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	EUR 1 849	ebay.com
2.		Panasonic FZ200	125 mm	87 mm	110 mm	588 g	540	n	Jul 2012	EUR 599	ebay.com
3.		Canon SX60	128 mm	93 mm	114 mm	650 g	340	n	Sep 2014	EUR 529	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX530	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	210	n	Jan 2015	EUR 379	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X100S	127 mm	74 mm	54 mm	445 g	330	n	Jan 2013	EUR 1 199	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X100T	127 mm	74 mm	52 mm	440 g	330	n	Sep 2014	EUR 1 199	ebay.com
7.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	118 mm	66 mm	55 mm	405 g	300	n	Sep 2014	EUR 995	ebay.com
8.		Leica V-LUX 2	124 mm	80 mm	95 mm	520 g	410	n	Sep 2010	EUR 749	ebay.com
9.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
10.		Leica X Vario	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	EUR 2 449	ebay.com
11.		Nikon L840	113 mm	78 mm	96 mm	538 g	590	n	Feb 2015	EUR 259	ebay.com
12.		Panasonic FZ100	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	540 g	410	n	Jul 2010	EUR 529	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic FZ150	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	528 g	410	n	Aug 2011	EUR 529	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic FZ330	132 mm	92 mm	117 mm	691 g	380	Y	Jul 2015	EUR 449	amazon.com
15.		Panasonic LX7	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Jul 2012	EUR 529	ebay.com
16.		Sony H200	123 mm	83 mm	87 mm	530 g	240	n	Jan 2013	EUR 249	ebay.com
17.		Sony RX1R	113 mm	65 mm	70 mm	482 g	270	n	Jun 2013	EUR 3 099	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 obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The FZ200 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 74 percent) than the X Typ 113, 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. 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica X Typ 113 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic FZ200 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the FZ200 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 5.6. The sensor in the X Typ 113 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the FZ200 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 16.1MP, the X Typ 113 offers a higher resolution than the FZ200 (12MP), but the X Typ 113 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 1.53μm for the FZ200) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X Typ 113 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 1 month) than the FZ200, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the FZ200 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica X Typ 113 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X Typ 113 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic FZ200 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica X (Typ 113) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.

In terms of underlying technology, the X Typ 113 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the FZ200 uses a BSI-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 determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Leica X Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	12.8	1491	78
2.		Panasonic FZ200	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.1	10.8	114	37
3.		Canon SX60	1/2.3	14.2	4608	3072	1080/60p	19.2	10.8	127	39
4.		Canon SX530	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	20.2	11.6	712	47
5.		Fujifilm X100S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.3	12.5	1329	75
6.		Fujifilm X100T	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.6	12.8	1483	78
7.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	Four Thirds	12.7	4112	3088	4K/30p	22.4	12.1	607	67
8.		Leica V-LUX 2	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	1080/60i	19.4	10.7	321	39
9.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
10.		Leica X Vario	APS-C	16.1	4928	3272	1080/30p	23.4	12.7	1320	78
11.		Nikon L840	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60i	20.2	11.6	721	47
12.		Panasonic FZ100	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	1080/60i	19.4	10.7	306	39
13.		Panasonic FZ150	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.4	10.9	132	40
14.		Panasonic FZ330	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	4K/30p	19.3	11.0	97	38
15.		Panasonic LX7	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	20.7	11.7	147	50
16.		Sony H200	1/2.3	15.2	5184	2930	720/30p	19.9	11.2	529	44
17.		Sony RX1R	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	25.0	13.6	2537	91
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the FZ200 provides a faster frame rate than the X Typ 113. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Leica is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the FZ200 has an electronic viewfinder (1312k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X Typ 113 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X Typ 113 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the Visoflex (Typ 020). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica X Typ 113, the Panasonic FZ200, and comparable 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.		Leica X Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
2.		Panasonic FZ200	1312	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
3.		Canon SX60	922	n	3.0 / 922	swivel	n	1/2000s	6.4/s	Y	Y
4.		Canon SX530	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/2000s	1.6/s	Y	Y
5.		Fujifilm X100S	2360	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X100T	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
7.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	2764	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	n	Y
8.		Leica V-LUX 2	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
9.		Leica X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
10.		Leica X Vario	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
11.		Nikon L840	none	n	3.0 / 921	tilting	n	1/4000s	7.4/s	Y	Y
12.		Panasonic FZ100	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
13.		Panasonic FZ150	202	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/2000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
14.		Panasonic FZ330	1440	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Panasonic LX7	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Sony H200	none	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/1500s	0.8/s	Y	Y
17.		Sony RX1R	optional	n	3.0 / 1229	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The FZ200 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X Typ 113 comes with a built-in prime. The FZ200 has a 25-600mm f/2.8-2.8 optic and the X Typ 113 offers a 35mm f/1.7 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Panasonic 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 X Typ 113 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X Typ 113 and the FZ200 write their files to SDXC cards. The FZ200 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the X Typ 113 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 Leica X (Typ 113) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 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.		Leica X Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Panasonic FZ200	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon SX60	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon SX530	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Fujifilm X100S	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X100T	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Leica V-LUX 2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Leica X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Leica X Vario	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon L840	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Panasonic FZ100	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Panasonic FZ150	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Panasonic FZ330	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Panasonic LX7	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony H200	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony RX1R	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the FZ200 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The X Typ 113 does not feature such a mic input.

Both the X Typ 113 and the FZ200 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The FZ200 was replaced by the Panasonic FZ300, while the X Typ 113 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X Typ 113 and FZ200 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X Typ 113 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic FZ200 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Leica X Typ 113 or the Panasonic FZ200 – 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.

Arguments in favor of the Leica X (Typ 113):

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.1 vs 12MP) with a 18% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 460k dots).
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/2.8).
• More compact: Is smaller (133x73mm vs 125x87mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 102g or 17 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the FZ200 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (540 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (74 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in July 2012).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the FZ200 emerges as the winner of the match-up (14 : 12 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X Typ 113 and the Panasonic FZ200 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best Superzoom 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X Typ 113 or the FZ200 perform in practice. 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 where reviews by experts come in. 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.		Leica X Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2014	EUR 1 849	ebay.com
2.		Panasonic FZ200	3/5	+ +	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	EUR 599	ebay.com
3.		Canon SX60	3/5	+ +	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	EUR 529	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX530	..	+ +	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	EUR 379	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X100S	5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	EUR 1 199	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X100T	5/5	+	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	EUR 1 199	ebay.com
7.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	EUR 995	ebay.com
8.		Leica V-LUX 2	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2010	EUR 749	ebay.com
9.		Leica X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
10.		Leica X Vario	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	EUR 2 449	ebay.com
11.		Nikon L840	..	+ +	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	EUR 259	ebay.com
12.		Panasonic FZ100	..	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	EUR 529	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic FZ150	3/5	+ +	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	EUR 529	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic FZ330	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2015	EUR 449	amazon.com
15.		Panasonic LX7	3/5	+ +	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	EUR 529	ebay.com
16.		Sony H200	..	..	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Jan 2013	EUR 249	ebay.com
17.		Sony RX1R	5/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	EUR 3 099	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. 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. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

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