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Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario Comparison

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Leica X2

16 MP | APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica X2
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Leica X Vario

16 MP | APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica X Vario
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Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing X2 and X Vario, two Large Sensor Compact cameras by Leica. Both Leica X2 and Leica X Vario cameras have 16.0MP APS-C sensors. Leica X2 was introduced to market in May 2012 and Leica X Vario was launched in June 2013. There is 13 months difference between X2 and X Vario so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger X Vario, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Leica X2 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-05-10
  • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • 36 mm f2.80 Prime Lens
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • No Video Mode
  • 345g. 124 x 69 x 52 mm
  • Replaced Leica X1 Compare

Leica X Vario Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2013-06-11
  • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • 28-70 mm F3.5-6.4 Zoom Lens
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 680g. 133 x 73 x 95 mm
  • Replaced Leica X2 Compare

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Leica X2 and Leica X Vario compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Leica X2 over Leica X Vario
Weight
345 g vs 680 g 335 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.50 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
2.80 vs 6.40 faster lens at tele


Reasons to choose Leica X Vario over Leica X2
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
920k dots vs 230k dots 300% higher resolution screen
Focal Length - Wide
28mm vs 36mm 8 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
70mm vs 36mm 34 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
2.5× vs 1× more flexible focal coverage
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs None Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing
Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR

Common Strengths of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Electronic (Optional) vs Electronic (Optional) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Common Weaknesses of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario
In-body Image Stabilization
No vs No No Built-in stabilization
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Leica X2 and Leica X Vario side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Leica X2 has external dimensions of 124 x 69 x 52 mm (4.88 x 2.72 x 2.05″) and weighs 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz) (including batteries). Leica X Vario has external dimensions of 133 x 73 x 95 mm (5.24 x 2.87 x 3.74″) and weighs 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario. Leica X2 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 9mm narrower, 4mm shorter and 43mm thinner than Leica X Vario.

Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario.

Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario.
Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica X2 is significantly lighter (335g ) than the Leica X Vario which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

X2
X Vario
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

X2
X Vario
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Leica X2 nor Leica X Vario provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica X Vario's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Leica X2's 2.7" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario: Sensor Comparison

Both Leica X2 and Leica X Vario have APS-C sized 16.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the X2 and X Vario sensor size comparison.

Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica X2 and Leica X Vario Cameras


Leica X2 and Leica X Vario have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario Lens Specs Comparison

Leica X2 features a 36 mm F2.8 Prime lens whereas Leica X Vario features a 28-70 mm F3.5-6.4 2.5× zoom lens.

It is not easy to compare a prime lens with a zoom lens. Leica X Vario's zoom lens provides a great flexibility compared to Leica X2's 36mm fixed focal length lens. On the other hand, X2's prime lens makes it a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens. On the tele end, Leica X Vario has 34mm longer telezoom reach than the Leica X2. However, with a max aperture of f2.80, Leica X2 is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X2
X Vario
Widest - Canon G1 X II
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X2
X Vario
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X2
X Vario
Fastest - Leica Q
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

X2
X Vario
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Leica X2 and Leica X Vario Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Leica X2 and Leica X Vario for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Leica X2 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Leica X Vario for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Optional External Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Optional External Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Leica X2 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Leica X Vario for Street Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
Optional External Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
36 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Optional External Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
Read the details

Leica X2 for Sports Photography

POOR

Leica X Vario for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
11 Focus Points
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
36 mm Tele Lens
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
11 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No Image Stabilization
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
70 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Leica X2 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Leica X Vario for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
345g
Body Thickness 52mm
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
680g
Body Thickness 95mm
2.5X Optical Zoom
Read the details

Leica X2 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Leica X Vario for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
36 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Leica X2 vs Leica X Vario: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Leica X2 and Leica X Vario, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Leica X2 and Leica X Vario scores compare:

Leica X2
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #48 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #501 out of 1226 in all Cameras
Leica X Vario
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #41 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #379 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Leica X Vario is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Leica X2 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Leica X2. Otherwise, Leica X Vario is the better camera overall.

Leica X2
Leica X2
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Leica X Vario
Leica X Vario
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Leica X Vario vs Leica X2 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Leica X2 Leica X Vario
Brand Leica Leica
Announced 2012-05-10 2013-06-11
Body Type Large sensor compact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size APS-C APS-C
Dimensions 23.6 x 15.8 mm 23.6 x 15.8 mm
Area 372.88mm2 372.88mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4928 x 3264 4928 x 3272
Max Native Light sensitivity 12,500 ISO 12,500 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 36 mm (1×) 28-70 mm (2.5×)
Max Aperture F2.8 F3.5-6.4
Macro Focus Range 30cm n/a
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.7" 3"
Resolution 230k dots 920k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic (optional) Electronic (optional)
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization No No
Built-in Flash
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps 5.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution None 1920 x 1080
Video Formats n/a MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 345g 680g
Dimensions 124 x 69 x 52mm 133 x 73 x 95mm
Battery Life 450 shots 450 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 78
DxO Color Depth not tested 23.4
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 12.7
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 1320
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