Leica X Camera: The Ultimate Photography Experience

Leica X is a high-quality camera that combines innovation and tradition to provide an exceptional photography experience. Known for its compact size, great lens quality, and ease of use, this camera is perfect for both beginners and professionals. In this blog, we will delve deep into the features of the Leica X camera and learn how to use it to capture stunning pictures.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Leica X article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 23 2014

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandLeica
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight486g
MSRP$1995USD

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Overview of the X

Whether you are an amateur photographer or a professional, finding the right camera can be daunting. The Leica X camera is known for its high-quality features, including a 16.5-megapixel APS-C sensor, fast autofocus system, and exceptional lens quality. It also boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to navigate. In this blog, we will discuss the various features of the Leica X camera and how it can help you capture stunning shots. Whether you're traveling, capturing scenic landscapes, or taking portraits, Leica X is the ultimate choice for any photography enthusiast.

Leica X Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Leica X camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-quality photos
Compact design
Large APS-C sensor
Easy to use
High-resolution LCD screen

Cons

Limited lens options
Expensive
No image stabilization
Slow autofocus
No built-in flash.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Leica X

Weather sealed
Dimensions133 x 73 x 78mm
Weight486g
Thickness78mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Leica X is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution920k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 920k dots. This makes the Leica X not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Leica X does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the X camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Leica X has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Leica X has a native ISO range of 100 - 12500 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Sep 23 2014

Announced

100 - 12500

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4928 x 3264 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Leica X camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the X is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD, SDHC, SDXC
Battery Life350 shots
Battery ModelBP-DC8
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Leica X supports SD, SDHC, SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Leica X uses the BP-DC8 model of battery pack. This is rated for 350 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Leica X has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Leica X boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

Leica X does not have autofocus (AF)

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Leica X?

The Leica X features a CMOS sensor

Is the Leica X weather sealed?

No the X does not have weather sealing.

When was the Leica X announced?

The Leica X was announced on Sep 23 2014

Does the Leica X have in-body image stabilization?

No the X does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Leica X?

The X has a native ISO range of 100-12500, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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