Fujifilm XQ2 vs Leica X1

The Fujifilm XQ2 and the Leica X1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2015 and September 2009. Both the XQ2 and the X1 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 2/3 (XQ2) and an APS-C (X1) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 12.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm XQ2		Leica X1
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
25-100mm f/1.8-4.9		36mm f/2.8
12 MP – Two Thirds sensor		12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60p Video		no Video
ISO 100-12,800		ISO 100-3,200
No viewfinder, LCD framing		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 920k dots		2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
12 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
240 shots per battery charge		260 shots per battery charge
100 x 59 x 33 mm, 206 g		124 x 60 x 32 mm, 306 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Leica X1? 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 XQ2 and the Leica X1. 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 XQ2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the X1 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X1 is notably larger (26 percent) than the Fujifilm XQ2. Moreover, the X1 is substantially heavier (49 percent) than the XQ2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the XQ2 nor the X1 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the XQ2 gets 240 shots out of its Fujifilm NP-48 battery, while the X1 can take 260 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC8 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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 XQ2	100 mm	59 mm	33 mm	206 g	240	n	Jan 2015	399	ebay.com
2.		Leica X1	124 mm	60 mm	32 mm	306 g	260	n	Sep 2009	1,995	ebay.com
3.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449	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 X10	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	350 g	270	n	Sep 2011	599	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X20	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	599	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X30	119 mm	72 mm	60 mm	423 g	470	n	Aug 2014	599	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X70	113 mm	64 mm	44 mm	340 g	330	n	Jan 2016	799	ebay.com
10.		Fujifilm X100	126 mm	75 mm	54 mm	445 g	300	n	Sep 2010	1,199	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm XQ1	100 mm	59 mm	33 mm	206 g	240	n	Oct 2013	499	ebay.com
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Sep 2010	699	ebay.com
13.		Leica D-LUX 6	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Sep 2012	699	ebay.com
14.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	1,995	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic LX5	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Jul 2010	499	ebay.com
16.		Sony HX80	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	245 g	390	n	Mar 2016	349	ebay.com
17.		Sony HX90V	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	245 g	360	n	Apr 2015	429	ebay.com
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 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 XQ2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 80 percent) than the X1, 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 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm XQ2 features a 2/3 sensor and the Leica X1 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X1 is 538 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 3.9 and 1.5. The sensor in the XQ2 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X1 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 12.2MP, the X1 offers a higher resolution than the XQ2 (12MP), but the X1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.51μm versus 2.20μm for the XQ2) due to its larger sensor. However, the XQ2 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 4 months) than the X1, 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 XQ2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The XQ2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm XQ2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X1 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. The XQ2 uses Fujifilm's X-Trans layout of photosites, while the X1 employs the more common Bayer array.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm XQ2	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.5	11.2	-275	49
2.		Leica X1	APS-C	12.2	4272	2856	none	22.6	11.8	1037	69
3.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
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 X10	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	20.5	11.3	245	50
7.		Fujifilm X20	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.1	10.9	-462	46
8.		Fujifilm X30	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.4	11.2	-312	49
9.		Fujifilm X70	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
10.		Fujifilm X100	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/30p	22.9	12.4	1001	73
11.		Fujifilm XQ1	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.3	11.0	-390	47
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/60p	19.5	10.4	-583	39
13.		Leica D-LUX 6	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	19.8	10.8	-303	43
14.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
15.		Panasonic LX5	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/60p	19.6	10.8	132	41
16.		Sony HX80	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	1080/60p	20.4	11.8	822	48
17.		Sony HX90V	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	1080/60p	20.2	11.6	738	47
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 XQ2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the X1 does not. The highest resolution format that the XQ2 can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The XQ2 and the X1 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. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm XQ2, the Leica X1, and comparable cameras.

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.		Fujifilm XQ2	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
2.		Leica X1	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	3.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1/s	Y	Y
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 X10	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
7.		Fujifilm X20	optical	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
8.		Fujifilm X30	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
9.		Fujifilm X70	optional	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
10.		Fujifilm X100	1440	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
11.		Fujifilm XQ1	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
13.		Leica D-LUX 6	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0/s	Y	Y
14.		Leica X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
15.		Panasonic LX5	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
16.		Sony HX80	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
17.		Sony HX90V	638	n	3.0 / 921	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The XQ2 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X1 comes with a built-in prime. The XQ2 has a 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 optic and the X1 offers a 36mm f/2.8 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Fujifilm 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 XQ2 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The XQ2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the X1 uses SDHC cards. The XQ2 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the X1 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 XQ2 and Leica X1 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.		Fujifilm XQ2	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Leica X1	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon S120	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Fujifilm X-A3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Fujifilm X-A10	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X10	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X20	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Fujifilm X30	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Fujifilm X70	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Fujifilm X100	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Fujifilm XQ1	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Leica D-LUX 6	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Leica X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Panasonic LX5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony HX80	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony HX90V	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the XQ2 offers wifi support, while the X1 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both the XQ2 and the X1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X1 was replaced by the Leica X2, while the XQ2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the XQ2 and X1 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm XQ2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X1 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Fujifilm XQ2 better than the Leica X1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm XQ2:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60p movies.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• 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).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8 vs f/2.8).
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• More compact: Is smaller (100x59mm vs 124x60mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 100g or 33 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• 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 (80 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 4 months of technical progress since the X1 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Leica X1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• 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.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• 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 2009).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the XQ2 is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 8 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 XQ2 and the Leica X1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom 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 XQ2 and the X1 in practical situations. 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 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.		Fujifilm XQ2	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	399	ebay.com
2.		Leica X1	3/5	..	..	+	..	4/5	Sep 2009	1,995	ebay.com
3.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449	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 X10	..	..	..	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	599	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X20	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	599	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X30	4/5	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	599	ebay.com
9.		Fujifilm X70	4.5/5	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	799	ebay.com
10.		Fujifilm X100	3/5	..	..	75/100	4/5	5/5	Sep 2010	1,199	ebay.com
11.		Fujifilm XQ1	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	499	ebay.com
12.		Leica D-LUX 5	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2010	699	ebay.com
13.		Leica D-LUX 6	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Sep 2012	699	ebay.com
14.		Leica X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	1,995	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic LX5	4/5	+	..	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	499	ebay.com
16.		Sony HX80	..	..	..	..	..	..	Mar 2016	349	ebay.com
17.		Sony HX90V	4/5	+ +	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2015	429	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. 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. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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 your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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