Canon G3 X vs Leica M10

The Canon PowerShot G3 X and the Leica M10 (Typ 3656) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in June 2015 and January 2017. The G3X is a fixed lens compact, while the M10 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless. The cameras are based on an one-inch (G3X) and a full frame (M10) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 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

Canon G3 X		Leica M10
Fixed lens compact camera		Rangefinder camera
24-600mm f/2.8-5.6		Leica M mount lenses
20 MP, 1" Sensor		23.8 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/60p Video		no Video
ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600)		ISO 100-50,000
Viewfinder optional		Optical viewfinder
3.2 LCD, 1620k dots		3.0 LCD, 1037k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.9 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
300 shots per battery charge		210 shots per battery charge
123 x 77 x 105 mm, 733 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 G3 X 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 G3 X 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 G3X 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 (17 percent) than the Canon G3 X. 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 G3X 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 table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)		Street Price
1.		Canon G3 X	123 mm	77 mm	105 mm	733 g	300	Y	Jun 2015	999
2.		Leica M10	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595
3.		Canon 80D	139 mm	105 mm	79 mm	730 g	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199
4.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
5.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
6.		Canon 70D	139 mm	104 mm	79 mm	755 g	920	Y	Jul 2013	1,199
7.		Leica M-E Typ 240	139 mm	80 mm	42 mm	680 g	..	Y	Jun 2019	3,999
8.		Leica M10-P	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Aug 2018	7,995
9.		Leica M Typ 262	139 mm	80 mm	42 mm	680 g	..	Y	Nov 2015	5,195
10.		Leica Q Typ 116	130 mm	80 mm	93 mm	640 g	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249
11.		Leica M Typ 240	139 mm	80 mm	42 mm	680 g	..	Y	Sep 2012	6,950
12.		Panasonic FZ1000	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899
13.		Sony RX10 III	133 mm	94 mm	127 mm	1051 g	420	Y	Mar 2016	1,499
14.		Sony RX100 V	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	299 g	220	n	Oct 2016	999
15.		Sony RX10 II	129 mm	88 mm	102 mm	813 g	400	Y	Jun 2015	1,299
16.		Sony RX100 IV	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	298 g	280	n	Jun 2015	999
17.		Sony RX10	129 mm	88 mm	102 mm	813 g	420	Y	Oct 2013	1,299
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G3X 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G3 X features an one-inch sensor and the Leica M10 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the M10 is 638 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 23.8MP, the M10 offers a higher resolution than the G3X (20MP), but the M10 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 2.41μm for the G3X) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the M10 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 7 months) than the G3X, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. 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 resolution advantage of the Leica M10 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the M10 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 29.8 x 20 inches or 75.6 x 50.7 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 23.8 x 16 inches or 60.5 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 19.8 x 13.3 inches or 50.4 x 33.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G3 X are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G3 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica M10 (Typ 3656) are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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. Of the two cameras under consideration, the M10 offers substantially better image quality than the G3X (overall score 23 points higher). The advantage is based on 3 bits higher color depth, 0.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports		DXO Overall
1.		Canon G3 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.4	12.3	521		63
2.		Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133		86
3.		Canon 80D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.2	1135		79
4.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495		63
5.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556		71
6.		Canon 70D	APS-C	20.0	5472	3648	1080/30p	22.5	11.6	926		68
7.		Leica M-E Typ 240	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	1080/25p	..	..	..		..
8.		Leica M10-P	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	..	..	..		..
9.		Leica M Typ 262	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	none	..	..	..		..
10.		Leica Q Typ 116	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.7	2221		85
11.		Leica M Typ 240	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	1080/25p	24.0	13.3	1860		84
12.		Panasonic FZ1000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.1	11.7	517		64
13.		Sony RX10 III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	23.1	12.6	472		70
14.		Sony RX100 V	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.4	586		70
15.		Sony RX10 II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	23.0	12.6	531		70
16.		Sony RX100 IV	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.6	591		70
17.		Sony RX10	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	22.9	12.6	474		69

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The G3X indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the M10 does not. The highest resolution format that the G3X can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the M10 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G3X relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the G3X can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon G3 X and Leica M10 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon G3 X	optional	n	3.2	1620	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
2.		Leica M10	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
3.		Canon 80D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	7.0	Y	n
4.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
5.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
6.		Canon 70D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	7.0	Y	n
7.		Leica M-E Typ 240	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
8.		Leica M10-P	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
9.		Leica M Typ 262	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
10.		Leica Q Typ 116	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	n	Y
11.		Leica M Typ 240	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
12.		Panasonic FZ1000	2359	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
13.		Sony RX10 III	2359	Y	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	14.0	Y	Y
14.		Sony RX100 V	2359	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	24.0	Y	Y
15.		Sony RX10 II	2359	Y	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/3200s	14.0	Y	Y
16.		Sony RX100 IV	2359	n	3.0	1228	tilting	n	1/2000s	16.0	Y	Y
17.		Sony RX10	1440	Y	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/3200s	10.0	Y	Y

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G3X has one, while the M10 does not. While the built-in flash of the G3X is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Leica M10 has 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 G3X 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 G3 X and Leica M10 (Typ 3656) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G3 X	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Leica M10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
3.		Canon 80D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon 70D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Leica M-E Typ 240	Y	mono	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Leica M10-P	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
9.		Leica M Typ 262	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Leica Q Typ 116	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Leica M Typ 240	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Panasonic FZ1000	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
13.		Sony RX10 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Sony RX100 V	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Sony RX10 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony RX100 IV	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony RX10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

Both the G3X 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 G3X does not have a direct predecessor. 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 G3 X and the Leica M10? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G3 X:

• 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.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1037k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in 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 (5.9 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 (123x77mm vs 139x80mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (300 versus 210) on a single battery charge.
• 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.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2015).

Arguments in favor of the Leica M10 (Typ 3656):

• More detail: Has more megapixels (23.8 vs 20MP), which boosts linear resolution by 9%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (23 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.9 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2 stops ISO advantage).
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• 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 modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 7 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G3X is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 12 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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.

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 G3X or the M10. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)			Street Price
1.		Canon G3 X	3.5/5	+	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999
2.		Leica M10	4.5/5	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595
3.		Canon 80D	4/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199
4.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
5.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
6.		Canon 70D	5/5	+ +	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2013	1,199
7.		Leica M-E Typ 240	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2019	3,999
8.		Leica M10-P	..	..	..	..	4/5	Aug 2018	7,995
9.		Leica M Typ 262	..	..	..	..	..	Nov 2015	5,195
10.		Leica Q Typ 116	5/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249
11.		Leica M Typ 240	4/5	..	..	4/5	..	Sep 2012	6,950
12.		Panasonic FZ1000	4/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899
13.		Sony RX10 III	5/5	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2016	1,499
14.		Sony RX100 V	4.5/5	+ +	83/100	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	999
15.		Sony RX10 II	5/5	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	1,299
16.		Sony RX100 IV	4.5/5	+ +	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999
17.		Sony RX10	5/5	+	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,299
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. 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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 your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Canon G3 X 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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