Canon SX50 vs Leica X2

The Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and the Leica X2 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2012 and May 2012. Both the SX50 and the X2 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX50) 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 SX50		Leica X2
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5		36mm f/2.8
12 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor		16.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/24p Video		no Video
ISO 80-6400		ISO 100-12500
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD, 461k dots		2.7" LCD, 230k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.2 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
315 shots per battery charge		450 shots per battery charge
123 x 87 x 106 mm, 595 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 SX50 HS 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 SX50 and the Leica X2 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side 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 SX50 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 smaller (20 percent) than the Canon SX50. Moreover, the X2 is substantially lighter (42 percent) than the SX50. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX50 nor the X2 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the SX50 gets 315 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 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)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon SX50»	4.8 in	3.4 in	4.2 in	21.0 oz	315	n	Sep 2012	429	-		Canon SX50
	Leica X2«	4.9 in	2.7 in	2.0 in	12.2 oz	450	n	May 2012	1,995	-		Leica X2
	Canon SX60« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	4.5 in	22.9 oz	340	n	Sep 2014	549	-		Canon SX60
	Canon G16« »	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon S120« »	3.9 in	2.3 in	1.1 in	7.7 oz	230	n	Aug 2013	449	-		Canon S120
	Canon G1 X« »	4.6 in	3.2 in	2.6 in	18.8 oz	250	n	Jan 2012	799	-		Canon G1 X
	Canon G15« »	4.2 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.4 oz	350	n	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Canon T3« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	17.5 oz	700	n	Feb 2011	449	-		Canon T3
	Fujifilm X100S« »	5.0 in	2.9 in	2.1 in	15.7 oz	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X-E2« »	5.1 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	12.3 oz	350	n	Oct 2013	999	-		Fujifilm X-E2
	Leica X Typ 113« »	5.2 in	2.9 in	3.1 in	17.1 oz	350	n	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Leica V-LUX 4« »	4.9 in	3.4 in	4.3 in	20.7 oz	540	n	Sep 2012	949	-		Leica V-LUX 4
	Leica V-LUX 3« »	4.9 in	3.2 in	3.7 in	19.0 oz	410	n	Dec 2011	949	-		Leica V-LUX 3
	Leica X1« »	4.9 in	2.4 in	1.3 in	10.8 oz	260	n	Sep 2009	1,995	-		Leica X1
	Nikon Coolpix A« »	4.4 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	230	n	Mar 2013	1,099	-		Nikon Coolpix A
	Panasonic LX7« »	4.4 in	2.7 in	1.8 in	10.5 oz	330	n	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
	Panasonic FZ150« »	4.9 in	3.2 in	3.6 in	18.6 oz	410	n	Aug 2011	499	-		Panasonic FZ150
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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 SX50 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 78 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. 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. 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 SX50 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Leica X2 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X2 is 1221 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the SX50 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 SX50 (12MP), but the X2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 1.53μm for the SX50) due to its larger sensor. However, the SX50 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 SX50 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 SX50 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400. 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 determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The SX50 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the SX50 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 SX50 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), which can be very helpful 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 table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SX50 and Leica X2 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

The SX50 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X2 comes with a built-in prime. The SX50 has a 24-1200mm f/3.4-6.5 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 X2 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The SX50 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 SX50 HS and Leica X2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the SX50 and the X2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The SX50 was replaced by the Canon SX60, 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 how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon SX50 and the Leica X2? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS:

• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/24p movies.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic 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 (461k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• 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 (78 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 4 months after the X2).

Advantages 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 2.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.4).
• More compact: Is smaller (124x69mm vs 123x87mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 250g or 42 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 315) 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 X2 emerges as the winner of the match-up (12 : 10 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 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX50 and the Leica X2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the SX50 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 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						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon SX50»	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429	-		Canon SX50
	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 G1 X« »	+	76/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799	-		Canon G1 X
	Canon G15« »	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Canon T3« »	80/100	69/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449	-		Canon T3
	Fujifilm X100S« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X-E2« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	-	5/5	Oct 2013	999	-		Fujifilm X-E2
	Leica X Typ 113« »	-	-	3.5/5	-	4/5	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Leica V-LUX 4« »	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2012	949	-		Leica V-LUX 4
	Leica V-LUX 3« »	-	-	-	-	-	Dec 2011	949	-		Leica V-LUX 3
	Leica X1« »	-	+	-	-	4/5	Sep 2009	1,995	-		Leica X1
	Nikon Coolpix A« »	+	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2013	1,099	-		Nikon Coolpix A
	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 were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. 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. 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 SX50 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.

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