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Fujifilm X-A2 vs Leica X2

The Fujifilm X-A2 and the Leica X2 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2015 and May 2012. The X-A2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the X2 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 16 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
Fujifilm X-A2
versus
Leica X2
Fujifilm X-A2   Leica X2
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses 36mm f/2.8
16 MP – APS-C sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video no Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-12,500
No viewfinder, LCD framing Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.6 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
410 shots per battery charge450 shots per battery charge
117 x 67 x 40 mm, 350 g 124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-A2 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Leica X2. 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-A2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, brown, white), while the X2 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Fujifilm X-A2 vs Leica X2
Compare X-A2 versus X2 top
Comparison X-A2 or X2 rear

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 (9 percent) than the Fujifilm X-A2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-A2 nor the X2 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X2 has a lens built in, whereas the X-A2 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 X-A2 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X-A2 gets 410 shots out of its Fujifilm NP-W126 battery, while the X2 can take 450 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC8 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 350 g 410 n Jan 2015 399ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 117 mm 68 mm 40 mm 361 g 450 n Jan 2018 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X70 113 mm 64 mm 44 mm 340 g 330 n Jan 2016 799ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 331 g 410 n Dec 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Jan 2016 699ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 381 g 350 n May 2015 799ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Sep 2013 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Jun 2013 699ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 129 mm 75 mm 38 mm 350 g 350 n Sep 2012 999ebay.com
13.
 
Leica TL 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
14.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
15.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
16.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
17.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. 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. 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.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the X2 is 1 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Fujifilm X-A2 and Leica X2 sensor measures

With 16.1MP, the X2 offers a higher resolution than the X-A2 (16MP), but the X2 has marginally smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 4.80μm for the X-A2). Yet, the X-A2 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 8 months) than the X2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The Fujifilm X-A2 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 X2 are ISO 100 to ISO 12500 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

X-A2 versus X2 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.612.8151579
2.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.3180082
4.
 
Fujifilm X70 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.913.2169181
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.713.0160880
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.712.9154679
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6139076
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
11.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6137176
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.212.4129875
13.
 
Leica TL APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.913.2169081
14.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
15.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
16.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
17.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The X-A2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the X-A2 can use is 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The X-A2 and the X2 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-A2 and Leica X2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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-A2none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
2.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X70optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T102360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
11.
 
Fujifilm X-M1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E12360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Leica TLoptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
15.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
16.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
17.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The X-A2 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 X2 does not have a selfie-screen.

The X-A2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X2 uses SDHC cards. The X-A2 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the X2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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-A2 and Leica X2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
2.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X70Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2SYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T10Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Fujifilm X-M1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Leica TLYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
15.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the X-A2 offers wifi support, while the X2 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both the X-A2 and the X2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-A2 was replaced by the Fujifilm X-A3, 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 Fujifilm and Leica websites.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Leica X2? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Fujifilm X-A2:

  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
  • 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 (920k vs 230k 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 shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.6 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • 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 modern: Reflects 2 years and 8 months of technical progress since the X2 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Leica X2:

  • More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the X-A2 necessitates an extra lens.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the X-A2).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in May 2012).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-A2 is the clear winner of the match-up (11 : 5 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.

X-A2 11:05 X2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Leica X2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X-A2 and the X2 in practical situations. 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 (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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Fujifilm X-A24/5......4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 399ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-A5..+4.1/5..4/53.5/5 Jan 2018 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X704.5/5....76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 799ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A10........4/54/5 Dec 2016 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2S4.5/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 699ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-T104.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 May 2015 799ebay.com
9.
 
Fujifilm X-A1........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 399ebay.com
10.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Fujifilm X-M13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 699ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X-E14/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 999ebay.com
13.
 
Leica TL..........4/5 Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
14.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
15.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
16.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
17.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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 comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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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 a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Fujifilm X-A2 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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Fujifilm X-A2 Leica X2
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Fujifilm X mount lenses 36mm f/2.8
    Launch Date January 2015 May 2012
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 1,995
    Sensor Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Leica X2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.6 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 368.16 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4896 x 3264 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 4.79 μm
    Pixel Density 4.34 MP/cm2 4.35 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 12,500 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Screen Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Leica X2
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Leica X2
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 5.6 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Fujifilm X-A2 Leica X2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    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-A2 Leica X2
    Battery Type Fujifilm NP-W126 Leica BP-DC8
    Battery Life (CIPA)410 shots per charge450 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 117 x 67 x 40 mm
    (4.6 x 2.6 x 1.6 in)
    124 x 69 x 52 mm
    (4.9 x 2.7 x 2.0 in)
    Camera Weight 350 g (12.3 oz) 345 g (12.2 oz)
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