Fujifilm X-E4 vs Leica D-LUX 7

The Fujifilm X-E4 and the Leica D-LUX 7 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2021 and November 2018. The X-E4 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D-LUX 7 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-E4) and a Four Thirds (D-LUX 7) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 26 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 16.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-E4		Leica D-LUX 7
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		24-75mm f/1.7-2.8
26 MP, APS-C Sensor		16.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
4K/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 160-12,800 (80 - 51,200)		ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2764k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1620k dots		3.0 LCD, 1240k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
8 shutter flaps per second		11 shutter flaps per second
380 shots per battery charge		300 shots per battery charge
121 x 73 x 33 mm, 364 g		115 x 66 x 65 mm, 392 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-E4 and the Leica D-LUX 7? 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 physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-E4 and the Leica D-LUX 7 are illustrated 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-E4 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D-LUX 7 is only available in silver.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica D-LUX 7 is notably smaller (14 percent) than the Fujifilm X-E4. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-E4 nor the D-LUX 7 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the D-LUX 7 has a lens built in, whereas the X-E4 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-E4 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X-E4 gets 380 shots out of its NP-W126S battery, while the D-LUX 7 can take 300 images on a single charge of its BP-DC15 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.		Fujifilm X-E4	121 mm	73 mm	33 mm	364 g	380	n	Jan 2021	849
2.		Leica D-LUX 7	115 mm	66 mm	65 mm	392 g	300	n	Nov 2018	1,195
3.		Fujifilm X-T200	121 mm	84 mm	55 mm	370 g	270	n	Jan 2020	699
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	126 mm	85 mm	65 mm	465 g	325	n	Oct 2020	999
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	118 mm	83 mm	47 mm	383 g	380	n	Feb 2019	899
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	119 mm	68 mm	41 mm	320 g	440	n	Sep 2019	499
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	117 mm	68 mm	40 mm	361 g	450	n	Jan 2018	399
8.		Fujifilm X100F	127 mm	75 mm	52 mm	469 g	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	121 mm	74 mm	43 mm	337 g	350	n	Sep 2017	899
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	383 g	350	n	Jan 2017	899
11.		Fujifilm X-A3	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	339 g	410	n	Aug 2016	399
12.		Fujifilm X-E2S	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Jan 2016	699
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	799
14.		Leica V-LUX 5	136 mm	97 mm	131 mm	812 g	350	n	Jul 2019	1,249
15.		Leica C-LUX	113 mm	67 mm	46 mm	340 g	370	n	Jun 2018	1,049
16.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	118 mm	66 mm	55 mm	405 g	300	n	Sep 2014	1,195
17.		Panasonic LX100 II	115 mm	66 mm	65 mm	392 g	300	n	Aug 2018	999
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 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. 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 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. 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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-E4 features an APS-C sensor and the Leica D-LUX 7 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the D-LUX 7 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the X-E4 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the D-LUX 7 offers a 4:3 aspect. The D-LUX 7 has the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between multiple aspect ratios, while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.

With 26MP, the X-E4 offers a higher resolution than the D-LUX 7 (16.8MP), but the X-E4 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 3.66μm for the D-LUX 7) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X-E4 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 2 months) than the D-LUX 7, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-E4 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-E4 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 31.2 x 20.8 inches or 79.2 x 52.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 25 x 16.6 inches or 63.4 x 42.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.8 x 13.9 inches or 52.8 x 35.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica D-LUX 7 are 23.7 x 17.8 inches or 60.1 x 45.1 cm for good quality, 18.9 x 14.2 inches or 48.1 x 36.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.8 x 11.8 inches or 40.1 x 30.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X-E4 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-E4 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica D-LUX 7 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm X-E4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
2.		Leica D-LUX 7	Four Thirds	16.8	4736	3552	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Fujifilm X-T200	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/15p	..	..	..	..
8.		Fujifilm X100F	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Fujifilm X-A3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
12.		Fujifilm X-E2S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
14.		Leica V-LUX 5	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
15.		Leica C-LUX	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
16.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	Four Thirds	12.7	4112	3088	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
17.		Panasonic LX100 II	Four Thirds	16.8	4736	3552	4K/30p	..	..	..	..

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. 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 (4K/30p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the D-LUX 7 offers a higher resolution than the one in the X-E4 (2764k vs 2360k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-E4 and Leica D-LUX 7 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.		Fujifilm X-E4	2360	n	3.0	1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
2.		Leica D-LUX 7	2764	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/4000s	11.0	n	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-T200	2360	n	3.5	2780	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	none	n	3.5	2760	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
8.		Fujifilm X100F	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	n
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
11.		Fujifilm X-A3	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
12.		Fujifilm X-E2S	2360	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0	Y	n
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	2360	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	n
14.		Leica V-LUX 5	2360	n	3.0	1240	swivel	Y	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
15.		Leica C-LUX	2330	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
16.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	2764	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0	n	Y
17.		Panasonic LX100 II	2764	n	3.0	1240	fixed	Y	1/4000s	11.0	n	Y

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-E4 and the Leica D-LUX 7 both have 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 X-E4 and the D-LUX 7 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 Fujifilm X-E4 and Leica D-LUX 7 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.		Fujifilm X-E4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Leica D-LUX 7	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-T200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
8.		Fujifilm X100F	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
11.		Fujifilm X-A3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Fujifilm X-E2S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
14.		Leica V-LUX 5	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
15.		Leica C-LUX	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Panasonic LX100 II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y

It is notable that the X-E4 has a microphone port, which is missing on the D-LUX 7. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Both the X-E4 and the D-LUX 7 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The D-LUX 7 replaced the earlier Leica D-LUX Typ 109, while the X-E4 followed on from the Fujifilm X-E3. 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.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Fujifilm X-E4 better than the Leica D-LUX 7 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-E4:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (26 vs 16.8MP) with a 27% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• 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.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1240k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (380 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 2 months of technical progress since the D-LUX 7 launch.

Advantages of the Leica D-LUX 7:

• Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2764k vs 2360k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.62x).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the X-E4 necessitates an extra lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (115x66mm vs 121x73mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in November 2018).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X-E4 is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 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 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-E4 and the Leica D-LUX 7 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

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 X-E4 or the D-LUX 7. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.		Fujifilm X-E4	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	849
2.		Leica D-LUX 7	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	Nov 2018	1,195
3.		Fujifilm X-T200	3.5/5	..	82/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2020	699
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	5/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	999
5.		Fujifilm X-T30	5/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2019	899
6.		Fujifilm X-A7	3/5	..	81/100	4/5	3.5/5	Sep 2019	499
7.		Fujifilm X-A5	..	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2018	399
8.		Fujifilm X100F	5/5	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299
9.		Fujifilm X-E3	4.5/5	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899
10.		Fujifilm X-T20	5/5	+ +	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899
11.		Fujifilm X-A3	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2016	399
12.		Fujifilm X-E2S	4.5/5	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699
13.		Fujifilm X-T10	4.5/5	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	May 2015	799
14.		Leica V-LUX 5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jul 2019	1,249
15.		Leica C-LUX	..	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2018	1,049
16.		Leica D-LUX Typ 109	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,195
17.		Panasonic LX100 II	4.5/5	+	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted 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. 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. 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 are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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Specifications: Fujifilm X-E4 vs Leica D-LUX 7

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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