Canon G15 vs Leica X2

The Canon PowerShot G15 and the Leica X2 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2012 and May 2012. Both the G15 and the X2 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/1.7-inch (G15) and an APS-C (X2) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 16.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon G15		Leica X2
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28-140mm f/1.8-2.8		36mm f/2.8
12 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor		16.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/24p Video		no Video
ISO 80-12800		ISO 100-12500
Optical viewfinder		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD, 922k dots		2.7" LCD, 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.1 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
350 shots per battery charge		450 shots per battery charge
107 x 76 x 40 mm, 352 g		124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G15 and the Leica X2? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon G15 and the Leica X2 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G15 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 X2 is notably larger (5 percent) than the Canon G15. However, the X2 is slightly lighter (2 percent) than the G15. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G15 nor the X2 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G15 gets 350 shots out of its NB-10L battery, while the X2 can take 450 images on a single charge of its BP-DC8 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G15»	107 mm	76 mm	40 mm	352 g	350	n	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Leica X2«	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	1,995	-		Leica X2
	Canon SX60« »	128 mm	93 mm	114 mm	650 g	340	n	Sep 2014	549	-		Canon SX60
	Canon G16« »	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon S120« »	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449	-		Canon S120
	Canon SX50« »	123 mm	87 mm	106 mm	595 g	315	n	Sep 2012	429	-		Canon SX50
	Canon G12« »	112 mm	76 mm	48 mm	401 g	370	n	Sep 2010	499	-		Canon G12
	Fujifilm X20« »	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	599	-		Fujifilm X20
	Fujifilm X10« »	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	350 g	270	n	Sep 2011	599	-		Fujifilm X10
	Leica TL« »	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Nov 2016	1,695	-		Leica TL
	Leica T« »	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Apr 2014	1,850	-		Leica T
	Leica X Typ 113« »	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Leica X Vario« »	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	2,850			Leica X Vario
	Leica X1« »	124 mm	60 mm	32 mm	306 g	260	n	Sep 2009	1,995	-		Leica X1
	Nikon P7800« »	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	549	-		Nikon P7800
	Panasonic LX7« »	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
	Panasonic FZ150« »	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	528 g	410	n	Aug 2011	499	-		Panasonic FZ150
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 G15 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 75 percent) than the X2, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G15 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Leica X2 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X2 is 760 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the G15 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X2 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 16.1MP, the X2 offers a higher resolution than the G15 (12MP), but the X2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 1.89μm for the G15) due to its larger sensor. However, the G15 is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the X2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Leica X2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.3 inch or 62.6 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inch or 50.1 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inch or 41.7 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G15 are 20 x 15 inch or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inch or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inch or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G15 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X2 are ISO 100 to ISO 12500 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). 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 are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The G15 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the G15 can use is 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G15 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G15, the Leica X2, and comparable cameras.

The G15 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X2 comes with a built-in prime. The G15 has a 28-140mm f/1.8-2.8 optic and the X2 offers a 36mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Leica. The G15 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The G15 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X2 uses SDHC cards.

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 G15 and Leica X2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the G15 and the X2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The G15 was replaced by the Canon G16, while the X2 does not have a direct successor. 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 there a clear favorite between the Canon G15 and the Leica X2? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G15:

• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/24p 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 (922k vs 230k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/2.8).
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (75 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 4 months after the X2).

Arguments in favor of the Leica X2:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (16.1 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 18%.
• 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.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 2.1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
• 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 May 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G15 comes out slightly ahead of the X2 (10 : 9 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G15 and the Leica X2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom 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 the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G15 or the X2. 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 table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G15»	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Leica X2«	-	-	3/5	-	4/5	May 2012	1,995	-		Leica X2
	Canon SX60« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549	-		Canon SX60
	Canon G16« »	+	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon S120« »	+ +	-	4.5/5	o	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449	-		Canon S120
	Canon SX50« »	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429	-		Canon SX50
	Canon G12« »	+	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2010	499	-		Canon G12
	Fujifilm X20« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	-	5/5	Jan 2013	599	-		Fujifilm X20
	Fujifilm X10« »	-	76/100	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	599	-		Fujifilm X10
	Leica TL« »	-	-	-	-	4/5	Nov 2016	1,695	-		Leica TL
	Leica T« »	-	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2014	1,850	-		Leica T
	Leica X Typ 113« »	-	-	3.5/5	-	4/5	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Leica X Vario« »	-	-	4/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	2,850			Leica X Vario
	Leica X1« »	-	+	-	-	4/5	Sep 2009	1,995	-		Leica X1
	Nikon P7800« »	-	-	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549	-		Nikon P7800
	Panasonic LX7« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
	Panasonic FZ150« »	+ +	76/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	499	-		Panasonic FZ150
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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 comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Canon G15 vs Leica X2

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.

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.