Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica S2
The Fujifilm X-A1 and the Leica S2 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2013 and September 2008. The X-A1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the S2 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-A1) and a medium format (S2) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 37.5 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A1 and the Leica S2? 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 Fujifilm X-A1 and the Leica S2. 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The X-A1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, blue), while the S2 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 S2 is considerably larger (145 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A1. Moreover, the S2 is substantially heavier (327 percent) than the X-A1. It is noteworthy in this context that the S2 is splash and dust-proof, while the X-A1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
Concerning battery life, the X-A1 gets 350 shots out of its Fujifilm NP-W126 battery, while the S2 can take .. images on a single charge of its Leica BP-PRO1 power pack.
The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-A1 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 39 mm | 330 g | 350 | n | Sep 2013 | 399 | ebay.com | |
2. | Leica S2 | 160 mm | 120 mm | 80 mm | 1410 g | .. | Y | Sep 2008 | 22,995 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A5 | 117 mm | 68 mm | 40 mm | 361 g | 450 | n | Jan 2018 | 399 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 339 g | 410 | n | Aug 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 331 g | 410 | n | Dec 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | 129 mm | 75 mm | 37 mm | 350 g | 350 | n | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm X-A2 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 350 g | 410 | n | Jan 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
8. | Fujifilm X-T10 | 118 mm | 83 mm | 41 mm | 381 g | 350 | n | May 2015 | 799 | ebay.com | |
9. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 129 mm | 75 mm | 37 mm | 350 g | 350 | n | Oct 2013 | 999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Fujifilm X-M1 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 39 mm | 330 g | 350 | n | Jun 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
11. | Fujifilm X-E1 | 129 mm | 75 mm | 38 mm | 350 g | 350 | n | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | 140 mm | 82 mm | 43 mm | 450 g | 300 | n | Jan 2012 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
13. | Leica S3 | 160 mm | 120 mm | 80 mm | 1260 g | .. | Y | Sep 2018 | 18,995 | ebay.com | |
14. | Leica S-E Typ 006 | 160 mm | 120 mm | 80 mm | 1260 g | .. | Y | Sep 2014 | 16,900 | ebay.com | |
15. | Leica S Typ 007 | 160 mm | 120 mm | 80 mm | 1260 g | .. | Y | Sep 2014 | 24,490 | ebay.com | |
16. | Leica S Typ 006 | 160 mm | 120 mm | 80 mm | 1260 g | .. | Y | Sep 2012 | 21,950 | ebay.com | |
17. | Leica S1 | 339 mm | 214 mm | 119 mm | 2500 g | .. | n | Aug 1996 | 21,490 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X-A1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 98 percent) than the S2, 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-A1 features an APS-C sensor and the Leica S2 a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the S2 is 266 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 0.8. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
With 37.5MP, the S2 offers a higher resolution than the X-A1 (16MP), but the S2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 4.80μm for the X-A1) due to its larger sensor. However, the X-A1 is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 11 months) than the S2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Leica S2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 37.5 x 25 inches or 95.3 x 63.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 25 x 16.7 inches or 63.5 x 42.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X-A1 are 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Fujifilm X-A1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica S2 are ISO 80 to ISO 1250 (no boost).
In terms of underlying technology, the X-A1 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the S2 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-A1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1390 | 76 | |
2. | Leica S2 | Medium Format | 37.5 | 7500 | 5000 | none | 23.9 | 12.5 | 2224 | 82 | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A5 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/15p | 24.0 | 13.3 | 1800 | 82 | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.8 | 13.1 | 1664 | 81 | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1691 | 81 | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.7 | 13.0 | 1608 | 80 | |
7. | Fujifilm X-A2 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.8 | 1515 | 79 | |
8. | Fujifilm X-T10 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.7 | 12.9 | 1546 | 79 | |
9. | Fujifilm X-E2 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1400 | 77 | |
10. | Fujifilm X-M1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1371 | 76 | |
11. | Fujifilm X-E1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 23.2 | 12.4 | 1298 | 75 | |
12. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 23.1 | 12.3 | 1238 | 74 | |
13. | Leica S3 | Medium Format | 64.0 | 9800 | 6533 | 4K/24p | 25.6 | 14.4 | 3143 | 98 | |
14. | Leica S-E Typ 006 | Medium Format | 37.5 | 7500 | 5000 | none | 25.1 | 13.7 | 2763 | 93 | |
15. | Leica S Typ 007 | Medium Format | 37.5 | 7500 | 5000 | 4K/24p | 25.1 | 13.7 | 2763 | 93 | |
16. | Leica S Typ 006 | Medium Format | 37.5 | 7500 | 5000 | none | 23.9 | 12.2 | 824 | 76 | |
17. | Leica S1 | Medium Format | 26.4 | 5140 | 5140 | none | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
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 can also record movies. The X-A1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the S2 does not. The highest resolution format that the X-A1 can use is 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the S2 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X-A1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-A1, the Leica S2, and comparable cameras.
# | 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. | Fujifilm X-A1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6/s | Y | n | |
2. | Leica S2 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 1.5/s | n | n | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A5 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Fujifilm X-A2 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6/s | Y | n | |
8. | Fujifilm X-T10 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
9. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Fujifilm X-M1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6/s | Y | n | |
11. | Fujifilm X-E1 | 2360 | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 1230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | n | n | |
13. | Leica S3 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
14. | Leica S-E Typ 006 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 1.5/s | n | n | |
15. | Leica S Typ 007 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.5/s | n | n | |
16. | Leica S Typ 006 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 1.5/s | n | n | |
17. | Leica S1 | optical | n | none / none | none | n | .. | 0.01/s | n | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X-A1 has one, while the S2 does not. While the built-in flash of the X-A1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.
The X-A1 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the S2 does not have a selfie-screen.The X-A1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the S2 uses Compact Flash or SDHC cards. The S2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X-A1 only has one slot. The X-A1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the S2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 Fujifilm X-A1 and Leica S2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-A1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
2. | Leica S2 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Fujifilm X-A2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Fujifilm X-T10 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Fujifilm X-E2 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
10. | Fujifilm X-M1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
11. | Fujifilm X-E1 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Leica S3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
14. | Leica S-E Typ 006 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Leica S Typ 007 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
16. | Leica S Typ 006 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Leica S1 | - | - / - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
It is notable that the X-A1 offers wifi support, while the S2 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica S2 (unlike the X-A1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the X-A1 and the S2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The S2 was replaced by the Leica S Typ 006, while the X-A1 was followed by the Fujifilm X-A2. Further information on the features and operation of the X-A1 and S2 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm X-A1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica S2 Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-A1 and the Leica S2? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-A1:
- 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 1080/30p movies.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 460k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.6 vs 1.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- More compact: Is smaller (117x67mm vs 160x120mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Less heavy: Is lighter (by 1080g or 77 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
- More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
- Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (98 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 4 years and 11 months of technical progress since the S2 launch.
Reasons to prefer the Leica S2:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (37.5 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 53%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
- More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2008).
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-A1 is the clear winner of the match-up (14 : 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape 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 Fujifilm X-A1 and the Leica S2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR 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 X-A1 or the S2. 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 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm X-A1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | 399 | ebay.com | |
2. | Leica S2 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2008 | 22,995 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X-A5 | .. | + | 4.1/5 | .. | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | Jan 2018 | 399 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | .. | .. | .. | 74/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Dec 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X-E2S | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm X-A2 | 4/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
8. | Fujifilm X-T10 | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 80/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | May 2015 | 799 | ebay.com | |
9. | Fujifilm X-E2 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2013 | 999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Fujifilm X-M1 | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
11. | Fujifilm X-E1 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Fujifilm X-Pro1 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
13. | Leica S3 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2018 | 18,995 | ebay.com | |
14. | Leica S-E Typ 006 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2014 | 16,900 | ebay.com | |
15. | Leica S Typ 007 | 4/5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2014 | 24,490 | ebay.com | |
16. | Leica S Typ 006 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2012 | 21,950 | ebay.com | |
17. | Leica S1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Aug 1996 | 21,490 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) 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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
- Canon 10D vs Leica S2
- Canon G7 X Mark II vs Fujifilm X-A1
- Canon SX730 vs Leica S2
- Canon T6 vs Fujifilm X-A1
- Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica V-LUX Typ 114
- Fujifilm X-A1 vs Olympus E-PL6
- Fujifilm X-A1 vs Sony A7R II
- Fujifilm X-A1 vs YI M1
- Leica S2 vs Panasonic G5
- Leica S2 vs Pentax KP
- Leica S2 vs Ricoh GR II
- Leica S2 vs Sony A58
Specifications: Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica S2
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.
Camera Model | Fujifilm X-A1 | Leica S2 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Fujifilm X mount lenses | Leica S mount lenses |
Launch Date | September 2013 | September 2008 |
Launch Price | USD 399 | USD 22,995 |
Sensor Specs | Fujifilm X-A1 | Leica S2 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | Medium Format Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.7 mm | 45.0 x 30.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 368.95 mm2 | 1350 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.3 mm | 54.1 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 0.8x |
Sensor Resolution | 16 Megapixels | 37.5 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4896 x 3264 pixels | 7500 x 5000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 4.80 μm | 6.00 μm |
Pixel Density | 4.33 MP/cm2 | 2.78 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 200 - 6,400 ISO | 80 - 1,250 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100 - 25,600 ISO | no Enhancement |
Screen Specs | Fujifilm X-A1 | Leica S2 |
Viewfinder Type | no viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 96% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.86x | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 920k dots | 460k dots |
LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Fujifilm X-A1 | Leica S2 |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | no Peaking Feature |
Continuous Shooting | 5.6 shutter flaps/s | 1.5 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | SDHC cards | CF or SDHC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Dual card slots |
UHS card support | UHS-I | no |
Connectivity Specs | Fujifilm X-A1 | Leica S2 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | no PC Sync | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | mini HDMI |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Fujifilm X-A1 | Leica S2 |
Environmental Sealing | not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Fujifilm NP-W126 | Leica BP-PRO1 |
Body Dimensions |
117 x 67 x 39 mm (4.6 x 2.6 x 1.5 in) |
160 x 120 x 80 mm (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in) |
Camera Weight | 330 g (11.6 oz) | 1410 g (49.7 oz) |
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