Leica X Typ 113 vs Sony RX1

The Leica X (Typ 113) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2014 and September 2012. Both the X Typ 113 and the RX1 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an APS-C (X Typ 113) and a full frame (RX1) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

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		Sony RX1
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
35mm f/1.7		35mm f/2.0
16.1 MP, APS-C Sensor		24 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-12500		ISO 100-25600 (50-102400)
Viewfinder optional		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD, 920k dots		3.0" LCD, 1229k 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 charge		270 shots per battery charge
133 x 73 x 78 mm, 486 g		113 x 65 x 70 mm, 482 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X (Typ 113) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1? 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 Leica X Typ 113 and the Sony RX1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. 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 measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X Typ 113 can be obtained in three different colors (black, brown, white), while the RX1 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX1 is notably smaller (24 percent) than the Leica X Typ 113. Moreover, the RX1 is slightly lighter (1 percent) than the X Typ 113. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X Typ 113 nor the RX1 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the X Typ 113 gets 350 shots out of its BP-DC8 battery, while the RX1 can take 270 images on a single charge of its NP-BX1 power pack. The power pack in the RX1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Leica X Typ 113»	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Sony RX1«	113 mm	65 mm	70 mm	482 g	270	n	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1
	Canon SX530« »	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	210	n	Jan 2015	429	-		Canon SX530
	Fujifilm X100T« »	127 mm	74 mm	52 mm	440 g	330	n	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X100S« »	127 mm	74 mm	54 mm	445 g	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Leica D-LUX Typ 109« »	118 mm	66 mm	55 mm	405 g	300	n	Sep 2014	1,195	-		Leica D-LUX Typ 109
	Leica X Vario« »	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	2,850			Leica X Vario
	Leica X2« »	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	1,995	-		Leica X2
	Leica V-LUX 2« »	124 mm	80 mm	95 mm	520 g	410	n	Sep 2010	849	-		Leica V-LUX 2
	Nikon L840« »	113 mm	78 mm	96 mm	538 g	590	n	Feb 2015	299	-		Nikon L840
	Nikon D5300« »	125 mm	98 mm	76 mm	480 g	600	n	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Sony RX1R II« »	113 mm	65 mm	72 mm	507 g	220	n	Oct 2015	3,299			Sony RX1R II
	Sony A3000« »	128 mm	91 mm	85 mm	411 g	470	n	Aug 2013	329	-		Sony A3000
	Sony RX1R« »	113 mm	65 mm	70 mm	482 g	270	n	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony H200« »	123 mm	83 mm	87 mm	530 g	240	n	Jan 2013	249			Sony H200
	Sony NEX-7« »	120 mm	67 mm	43 mm	400 g	430	n	Aug 2011	1,349	-		Sony NEX-7
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X Typ 113 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 18 percent) than the RX1, 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica X Typ 113 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony RX1 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the RX1 is 130 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around CMOS sensors.

With 24MP, the RX1 offers a higher resolution than the X Typ 113 (16.1MP), but the RX1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.96μm versus 4.79μm for the X Typ 113) due to its larger sensor. However, the X Typ 113 is a much more recent model (by 2 years) than the RX1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X Typ 113 are 24.6 x 16.3 inch or 62.6 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inch or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inch or 41.7 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica X (Typ 113) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the RX1 provides a faster frame rate than the X Typ 113. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Leica is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The X Typ 113 and the RX1 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 FDA-EV1MK for the RX1 – are available as accessories. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica X Typ 113, the Sony RX1, and comparable cameras.

Both the X Typ 113 and the RX1 have built-in prime lenses. The X Typ 113 has a 35mm f/1.7 optic and the RX1 offers a 35mm f/2.0 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the X Typ 113 and the RX1 provide the same angle of view. The X Typ 113 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The X Typ 113 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX1 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo 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 Leica X (Typ 113) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the RX1 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The X Typ 113 does not feature such a mic input.

The X Typ 113 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the RX1 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the RX1 was succeeded by the Sony RX1R. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Leica and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X Typ 113 and the Sony RX1? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Leica X (Typ 113):

• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/2.0).
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (350 versus 270) on a single battery charge.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (18 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the RX1 launch.

Arguments in favor of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 16.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 22%.
• 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 video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 920k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More compact: Is smaller (113x65mm vs 133x73mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RX1 is the clear winner of the contest (11 : 5 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 Leica X Typ 113 and the Sony RX1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listing 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X Typ 113 and the RX1 in practical situations. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Leica X Typ 113»	-	-	3.5/5	-	4/5	Sep 2014	2,295			Leica X Typ 113
	Sony RX1«	-	79/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,799	-		Sony RX1
	Canon SX530« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Jan 2015	429	-		Canon SX530
	Fujifilm X100T« »	+	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X100S« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Leica D-LUX Typ 109« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,195	-		Leica D-LUX Typ 109
	Leica X Vario« »	-	-	4/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	2,850			Leica X Vario
	Leica X2« »	-	-	3/5	-	4/5	May 2012	1,995	-		Leica X2
	Leica V-LUX 2« »	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2010	849	-		Leica V-LUX 2
	Nikon L840« »	+ +	-	3.5/5	-	4/5	Feb 2015	299	-		Nikon L840
	Nikon D5300« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Sony RX1R II« »	-	82/100	-	o	4.5/5	Oct 2015	3,299			Sony RX1R II
	Sony A3000« »	+	-	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2013	329	-		Sony A3000
	Sony RX1R« »	-	-	4/5	o	4.5/5	Jun 2013	2,799	-		Sony RX1R
	Sony H200« »	-	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Jan 2013	249			Sony H200
	Sony NEX-7« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Aug 2011	1,349	-		Sony NEX-7
Notes: (+ +) 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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Leica X Typ 113 vs Sony RX1

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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