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Leica X Vario Comparison Review

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in June 2013 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.1 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica X Vario a good camera? The X Vario has a Camera Elo of 1616. This rating puts the X Vario below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the X Vario also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Leica X Vario is more than 11 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2013.

Headline Specifications
Leica X Vario
Fixed lens compact camera
28-70mm f/3.5-6.4
16.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video
ISO 100 - 12 500
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge
133 x 73 x 95 mm, 680 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

The physical dimensions of the Leica X Vario relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica X Vario vs credit card front
X Vario versus credit card top view
X Vario and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica X Vario 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 X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
2.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
3.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
4.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
5.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
10.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 799ebay.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 X Vario was launched in the US market at a price of $2,849. 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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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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.

The Leica X Vario 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 X Vario among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Leica X Vario sensor measures

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 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 X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
2.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
3.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
4.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
5.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
7.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
8.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
10.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
11.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
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 also of capturing video footage. The X Vario indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the X Vario can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica X Vario along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
9.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
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.

One convenient feature of the X Vario 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 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
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
4.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---
7.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
8.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
11.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---

The X Vario has a zoom lens built in (18-46mm f/3.5-6.4), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 28 to 70mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

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

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X Vario handle or perform in practice. 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. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent 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]).

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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 X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
2.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
3.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
4.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
5.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
10.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Leica X Vario FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the X Vario.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica X Vario based on?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica X Vario?

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

Can the Leica X Vario be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Leica provides the EVF 2 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

Does the Leica X Vario 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.

Which battery does the Leica X Vario use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-DC8 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu 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 Summary
    Camera Model Leica X Vario
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4
    Launch Date June 2013
    Launch Price USD 2 849
    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 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 928 x 3 272 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 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
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s
    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 mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 133 x 73 x 95 mm
    (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in)
    Camera Weight 680 g (24.0 oz)

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