• 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 70.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Fujifilm X20 advantages over Leica X Vario

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $2850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • More telephoto lens reach
    112 mm vs 70 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    56 mm vs 95 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    361g vs 636g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 4.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    11 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Leica X Vario advantages over Fujifilm X20

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.77 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/1000 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica X Vario

Review Excerpt

  • Outstanding design and build; Exceptionally sharp 28-70mm equivalent zoom lens; Very good still image quality with accurate and realistic colors; Fairly speedy and accurate autofocusing.

  • Expensive, especially for a fixed-lens compact; Relatively slow f/3.5-6.4 lens; Below average video functionality and quality; Not at all pocketable, about as big and heavy as a mirrorless camera with a moderate zoom lens attached.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X10

Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm X10
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 2/3 inch
Leica X Vario
Fujifilm X10
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $599
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax WG-3

Fujifilm X20
Pentax WG-3
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $289
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Leica X Vario
Pentax WG-3
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $289
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compared to Sigma dp2 Quattro

Fujifilm X20
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Leica X Vario
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Fujifilm X30

Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm X30
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Leica X Vario
Fujifilm X30
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sigma dp0 Quattro

Fujifilm X20
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Leica X Vario
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
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