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Leica T Comparison Review

The Leica T (Typ 701) is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in April 2014 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica T a good camera? The T Typ 701 has a Camera Elo of 1909. This rating puts the T Typ 701 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the T Typ 701 ranks among the top 50 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Leica T
Mirrorless system camera
Leica T mount lenses
16.2 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video
ISO 100 - 12 500
Viewfinder optional
3.7 LCD, 1230k dots
Fixed touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge
134 x 69 x 33 mm, 384 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Leica T vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica T vs credit card front
T Typ 701 versus credit card top view
T Typ 701 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica T alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 EUR 1 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 100D 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 EUR 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M3 111 mm 68 mm 44 mm 366 g 250 n Feb 2015 EUR 749ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M10 108 mm 67 mm 35 mm 301 g 255 n Oct 2015 EUR 499ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 8 130 mm 69 mm 62 mm 397 g 300 n Jul 2024 EUR 1 599 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica TL 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Nov 2016 EUR 1 649ebay.com
7.
 
Leica TL2 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 399 g 250 n Jul 2017 EUR 1 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 EUR 1 749ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 EUR 2 449ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 EUR 799ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 EUR 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica T was launched in the US market at a price of $1,849. 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.

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Check T Typ 701 offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

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 tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Leica T features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica T among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Leica T sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most 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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
2.
 
Canon 100D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
3.
 
Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.8116972
4.
 
Canon M10 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.475365
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 8 Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p23.113.4155775
6.
 
Leica TL APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.913.2169081
7.
 
Leica TL2 APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p23.913.3175382
8.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
9.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
10.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The T Typ 701 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the T Typ 701 can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica T and comparable cameras.

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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.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon 100Doptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
3.
 
Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
4.
 
Canon M10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.6/s Y n
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 82360 n3.0 / 1860 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica TLoptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Leica TL2optional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One convenient feature of the T Typ 701 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection 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 Leica T (Typ 701) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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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.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
2.
 
Canon 100DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon M10-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 8Ystereo / mono--micro3.0Y-Y
6.
 
Leica TLYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Leica TL2Ystereo / mono--micro3.0Y--
8.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--

It is notable that the T Typ 701 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Further information on the features and operation of the T Typ 701 can be found in the free online Leica T Manual or on the Leica support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the T Typ 701 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. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 EUR 1 499ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 100D4/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 EUR 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M34/5o..75/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2015 EUR 749ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M10..........4/5 Oct 2015 EUR 499ebay.com
5.
 
Leica D-LUX 8............ Jul 2024 EUR 1 599 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica TL..........4/5 Nov 2016 EUR 1 649ebay.com
7.
 
Leica TL23.5/5..3/5..4/54/5 Jul 2017 EUR 1 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 EUR 1 749ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 EUR 2 449ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 EUR 799ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 EUR 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check T Typ 701 offers at
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Leica T FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the T Typ 701.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica T based on?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica T?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500.

Can the Leica T be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Leica provides the Visoflex (Typ 020) as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Leica T (Typ 701)?

Leica does not publish a shutter rating for the T Typ 701. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

Does the Leica T feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Leica T for flash photography?

The T Typ 701's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.

Which battery does the Leica T use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC13 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An 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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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica T
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica T mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2014
    Launch Price USD 1 849
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 371 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 944 x 3 278 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.79 μm
    Pixel Density 4.37 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12 500 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 75
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1082
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.7 inch
    LCD Resolution 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC13 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 134 x 69 x 33 mm
    (5.3 x 2.7 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 384 g (13.5 oz)

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