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Leica X1 Comparison Review

The Leica X1 is a fixed lens compact camera that was officially introduced in September 2009 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 12.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica X1 a good camera? The X1 has a Camera Elo of 1171. This rating puts the X1 below average of all prime lens compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the X1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Leica X1 is more than 15 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2009.

Headline Specifications
Leica X1
Fixed lens compact camera
36mm f/2.8
12.2 MP, APS-C Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 3 200
no viewfinder, LCD framing
2.7 LCD, 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second
260 shots per battery charge
124 x 60 x 32 mm, 306 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.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Leica X1 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. 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.

Leica X1 vs credit card front
X1 versus credit card top view
X1 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica X1 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.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 EUR 1 549ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 EUR 599ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 EUR 549ebay.com
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 118 mm 66 mm 55 mm 405 g 300 n Sep 2014 EUR 995ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 EUR 699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 EUR 699ebay.com
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 EUR 749ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 EUR 1 749ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 EUR 1 849ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 EUR 529ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 EUR 529ebay.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 X1 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,999. 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.

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Check X1 offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Leica X1 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 X1 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Leica X1 sensor measures

For most 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
2.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
3.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.412.160767
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
8.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
10.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
11.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the X1 does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica X1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 1092764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
11.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One convenient feature of the X1 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.

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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 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
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---

The X1 has a prime lens built in (24mm f/2.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length of 36mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic of similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the X1 can be found in the free online Leica X1 Manual or on the Leica support site.

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Expert reviews

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 X1 handle or 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. This is where reviews by experts come in. 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]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 EUR 1 549ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 EUR 599ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 EUR 549ebay.com
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 EUR 995ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 EUR 699ebay.com
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 EUR 699ebay.com
7.
 
Leica V-LUX 2............ Sep 2010 EUR 749ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 EUR 1 749ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 EUR 1 849ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 EUR 529ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 EUR 529ebay.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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check X1 offers at
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Leica X1 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the X1.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Leica X1?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica X1?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200.

Does the Leica X1 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.

Which battery does the Leica X1 use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC8 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica X1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 36mm f/2.8
    Launch Date September 2009
    Launch Price USD 1 999
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 370 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 272 x 2 856 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.51 μm
    Pixel Density 3.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3 200 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Size 2.7 inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC 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 mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)260 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 60 x 32 mm
    (4.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 306 g (10.8 oz)

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