Leica X2 vs Nikon D70

The Leica X2 and the Nikon D70 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in May 2012 and January 2004. The X2 is a fixed lens compact, while the D70 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 X2		Nikon D70
Fixed lens compact camera		Digital single lens reflex
36mm f/2.8		Nikon F mount lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor		6 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video		no Video
ISO 100-12,500		ISO 200-1,600
Viewfinder optional		Optical viewfinder
2.7" LCD – 230k dots		1.8" LCD – 130k 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 charge		400 shots per battery charge
124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g		140 x 111 x 78 mm, 679 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X2 and the Nikon D70? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica X2 and the Nikon D70 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D70 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 Nikon D70 is considerably larger (82 percent) than the Leica X2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X2 nor the D70 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X2 has a lens built in, whereas the D70 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 D70 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X2 gets 450 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the D70 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL3 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
2.		Nikon D70	140 mm	111 mm	78 mm	679 g	400	n	Jan 2004	EUR 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 300D	142 mm	99 mm	72 mm	649 g	400	n	Aug 2003	EUR 1 095	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX500	104 mm	70 mm	80 mm	341 g	195	n	Aug 2012	EUR 319	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX510	104 mm	70 mm	80 mm	349 g	250	n	Aug 2013	EUR 329	ebay.com
6.		Leica D-LUX 6	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Sep 2012	EUR 699	ebay.com
7.		Leica D-LUX 7	115 mm	66 mm	65 mm	392 g	300	n	Nov 2018	EUR 1 149	ebay.com
8.		Leica T	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Apr 2014	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
9.		Leica TL	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Nov 2016	EUR 1 649	ebay.com
10.		Leica X1	124 mm	60 mm	32 mm	306 g	260	n	Sep 2009	EUR 1 549	ebay.com
11.		Leica X Vario	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	EUR 2 449	ebay.com
12.		Leica X Typ 113	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	EUR 1 849	ebay.com
13.		Nikon Coolpix A	111 mm	64 mm	40 mm	299 g	230	n	Mar 2013	EUR 1 099	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D50	133 mm	102 mm	76 mm	620 g	400	n	Apr 2005	EUR 749	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D70s	140 mm	111 mm	78 mm	679 g	500	n	Apr 2005	EUR 949	ebay.com
16.		Nikon D80	132 mm	103 mm	77 mm	668 g	600	n	Aug 2006	EUR 969	ebay.com
17.		Nikon D100	144 mm	116 mm	81 mm	780 g	370	n	Feb 2002	EUR 2 499	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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 and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the X2 offers a higher resolution of 16.1 megapixels, compared with 6 MP of the D70. This megapixels advantage translates into a 64 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the X2 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 7.85μm for the D70). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the X2 is much more recent (by 8 years and 3 months) than the D70, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The resolution advantage of the Leica X2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X2 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 Nikon D70 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 X2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D70 are ISO 200 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the X2 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the D70 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.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
2.		Nikon D70	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.4	10.3	529	50
3.		Canon 300D	APS-C	6.3	3072	2048	none	21.0	10.8	544	55
4.		Canon SX500	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	720/30p	19.8	11.1	494	43
5.		Canon SX510	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/24p	20.0	11.3	586	45
6.		Leica D-LUX 6	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	19.8	10.8	-303	43
7.		Leica D-LUX 7	Four Thirds	16.8	4736	3552	4K/30p	22.9	12.8	1002	72
8.		Leica T	APS-C	16.2	4944	3278	1080/30p	23.0	12.7	1082	75
9.		Leica TL	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.9	13.2	1690	81
10.		Leica X1	APS-C	12.2	4272	2856	none	22.6	11.8	1037	69
11.		Leica X Vario	APS-C	16.1	4928	3272	1080/30p	23.4	12.7	1320	78
12.		Leica X Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	12.8	1491	78
13.		Nikon Coolpix A	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.4	13.8	1164	80
14.		Nikon D50	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.9	10.8	560	55
15.		Nikon D70s	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.4	10.3	529	50
16.		Nikon D80	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.1	11.2	524	61
17.		Nikon D100	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.4	9.9	394	48
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D70 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica X2 and Nikon D70 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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 X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
2.		Nikon D70	optical	n	1.8 / 130	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon 300D	optical	n	1.8 / 118	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
4.		Canon SX500	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/1600s	0.8/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX510	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/1600s	3.8/s	Y	Y
6.		Leica D-LUX 6	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
7.		Leica D-LUX 7	2764	n	3.0 / 1240	fixed	Y	1/4000s	11.0/s	n	Y
8.		Leica T	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
9.		Leica TL	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
10.		Leica X1	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	3.0/s	Y	n
11.		Leica X Vario	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Leica X Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
13.		Nikon Coolpix A	optional	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/2000s	4.0/s	Y	n
14.		Nikon D50	optical	n	2.0 / 130	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	n
15.		Nikon D70s	optical	n	2.0 / 130	fixed	n	1/8000s	3.0/s	Y	n
16.		Nikon D80	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
17.		Nikon D100	optical	Y	1.8 / 118	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The X2 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the D70 uses Compact Flash 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 X2 and Nikon D70 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 X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Nikon D70	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon 300D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
4.		Canon SX500	-	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Canon SX510	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Leica D-LUX 6	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Leica D-LUX 7	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
8.		Leica T	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Leica TL	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Leica X1	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Leica X Vario	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Leica X Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon Coolpix A	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon D50	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Nikon D70s	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Nikon D80	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Nikon D100	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-

Both the X2 and the D70 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D70 was replaced by the Nikon D70s, while the X2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X2 and D70 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D70 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X2 and the Nikon D70? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Leica X2:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.1 vs 6MP) with a 64% higher linear resolution.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (2.7" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (230k vs 130k 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 D70 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (124x69mm vs 140x111mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the D70).
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (450 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.0).
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More modern: Reflects 8 years and 3 months of technical progress since the D70 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D70:

• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s 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 January 2004).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X2 is the clear winner of the match-up (11 : 4 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports 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 X2 and the Nikon D70 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X2 and the D70 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 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 X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
2.		Nikon D70	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jan 2004	EUR 999	ebay.com
3.		Canon 300D	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Aug 2003	EUR 1 095	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX500	..	+ +	..	..	4/5	4/5	Aug 2012	EUR 319	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX510	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2013	EUR 329	ebay.com
6.		Leica D-LUX 6	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Sep 2012	EUR 699	ebay.com
7.		Leica D-LUX 7	..	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	Nov 2018	EUR 1 149	ebay.com
8.		Leica T	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Apr 2014	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
9.		Leica TL	..	..	..	..	..	4/5	Nov 2016	EUR 1 649	ebay.com
10.		Leica X1	3/5	..	..	+	..	4/5	Sep 2009	EUR 1 549	ebay.com
11.		Leica X Vario	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	EUR 2 449	ebay.com
12.		Leica X Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2014	EUR 1 849	ebay.com
13.		Nikon Coolpix A	4/5	+	..	75/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	EUR 1 099	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D50	..	78/100	..	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2005	EUR 749	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D70s	..	..	..	..	..	5/5	Apr 2005	EUR 949	ebay.com
16.		Nikon D80	..	+	..	+ +	o	4.5/5	Aug 2006	EUR 969	ebay.com
17.		Nikon D100	..	..	..	+ +	o	..	Feb 2002	EUR 2 499	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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, 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 would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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