Canon G1 X Mark III vs Leica M10

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III and the Leica M10 (Typ 3656) are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2017 and January 2017. The G1X Mark III is a fixed lens compact, while the M10 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless. The cameras are based on an APS-C (G1X Mark III) and a full frame (M10) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 23.8 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

	VS
Canon G1 X Mark III		Leica M10
Fixed lens compact camera		Rangefinder camera
24-72mm f/2.8-5.6		Leica M mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		23.8 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/60p Video		no Video
ISO 100-25600		ISO 100-50000
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
9 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
200 shots per battery charge		210 shots per battery charge
115 x 78 x 51 mm, 399 g		139 x 80 x 39 mm, 660 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III and the Leica M10 (Typ 3656)? 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.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon G1 X Mark III and the Leica M10. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M10 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G1X Mark III is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica M10 is notably larger (24 percent) than the Canon G1 X Mark III. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G1X Mark III has a lens built in, whereas the M10 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 M10 and their specifications in the Leica M Lens Catalog.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G1 X Mark III»	4.5 in	3.1 in	2.0 in	14.1 oz	200	Y	Oct 2017	1,299		Canon G1 X Mark III
	Leica M10«	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595		Leica M10
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	5.7 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999		Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon 80D« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	25.8 oz	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199		Canon 80D
	Canon SX540« »	4.7 in	3.2 in	3.6 in	15.6 oz	205	n	Jan 2016	399		Canon SX540
	Fujifilm X100V« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.1 in	16.9 oz	420	Y	Feb 2020	1,399		Fujifilm X100V
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	2.3 in	19.0 oz	390	Y	Sep 2018	1,499		Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299		Fujifilm X100F
	Leica M-E Typ 240« »	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Jun 2019	3,999		Leica M-E Typ 240
	Leica M10-P« »	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Aug 2018	7,995		Leica M10-P
	Leica M Typ 262« »	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Nov 2015	5,195		Leica M Typ 262
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	5.1 in	3.1 in	3.7 in	22.6 oz	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249		Leica Q Typ 116
	Leica M Typ 240« »	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Sep 2012	6,950		Leica M Typ 240
	Nikon D7500« »	5.4 in	4.1 in	2.9 in	25.4 oz	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299		Nikon D7500
	Sony A6300« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.9 in	14.3 oz	400	Y	Feb 2016	999		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.1 in	16.0 oz	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399		Sony A6500
	Sony RX10 III« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	5.0 in	37.1 oz	420	Y	Mar 2016	1,499		Sony RX10 III
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G1X Mark III was launched at a lower price than the M10, despite having a lens built in. 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.

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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G1 X Mark III features an APS-C sensor and the Leica M10 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the M10 is 158 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around CMOS sensors.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon G1 X Mark III offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 23.8 MP of the Leica M10. 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 3.72μm versus 6.00μm for the M10). However, it should be noted that the G1X Mark III is a somewhat more recent model (by 8 months) than the M10, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the M10 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The G1X Mark III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica M10 (Typ 3656) are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The G1X Mark III indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the M10 does not. The highest resolution format that the G1X Mark III can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G1X Mark III has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the M10 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G1 X Mark III and Leica M10 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G1X Mark III has one, while the M10 does not. While the built-in flash of the G1X Mark III is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Canon G1 X Mark III and the Leica M10 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G1X Mark III and the M10 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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 PowerShot G1 X Mark III and Leica M10 (Typ 3656) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the G1X Mark III and the M10 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The M10 replaced the earlier Leica M Typ 262, while the G1X Mark III followed on from the Canon G1 X Mark II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Leica websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon G1 X Mark III better than the Leica M10 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60p movies.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the M10 requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (115x78mm vs 139x80mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the M10).
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 8 months after the M10).

Reasons to prefer the Leica M10 (Typ 3656):

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with different optics.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2017).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G1X Mark III is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 10 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G1X Mark III or the M10 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G1 X Mark III	+	79/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Oct 2017	1,299		Canon G1 X Mark III
	Leica M10	..	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595		Leica M10
	Canon 6D Mark II	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999		Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon 80D	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199		Canon 80D
	Canon SX540	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2016	399		Canon SX540
	Fujifilm X100V	+ +	86/100	5/5	..	4.5/5	Feb 2020	1,399		Fujifilm X100V
	Fujifilm X-T3	+ +	88/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2018	1,499		Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F	+	83/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299		Fujifilm X100F
	Leica M-E Typ 240	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2019	3,999		Leica M-E Typ 240
	Leica M10-P	..	..	..	..	4/5	Aug 2018	7,995		Leica M10-P
	Leica M Typ 262	..	..	..	..	..	Nov 2015	5,195		Leica M Typ 262
	Leica Q Typ 116	..	80/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249		Leica Q Typ 116
	Leica M Typ 240	..	..	4/5	..	..	Sep 2012	6,950		Leica M Typ 240
	Nikon D7500	+ +	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299		Nikon D7500
	Sony A6300	+	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	999		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399		Sony A6500
	Sony RX10 III	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2016	1,499		Sony RX10 III
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Canon G1 X Mark III vs Leica M10

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.

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