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Leica X Vario vs Nikon D100

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Nikon D100 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in June 2013 and February 2002. The X Vario is a fixed lens compact, while the D100 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 6 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica X Vario
versus
Nikon D100
Leica X Vario   Nikon D100
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 Nikon F mount lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 6 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 200-800 (200 - 1,600)
Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 1.8" LCD – 118k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
133 x 73 x 95 mm, 680 g 144 x 116 x 81 mm, 780 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Nikon D100? 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

The physical size and weight of the Leica X Vario and the Nikon D100 are illustrated 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 X Vario can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D100 is only available in black.

Size Leica X Vario vs Nikon D100
Compare X Vario versus D100 top
Comparison X Vario or D100 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D100 is considerably larger (72 percent) than the Leica X Vario. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X Vario nor the D100 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X Vario has a lens built in, whereas the D100 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 D100 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X Vario gets 450 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the D100 can take 370 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL3 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

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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.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D100 144 mm 116 mm 81 mm 780 g 370 n Feb 2002 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 10D 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 850 g 500 n Feb 2003 US$ 1 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
5.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 n Aug 2006 US$ 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 n Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D200 147 mm 113 mm 74 mm 920 g 400 Y Nov 2005 US$ 1 699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
16.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 799ebay.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 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. 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. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica X Vario and Nikon D100 sensor measures

With 16.1MP, the X Vario offers a higher resolution than the D100 (6MP), but the X Vario has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 7.85μm for the D100). However, the X Vario is a much more recent model (by 11 years and 3 months) than the D100, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Leica X Vario implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X Vario for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.6 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 27.7 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D100 are 15 x 10 inches or 38.2 x 25.4 cm for good quality, 12 x 8 inches or 30.6 x 20.3 cm for very good quality, and 10 x 6.7 inches or 25.5 x 16.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D100 are ISO 200 to ISO 800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 200-1600.

In terms of underlying technology, the X Vario is build around a CMOS sensor, while the D100 uses a CCD 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.

X Vario versus D100 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
2.
 
Nikon D100 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.49.939448
3.
 
Canon 10D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.110.957157
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
5.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
6.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
9.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
10.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.111.252461
11.
 
Nikon D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
12.
 
Nikon D200 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.558364
13.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
14.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
15.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
16.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
17.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
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 X Vario indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D100 does not. The highest resolution format that the X Vario can use is 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D100 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X Vario relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X Vario can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica X Vario, the Nikon D100, 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.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Nikon D100optical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 10Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D80optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D90optical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D200optical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
15.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
17.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 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.

One feature that is present on the D100, but is missing on the X Vario is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The X Vario writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D100 uses Compact Flash 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 Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and Nikon D100 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.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D100Y- / ----1.1---
3.
 
Canon 10DY- / ----1.1---
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
6.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---
9.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D80Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D90Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D200Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
17.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---

Both the X Vario and the D100 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D100 was replaced by the Nikon D200, while the X Vario does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X Vario and D100 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X Vario Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D100 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X Vario and the Nikon D100? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica X Vario (Typ 107):

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.1 vs 6MP) with a 64% higher linear resolution.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 118k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the D100 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (133x73mm vs 144x116mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the D100).
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (450 versus 370) on a single battery charge.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 11 years and 3 months of technical progress since the D100 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D100:

  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2002).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X Vario is the clear winner of the match-up (12 : 5 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.

X Vario 12:05 D100

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X Vario and the Nikon D100 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X Vario and the D100 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D100......+ +o.. Feb 2002 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 10D......+ +.... Feb 2003 US$ 1 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
5.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 US$ 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D200..+ +..+ +o.. Nov 2005 US$ 1 699ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
16.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 799ebay.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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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 make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Leica X Vario vs Nikon D100

    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 Leica X Vario Nikon D100
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2013 February 2002
    Launch Price USD 2,849 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Leica X Vario Nikon D100
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 6 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3272 pixels 3008 x 2000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 7.85 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2 1.63 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 200 - 800 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 200 - 1,600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 78 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.4 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.7 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1320 ..
    Screen Specs Leica X Vario Nikon D100
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 1.8inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 118k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica X Vario Nikon D100
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Leica X Vario Nikon D100
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 1.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Leica X Vario Nikon D100
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Nikon EN-EL3
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 133 x 73 x 95 mm
    (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in)
    144 x 116 x 81 mm
    (5.7 x 4.6 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 680 g (24.0 oz) 780 g (27.5 oz)
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