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Leica X1 vs Panasonic G10

The Leica X1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2009 and March 2010. The X1 is a fixed lens compact, while the G10 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X1) and a Four Thirds (G10) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 12.2 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 X1
versus
Panasonic G10
Leica X1   Panasonic G10
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
36mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
12.2 MP – APS-C sensor 12 MP – Four Thirds sensor
no Video 720/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 ISO 100-6,400
No viewfinder, LCD framing Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 2.6 shutter flaps per second
260 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
124 x 60 x 32 mm, 306 g 124 x 84 x 74 mm, 388 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica X1 and the Panasonic G10. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G10 is only available in black.

Size Leica X1 vs Panasonic G10
Compare X1 versus G10 top
Comparison X1 or G10 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G10 is notably larger (40 percent) than the Leica X1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X1 nor the G10 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 G10 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 G10 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X1 gets 260 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the G10 can take 380 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLB13 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 118 mm 66 mm 55 mm 405 g 300 n Sep 2014 US$ 1 195ebay.com
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 US$ 549ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 US$ 549ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica X1 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic G10 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G10 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the X1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G10 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica X1 and Panasonic G10 sensor measures

With 12.2MP, the X1 offers a slightly higher resolution than the G10 (12MP), but the X1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.51μm versus 4.33μm for the G10) due to its larger sensor. However, the G10 is a somewhat more recent model (by 5 months) than the X1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The Leica X1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (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.

X1 versus G10 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 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.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
2.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
3.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
4.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.412.160767
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
9.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
11.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
12.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
13.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
14.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
15.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
16.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
17.
 
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.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The G10 indeed provides for movie recording, while the X1 does not. The highest resolution format that the G10 can use is 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the G10 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica X1 and Panasonic G10 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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 X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
3.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 1092764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic G11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
17.
 
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.

The X1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the G10 uses SDXC 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 X1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 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 X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---

Both the X1 and the G10 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X1 was replaced by the Leica X2, while the G10 was followed by the Panasonic G3. Further information on the features and operation of the X1 and G10 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic G10 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica X1 better than the Panasonic G10 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 Leica X1:

  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 2.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the G10 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x60mm vs 124x84mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the G10).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2009).

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10:

  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic 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 (460k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (380 versus 260) out of a single battery charge.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (5 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X1 emerges as the winner of the contest (10 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X1 10:08 G10

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X1 and the Panasonic G10 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 X1 and the G10 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.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts 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.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 1 195ebay.com
6.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
7.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 US$ 699ebay.com
8.
 
Leica V-LUX 2............ Sep 2010 US$ 849ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 US$ 549ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 549ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, 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

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, 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: Leica X1 vs Panasonic G10

    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 X1 Panasonic G10
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 36mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date September 2009 March 2010
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 499
    Sensor Specs Leica X1 Panasonic G10
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4272 x 2856 pixels 4000 x 3000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.51 μm 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 3.30 MP/cm2 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 52
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 10.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 411
    Screen Specs Leica X1 Panasonic G10
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.52x
    Viewfinder Resolution 202k dots
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica X1 Panasonic G10
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 2.6 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Leica X1 Panasonic G10
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Leica X1 Panasonic G10
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Panasonic DMW-BLB13
    Battery Life (CIPA)260 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 60 x 32 mm
    (4.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    124 x 84 x 74 mm
    (4.9 x 3.3 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 306 g (10.8 oz) 388 g (13.7 oz)
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