Leica C-Lux Review

Name: Leica C-Lux
Brand: Leica

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Main Features

20MP - 1-inch CMOS Sensor

ISO 125 - 12800( expands to 80-25600)

24-360 mm F3.3-6.4 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

2330k dot Electronic viewfinder

10.0 fps continuous shooting

4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video

Built-in Wireless

340g. 113 x 67 x 46 mm

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Leica C-Lux Overview

Launched in June 2018 , Leica C-Lux is a 20.0MP Large sensor compact camera with a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 15.0x zoom 24-360 mm F3.3-6.4 lens.

Leica C-Lux Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Leica C-Lux has an Overall Score of 64/100 and ranked #25 out of 61 in Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #229 out of 1226 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Leica C-Lux Physical Specs

Leica C-Lux weighs 340 g (0.75 lb / 11.99 oz) and has external dimensions of 113 x 67 x 46 mm (4.45 x 2.64 x 1.81″). Considering that the average weight of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 401g, Leica C-Lux is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 46mm, it is also quite small, 9mm thinner than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Leica C-Lux

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Thickness Comparison

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Leica C-Lux

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Here is the front and top view image of Leica C-Lux with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Leica C-Lux Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Leica C-Lux, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Leica C-Lux Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Leica C-Lux with its main competitors:

Leica C-Lux Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs C-Lux	Thickness	vs C-Lux
Leica D-Lux 7 Compare	403g	63g heavier	64mm	18mm thicker
Panasonic ZS200 Compare	340g	equal weight	45mm	1mm thinner
Sony RX100 VII Compare	302g	38g lighter	43mm	3mm thinner
Leica D-Lux Typ 109 Compare	405g	65g heavier	55mm	9mm thicker
Leica V-Lux 5 Compare	812g	472g heavier	132mm	86mm thicker
Sony RX100 VI Compare	301g	39g lighter	43mm	3mm thinner
Ricoh GR III Compare	257g	83g lighter	33mm	13mm thinner
Fujifilm X100V Compare	478g	138g heavier	53mm	7mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Leica C-Lux doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Leica C-Lux Sensor and Photography Features

Leica C-Lux has a 20.0MP 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. C-Lux has a native ISO range of 125 - 12800 which can be boosted to 80-25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Leica C-Lux is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica C-Lux vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Leica C-Lux's 1-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Leica C-Lux Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Leica C-Lux Lens

Leica C-Lux features a 24-360 mm F3.3-6.4 15x zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 360mm.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

C-Lux

Widest - Canon G1 X II

Average

Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

C-Lux

Longest - Panasonic ZS200

Average

With a max aperture of f3.30 at 24mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.40.

Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

C-Lux

Fastest - Panasonic LX10

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

C-Lux

Fastest - Leica Q

Average

C-Lux is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Leica C-Lux's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Leica C-Lux LCD and Viewfinder

Leica C-Lux has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,240k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

C-Lux has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 2,330kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Leica C-Lux Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Leica C-Lux features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 LE) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Leica C-Lux's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our C-Lux. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect C-Lux to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB port.

Leica C-Lux also features USB charging capability which let's you charge your camera via a usb cable without removing the battery.

Battery

Leica C-Lux is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a battery life of 370 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 303 shots, Leica C-Lux has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Large sensor compact Cameras

Leica C-Lux

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Average

Max

Leica X Vario with its 450shots is the model with longest battery life among Large sensor compact cameras. Check the comparison of Leica C-Lux vs Leica X Vario or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

Leica C-Lux Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Leica D-Lux 7 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	Yes	No
Panasonic ZS200 Compare	3840 x 2160	370shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony RX100 VII Compare	3840 x 2160	260shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Leica D-Lux Typ 109 Compare	3840 x 2160	300shots	Yes	No	Yes
Leica V-Lux 5 Compare	3840 x 2160	360shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony RX100 VI Compare	3840 x 2160	240shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ricoh GR III Compare	1920 x 1080	shots	Yes	No	No
Fujifilm X100V Compare	4096 x 2160	420shots	Yes	Yes	No

Leica C-Lux Video Features

With Leica C-Lux, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4, AVCHD and H.264 formats. This means that Leica C-Lux provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some rare 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the common standard in consumer video world.

C-Lux has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
Leica C-Lux doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Large Sensor Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Fujifilm X100V or Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 in a similar price range.

Leica C-Lux Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Leica C-Lux can shoot continuously at max speed of 10.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. C-Lux also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/16000s. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

Flash

Unfortunately C-Lux doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Leica C-Lux features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 49 points to choose from.

Leica C-Lux also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

Leica C-Lux PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Leica C-Lux review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Image Stabilization

4K (UHD) Video

Touch Screen

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

RAW Shooting

Face Detection Focusing

20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

12.800 Max ISO

49 Focus Points

1.240k dots LCD Resolution

1/16000s Electronic Shutter Speed

10.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Long Battery Life (370 shots)

Manual Focusing

Manual Exposure

Timelapse Recording

24mm Wide Angle Lens

360mm Good Tele Lens

15.0X Optical Zoom

2330kdot Viewfinder Resolution

AE Bracketing

Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV

Remote control with a smartphone

USB Charging

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CONs

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

Heavy Body: 340

No Environmental Sealing

Slow Lens at Wide: f3.30

Slow Lens at Tele: f6.40

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What type of Photography is Leica C-Lux Good for?

In this section, we review and score Leica C-Lux in 5 different photography areas.

Leica C-Lux for Portrait Photography

Leica C-Lux has a score of 48 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Average sized 1" sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No External Flash Shoe
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Leica C-Lux for Portrait Photography

Leica C-Lux for Street Photography

Leica C-Lux has a score of 81 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Image Stabilization

24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability
Small Body
Average sized 1" sensor

Read the details of how we scored Leica C-Lux for Street Photography

Leica C-Lux for Sports Photography

Leica C-Lux has a score of 47 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
49 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Image Stabilization

360 mm Tele Lens
RAW shooting capability
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Environmental Sealings
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
No External Flash Shoe
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.40

Read the details of how we scored Leica C-Lux for Sports Photography

Leica C-Lux for Daily Photography

Leica C-Lux has a score of 76 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Compact Body
15.0X Optical Zoom
RAW shooting capability

Average sized 1" sensor
340g
Body Thickness 46mm

Read the details of how we scored Leica C-Lux for Daily Photography

Leica C-Lux for Landscape Photography

Leica C-Lux has a score of 42 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability

Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Average sized 1" sensor
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Leica C-Lux for Landscape Photography

Leica C-Lux Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Leica C-Lux compares with other Large Sensor Compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Leica C-Lux alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Leica C-Lux

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Leica C-Lux amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Leica C-Lux Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Leica C-Lux with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Leica C-Lux's price range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leica C-Lux

Does the Leica C-Lux have Image Stabilization?
Does the Leica C-Lux have RAW support?
Does the Leica C-Lux have Weather Sealing?
Does the Leica C-Lux have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Leica C-Lux?
What is the Sensor Size of Leica C-Lux?
is the Leica C-Lux a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Leica C-Lux have Touch Screen?
Does the Leica C-Lux have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica C-Lux?
What is the Weight of Leica C-Lux?
What are the Dimensions of Leica C-Lux?

Leica C-Lux Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Leica
Model	Leica C-Lux
Announced	2018-06-10
Body Type	Large sensor compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	24-360 mm (15x)
Max Aperture	F3.3-6.4
Macro Focus Range	5cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	1,240k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	2,330k dots
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	60s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Max Electronic Shutter Speed	1/16000s
Continuous Shooting	10.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	6.80 m (at Auto ISO)
Flash Modes	Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	1-inch
Sensor Dimensions	13.2 x 8.8 mm
Sensor Area	116.16mm²
Sensor Resolution	20 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	5472 x 3648
Max Native ISO	12,800
Max Boosted ISO	25600
Min Native ISO	125
Min Boosted ISO	80
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	49
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	340g
Physical Dimensions	113 x 67 x 46mm
Battery Life	370 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3 shots @ 10 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
Storage Slots	1

Most Popular Large sensor compact Cameras

Sony RX1R II
42 MP | Full frame Sensor| 35 mm

Panasonic ZS100
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor| 25-250 mm

Leica Q2
47 MP | Full frame Sensor| 28 mm

Sony RX100 VII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor| 24-200 mm

Canon G1 X III
24 MP | APS-C Sensor| 24-72 mm

Fujifilm X100F
24 MP | APS-C Sensor| 35 mm

Panasonic LX100 II
17 MP | Four Thirds Sensor| 24-75 mm

Leica Q
24 MP | Full frame Sensor| 28 mm

Latest Compact Cameras

Sony ZV-1
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-70 mm

Fujifilm X100V
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | 35 mm

Sony RX100 VII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-200 mm

Canon G5 X MII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-120 mm

Canon G7 X MIII
20 MP | 1-inch Sensor | 24-100 mm

Leica Q2
47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm

Leica Q2 Monochrom
47 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm

Nikon A1000
16 MP | 1/2.3-inch Sensor | 24-840 mm