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Canon 1200D vs Leica X1

The Canon EOS 1200D (called Canon T5 in some regions) and the Leica X1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2014 and September 2009. The 1200D is a DSLR, while the X1 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1200D
versus
Leica X1
Canon 1200D   Leica X1
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses 36mm f/2.8
17.9 MP – APS-C sensor 12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800) ISO 100-3,200
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge260 shots per battery charge
130 x 100 x 78 mm, 480 g 124 x 60 x 32 mm, 306 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 1200D and the Leica X1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1200D and the Leica X1. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 1200D is only available in black.

Size Canon 1200D vs Leica X1
Compare 1200D versus X1 top
Comparison 1200D or X1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X1 is considerably smaller (43 percent) than the Canon 1200D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 1200D nor the X1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X1 has a lens built in, whereas the 1200D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 1200D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 1200D gets 500 shots out of its Canon LP-E10 battery, while the X1 can take 260 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC8 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1200D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 n Feb 2014 449ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 4000D 129 mm 102 mm 77 mm 436 g 500 n Feb 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 1300D 129 mm 101 mm 78 mm 485 g 500 n Mar 2016 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 750D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 760D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G9 X 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 209 g 220 n Oct 2015 529ebay.com
8.
 
Canon M10 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 301 g 255 n Oct 2015 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 100D 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 700D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 580 g 440 n Mar 2013 649ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 650D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 1100D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 449ebay.com
13.
 
Fujifilm X100 126 mm 75 mm 54 mm 445 g 300 n Sep 2010 1,199ebay.com
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Sep 2012 699ebay.com
15.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
16.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Sep 2010 699ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the X1 is 11 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (1200D) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1200D and Leica X1 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon 1200D offers a higher resolution of 17.9 megapixels, compared with 12.2 MP of the Leica X1. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.31μm versus 5.51μm for the X1). However, it should be noted that the 1200D is much more recent (by 4 years and 5 months) than the X1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 1200D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 1200D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X1 are 21.4 x 14.3 inches or 54.3 x 36.3 cm for good quality, 17.1 x 11.4 inches or 43.4 x 29 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.5 inches or 36.2 x 24.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 1200D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X1 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

1200D versus X1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1200D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
2.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
3.
 
Canon 4000D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.469563
4.
 
Canon 1300D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.778166
5.
 
Canon 750D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
6.
 
Canon 760D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
7.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
8.
 
Canon M10 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.475365
9.
 
Canon 100D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
10.
 
Canon 700D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.268161
11.
 
Canon 650D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
12.
 
Canon 1100D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
13.
 
Fujifilm X100 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/30p22.912.4100173
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 6 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p19.810.8-30343
15.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
16.
 
Leica D-LUX 5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.510.4-58339
17.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The 1200D indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X1 does not. The highest resolution format that the 1200D can use is 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 1200D has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 1200D, the Leica X1, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 1200Doptical n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 4000Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 1300Doptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 750Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 760Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon M10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.6/s Y n
9.
 
Canon 100Doptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
10.
 
Canon 700Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Canon 650Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Canon 1100Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Fujifilm X1001440 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 6optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
16.
 
Leica D-LUX 5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
17.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The 1200D writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X1 uses SDHC cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 1200D and Leica X1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1200DYmono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 4000DYmono / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon 1300DYmono / mono--mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon 750DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon 760DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Canon M10-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Canon 100DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon 700DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon 650DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Canon 1100DYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Fujifilm X100Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Leica D-LUX 5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
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Both the 1200D and the X1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X1 was replaced by the Leica X2, while the 1200D was followed by the Canon 1300D. Further information on the features and operation of the 1200D and X1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1200D Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 1200D and the Leica X1? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 1200D:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (17.9 vs 12.2MP) with a 21% higher linear resolution.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 5 months of technical progress since the X1 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica X1:

  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 1200D requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x60mm vs 130x100mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 1200D).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2009).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 1200D is the clear winner of the match-up (9 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1200D 09:05 X1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1200D and the Leica X1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1200D or the X1. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1200D3/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 449ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 4000D2.5/5o3/5..3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 1300D4/5o4/573/1004/54/5 Mar 2016 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 750D5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 760D5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
7.
 
Canon G9 X3.5/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 529ebay.com
8.
 
Canon M10..........4/5 Oct 2015 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 100D4/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 700D......76/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2013 649ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 650D4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 1100D..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 449ebay.com
13.
 
Fujifilm X1003/5....75/1004/55/5 Sep 2010 1,199ebay.com
14.
 
Leica D-LUX 6........4/54/5 Sep 2012 699ebay.com
15.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
16.
 
Leica D-LUX 5........4.5/54/5 Sep 2010 699ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon 1200D vs Leica X1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 1200D Leica X1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses 36mm f/2.8
    Launch Date February 2014 September 2009
    Launch Price USD 449 USD 1,995
    Sensor Specs Canon 1200D Leica X1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 332.27 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.8 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 17.9 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3456 pixels 4272 x 2856 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.31 μm 5.51 μm
    Pixel Density 5.39 MP/cm2 3.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 12,800 ISO no Enhancement
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 63 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.9 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 724 ..
    Screen Specs Canon 1200D Leica X1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.50x
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1200D Leica X1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1200D Leica X1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 1200D Leica X1
    Battery Type Canon LP-E10 Leica BP-DC8
    Battery Life (CIPA)500 shots per charge260 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 130 x 100 x 78 mm
    (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in)
    124 x 60 x 32 mm
    (4.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 480 g (16.9 oz) 306 g (10.8 oz)
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