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Leica X Typ 113 vs X Vario

The Leica X (Typ 113) and the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2014 and June 2013. Both the X Typ 113 and the X Vario are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 16.1 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica X Typ 113
versus
Leica X Vario
Leica X Typ 113   Leica X Vario
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
35mm f/1.7 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 100-12,500
Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
350 shots per battery charge450 shots per battery charge
133 x 73 x 78 mm, 486 g 133 x 73 x 95 mm, 680 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X (Typ 113) and the Leica X Vario (Typ 107)? 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 physical size and weight of the Leica X Typ 113 and the Leica X Vario are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X Typ 113 can be obtained in three different colors (black, brown, white), while the X Vario is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Leica X Typ 113 vs Leica X Vario
Compare X Typ 113 versus X Vario top
Comparison X Typ 113 or X Vario rear

In this particular case, the Leica X Typ 113 and the Leica X Vario have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. However, the X Vario is substantially heavier (40 percent) than the X Typ 113. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X Typ 113 nor the X Vario are weather-sealed.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

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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.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T 127 mm 74 mm 52 mm 440 g 330 n Sep 2014 1,299ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X100S 127 mm 74 mm 54 mm 445 g 330 n Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Leica CL 131 mm 78 mm 45 mm 403 g 220 n Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
6.
 
Leica TL2 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 399 g 250 n Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
8.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 118 mm 66 mm 55 mm 405 g 300 n Sep 2014 1,195ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 124 mm 80 mm 95 mm 520 g 410 n Sep 2010 849ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Ricoh GR II 117 mm 63 mm 35 mm 251 g 320 n Jun 2015 699ebay.com
13.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.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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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X Typ 113 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 19 percent) than the X Vario, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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 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.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. 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.

Leica X Typ 113 and Leica X Vario sensor measures

Even though the X Vario has a slightly larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 16.1 megapixels. This implies that the X Vario has a lower pixel density and marginally larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 4.79μm for the X Typ 113), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. It should, however, be noted that the X Typ 113 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 3 months) than the X Vario, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size.

The Leica X (Typ 113) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) offers exactly the same ISO settings.

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 Typ 113 versus X Vario MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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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.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
2.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.612.8148378
4.
 
Fujifilm X100S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.312.5132975
5.
 
Leica CL APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p24.013.3178882
6.
 
Leica TL2 APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p23.913.3175382
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
8.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.412.160767
9.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.732139
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
12.
 
Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880
13.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
14.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. 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 (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 Typ 113 and the X Vario 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. However, optional viewfinders – the Visoflex (Typ 020) for the X Typ 113 and the EVF 2 for the X Vario – are available as accessories. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica X Typ 113 and Leica X Vario 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.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T2360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X100S2360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Leica CL2360 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica TL2optional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 1092764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
9.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Ricoh GR IIoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The X Vario is equipped with a zoom lens, while the X Typ 113 comes with a built-in prime. The X Vario has a 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 optic and the X Typ 113 offers a 35mm f/1.7 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the X Vario provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the X Typ 113. The X Typ 113 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X Typ 113 and the X Vario write their files to SDXC 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 Leica X (Typ 113) and Leica X Vario (Typ 107) 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.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Fujifilm X100TYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X100SYstereo / mono--micro2.0---
5.
 
Leica CLYstereo / mono----Y--
6.
 
Leica TL2Ystereo / mono--micro3.0Y--
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
12.
 
Ricoh GR IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
14.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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Both the X Typ 113 and the X Vario have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the X Typ 113 and X Vario can be found, respectively, in the Leica X Typ 113 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X Vario Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X Typ 113 and the Leica X Vario? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Leica X (Typ 113):

  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/3.5).
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 194g or 29 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (19 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 3 months after the X Vario).


Arguments in favor of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107):

  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2013).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X Typ 113 comes out slightly ahead of the X Vario (4 : 3 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.

X Typ 113 04:03 X Vario

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X Typ 113 and the Leica X Vario place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X Typ 113 or the X Vario. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
2.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X100T5/5+..81/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2014 1,299ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X100S5/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Leica CL....4.2/5....4/5 Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
6.
 
Leica TL23.5/5..3/5..4/54/5 Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
8.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 1,195ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 2............ Sep 2010 849ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Ricoh GR II........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 699ebay.com
13.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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. 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 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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    Specifications: Leica X Typ 113 vs Leica X Vario

    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 Leica X Typ 113 Leica X Vario
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 35mm f/1.7 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4
    Launch Date September 2014 June 2013
    Launch Price USD 2,295 USD 2,850
    Sensor Specs Leica X Typ 113 Leica X Vario
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 23.6 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 370.52 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 4928 x 3272 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.79 μm 4.80 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2 4.35 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 100 - 12,500 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 78
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1320
    Screen Specs Leica X Typ 113 Leica X Vario
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Viewfinder optional
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica X Typ 113 Leica X Vario
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Leica X Typ 113 Leica X Vario
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Leica X Typ 113 Leica X Vario
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Leica BP-DC8
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge450 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 133 x 73 x 78 mm
    (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.1 in)
    133 x 73 x 95 mm
    (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in)
    Camera Weight 486 g (17.1 oz) 680 g (24.0 oz)
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