Canon T6i vs Leica X-U Typ 113

The Canon EOS Rebel T6i (called Canon 750D in some regions) and the Leica X-U (Typ 113) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2015 and January 2016. The T6i is a DSLR, while the X-U Typ 113 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 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 T6i		Leica X-U Typ 113
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		35mm f/1.7
24 MP – APS-C sensor		16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (100 - 25,600)		ISO 100-12,500
Optical viewfinder		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots		3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealed		Waterproof body (3m)
440 shots per battery charge		450 shots per battery charge
132 x 101 x 78 mm, 555 g		140 x 79 x 88 mm, 635 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel T6i and the Leica X-U (Typ 113)? 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 T6i and the Leica X-U Typ 113. 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X-U Typ 113 is notably smaller (17 percent) than the Canon T6i. It is noteworthy in this context that the X-U Typ 113 is splash and dust-proof, while the T6i does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing. More than that, the X-U Typ 113 is water-proof up to 3m and can, thus, be used for underwater photography.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X-U Typ 113 has a lens built in, whereas the T6i 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 T6i and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the T6i gets 440 shots out of its LP-E17 battery, while the X-U Typ 113 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. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons 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 T6i	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749
2.		Leica X-U Typ 113	140 mm	79 mm	88 mm	635 g	450	Y	Jan 2016	2,950
3.		Canon 77D	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899
4.		Canon G1 X Mark III	115 mm	78 mm	51 mm	399 g	200	Y	Oct 2017	1,299
5.		Canon T7i	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	532 g	600	n	Feb 2017	749
6.		Canon G3 X	123 mm	77 mm	105 mm	733 g	300	Y	Jun 2015	999
7.		Canon T6s	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	565 g	440	n	Feb 2015	649
8.		Canon T5	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449
9.		Canon T5i	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	580 g	440	n	Mar 2013	649
10.		Canon T4i	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	575 g	440	n	Jun 2012	849
11.		Canon T1i	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	520 g	400	n	Mar 2009	799
12.		Canon XSi	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	524 g	500	n	Jan 2008	799
13.		Canon XTi	127 mm	84 mm	65 mm	556 g	370	n	Aug 2006	799
14.		Canon XT	127 mm	94 mm	64 mm	540 g	400	n	Feb 2005	899
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	130 mm	80 mm	93 mm	640 g	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249
16.		Leica X Vario	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	2,850
17.		Nikon Df	144 mm	110 mm	67 mm	760 g	1400	Y	Nov 2013	2,749
Note: 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 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. 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 tend to be more expensive and 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 X-U Typ 113 is 12 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (T6i) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon T6i offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 16.1 MP of the Leica X-U Typ 113. 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 4.80μm for the X-U Typ 113). Moreover, it should be noted that the X-U Typ 113 is a somewhat more recent model (by 11 months) than the T6i, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Canon T6i implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the T6i for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X-U Typ 113 are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The T6i has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS Rebel T6i has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X-U (Typ 113) 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon T6i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.7	12.0	919	71
2.		Leica X-U Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.8	13.0	1614	80
3.		Canon 77D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.3	971	78
4.		Canon G1 X Mark III	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.8	13.2	1649	81
5.		Canon T7i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.7	13.1	1586	80
6.		Canon G3 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.4	12.3	521	63
7.		Canon T6s	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	12.0	915	70
8.		Canon T5	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
9.		Canon T5i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	681	61
10.		Canon T4i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	722	62
11.		Canon T1i	APS-C	15.1	4752	3168	1080/20p	21.7	11.5	663	63
12.		Canon XSi	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	none	21.9	10.8	692	61
13.		Canon XTi	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.0	664	62
14.		Canon XT	APS-C	8.0	3456	2304	none	21.8	10.8	637	60
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.7	2221	85
16.		Leica X Vario	APS-C	16.1	4928	3272	1080/30p	23.4	12.7	1320	78
17.		Nikon Df	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	none	24.6	13.1	3279	89
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the T6i has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-U Typ 113 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X-U Typ 113 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the Visoflex (Typ 020). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon T6i and Leica X-U Typ 113 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		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 T6i	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
2.		Leica X-U Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon 77D	optical	Y	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
4.		Canon G1 X Mark III	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/2000s	9.0/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon T7i	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
6.		Canon G3 X	optional	n	3.2 / 1620	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.9/s	Y	Y
7.		Canon T6s	optical	Y	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
8.		Canon T5	optical	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
9.		Canon T5i	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
10.		Canon T4i	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
11.		Canon T1i	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.4/s	Y	n
12.		Canon XSi	optical	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.5/s	Y	n
13.		Canon XTi	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
14.		Canon XT	optical	n	1.8 / 115	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	3680	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0/s	n	Y
16.		Leica X Vario	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
17.		Nikon Df	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	n	n
Notes: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The T6i has a touchscreen, while the X-U Typ 113 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the T6i and the X-U Typ 113 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 EOS Rebel T6i and Leica X-U (Typ 113) 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 Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon T6i	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Leica X-U Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon 77D	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
4.		Canon G1 X Mark III	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
5.		Canon T7i	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon G3 X	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon T6s	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon T5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Canon T5i	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon T4i	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Canon T1i	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon XSi	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Canon XTi	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Canon XT	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Leica X Vario	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Nikon Df	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the T6i has a microphone port, which is missing on the X-U Typ 113. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Both the T6i and the X-U Typ 113 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The T6i was replaced by the Canon T7i, while the X-U Typ 113 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 the Canon T6i better than the Leica X-U Typ 113 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel T6i:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 16.1MP) with a 22% higher linear resolution.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
• 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 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.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2015).

Arguments in favor of the Leica X-U (Typ 113):

• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the T6i requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (140x79mm vs 132x101mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Water-proof: Is rugged and sealed and can thus be used for underwater photography (up to 3m).
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (11 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the T6i is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 6 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 T6i and the Leica X-U Typ 113 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the T6i or the X-U Typ 113 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 expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon T6i	5/5	..	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749
2.		Leica X-U Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	..	3.5/5	Jan 2016	2,950
3.		Canon 77D	4.5/5	..	4/5	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899
4.		Canon G1 X Mark III	5/5	+	4/5	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2017	1,299
5.		Canon T7i	4.5/5	..	3.5/5	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	749
6.		Canon G3 X	3.5/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999
7.		Canon T6s	5/5	+	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649
8.		Canon T5	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
9.		Canon T5i	..	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649
10.		Canon T4i	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849
11.		Canon T1i	..	+ +	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799
12.		Canon XSi	..	+ +	..	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799
13.		Canon XTi	..	+ +	..	+ +	o	4/5	Aug 2006	799
14.		Canon XT	..	80/100	..	+ +	o	..	Feb 2005	899
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	5/5	..	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249
16.		Leica X Vario	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	2,850
17.		Nikon Df	4/5	..	..	81/100	4/5	4/5	Nov 2013	2,749
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time 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? 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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon T6i vs Leica X-U Typ 113

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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