• APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 70.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 72.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Leica X Vario advantages over Canon G1X Mark III

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.77 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos

Canon G1X Mark III advantages over Leica X Vario

  • Less expensive
    $999 vs $2950
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    51 mm vs 95 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    6 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    399g vs 636g
    Lighter weight
  • Less shutter lag
    0.12 vs 0.30 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.3 fps vs 4.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    23 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

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 Sigma dp2 Quattro

Leica X Vario
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
Canon G1X Mark III
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sigma dp3 Quattro

Leica X Vario
Sigma dp3 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Lighter weight
Canon G1X Mark III
Sigma dp3 Quattro
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Leica X Vario
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Thinner
Canon G1X Mark III
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sigma dp0 Quattro

Leica X Vario
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Wider angle lens
Canon G1X Mark III
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Leica X Vario
Fujifilm X70
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Canon G1X Mark III
Fujifilm X70
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
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