• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 36.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Leica X2 advantages over Canon SL1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Thinner
    51 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 3.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon SL1 advantages over Leica X2

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    1140 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Leica X2
Leica X2

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Buy the Canon SL1
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All SL1 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Extremely compact and lightweight for a DSLR; Delivers good image quality that's virtually identical to the Canon T4i/T5i; Accurate and relatively fast autofocus with improved Live View and Movie Hybrid CMOS II AF; Full 1080p HD movie recording; Better-than average kit lens (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM).

  • Still not as compact as most mirrorless cameras; Slightly worse than average dynamic range and high ISO performance; Poor battery life.

  • Read our Canon SL1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Leica X2
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compare Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Canon SL1
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $724
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SL1 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Compared to Sony A58

Leica X2
Sony A58
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica X2 vs Sony A58

Canon SL1
Sony A58
  • $724
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL1 vs Sony A58

Compared to Nikon Coolpix A

Leica X2
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Leica X2 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Canon SL1
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $724
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon SL1 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Compared to Pentax K-S1

Leica X2
Pentax K-S1
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica X2 vs Pentax K-S1

Canon SL1
Pentax K-S1
  • $724
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL1 vs Pentax K-S1

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Leica X2
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • $1534
  • APS-C

Compare Leica X2 vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Canon SL1
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $724
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner

Compare Canon SL1 vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Compare Other Cameras?