Leica X Vario vs Nikon D300S
The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Nikon D300S are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2013 and July 2009. The X Vario is a fixed lens compact, while the D300S is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 12.2 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Nikon D300S? 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 Leica X Vario and the Nikon D300S. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The X Vario can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D300S 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 Nikon D300S is considerably larger (74 percent) than the Leica X Vario. It is noteworthy in this context that the D300S is splash and dust-proof, while the X Vario does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X Vario has a lens built in, whereas the D300S is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D300S and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the X Vario gets 450 shots out of its BP-DC8 battery, while the D300S can take 950 images on a single charge of its EN-EL3e power pack.
The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X Vario | 133 mm | 73 mm | 95 mm | 680 g | 450 | n | Jun 2013 | 2,850 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D300S | 147 mm | 115 mm | 81 mm | 938 g | 950 | Y | Jul 2009 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 140 mm | 79 mm | 88 mm | 635 g | 450 | Y | Jan 2016 | 2,950 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica Q Typ 116 | 130 mm | 80 mm | 93 mm | 640 g | 300 | n | Jun 2015 | 4,249 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica T | 134 mm | 69 mm | 33 mm | 384 g | 400 | n | Apr 2014 | 1,850 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica X Typ 113 | 133 mm | 73 mm | 78 mm | 486 g | 350 | n | Sep 2014 | 2,295 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X2 | 124 mm | 69 mm | 52 mm | 345 g | 450 | n | May 2012 | 1,995 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D500 | 147 mm | 115 mm | 81 mm | 860 g | 1240 | Y | Jan 2016 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
9. | Nikon Df | 144 mm | 110 mm | 67 mm | 760 g | 1400 | Y | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon Coolpix A | 111 mm | 64 mm | 40 mm | 299 g | 230 | n | Mar 2013 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D7000 | 132 mm | 105 mm | 77 mm | 780 g | 1050 | Y | Sep 2010 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D700 | 147 mm | 123 mm | 77 mm | 1074 g | 1000 | Y | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D300 | 147 mm | 114 mm | 74 mm | 925 g | 1000 | Y | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D200 | 147 mm | 113 mm | 74 mm | 920 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2005 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 137 mm | 99 mm | 131 mm | 831 g | 360 | n | Jun 2014 | 899 | ebay.com | |
16. | Ricoh GR | 117 mm | 61 mm | 35 mm | 245 g | 290 | n | Apr 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX1R | 113 mm | 65 mm | 70 mm | 482 g | 270 | n | Jun 2013 | 2,799 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. 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. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the D300S is 1 percent bigger. 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.
Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Leica X Vario offers a higher resolution of 16.1 megapixels, compared with 12.2 MP of the Nikon D300S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 5.53μm for the D300S). However, it should be noted that the X Vario is much more recent (by 3 years and 10 months) than the D300S, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.
The resolution advantage of the Leica X Vario implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X Vario for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.7 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D300S are 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.3 x 9.5 inches or 36.3 x 24.1 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D300S are ISO 200 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.
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.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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"). Of the two cameras under review, the X Vario has a notably higher overall DXO score than the D300S (overall score 8 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.9 bits higher color depth, 0.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
# | 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 | 3272 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.7 | 1320 | 78 | |
2. | Nikon D300S | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.5 | 12.2 | 787 | 70 | |
3. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 13.0 | 1614 | 80 | |
4. | Leica Q Typ 116 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.3 | 12.7 | 2221 | 85 | |
5. | Leica T | APS-C | 16.2 | 4944 | 3278 | 1080/30p | 23.0 | 12.7 | 1082 | 75 | |
6. | Leica X Typ 113 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.8 | 1491 | 78 | |
7. | Leica X2 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | none | 23.2 | 12.4 | 1275 | 74 | |
8. | Nikon D500 | APS-C | 20.7 | 5568 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 24.0 | 14.0 | 1324 | 83 | |
9. | Nikon Df | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | none | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3279 | 89 | |
10. | Nikon Coolpix A | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 13.8 | 1164 | 80 | |
11. | Nikon D7000 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 23.5 | 13.9 | 1167 | 80 | |
12. | Nikon D700 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2303 | 80 | |
13. | Nikon D300 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.1 | 12.0 | 679 | 67 | |
14. | Nikon D200 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.3 | 11.5 | 583 | 64 | |
15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 11.7 | 517 | 64 | |
16. | Ricoh GR | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 13.5 | 972 | 78 | |
17. | Sony RX1R | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 25.0 | 13.6 | 2537 | 91 | |
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 two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the X Vario provides a higher video resolution than the D300S. It can shoot video footage at 1080/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 720/24p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D300S has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X Vario relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X Vario can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica X Vario and Nikon D300S along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
# | 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 Vario | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
2. | Nikon D300S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
4. | Leica Q Typ 116 | 3680 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
5. | Leica T | optional | n | 3.7 / 1230 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
6. | Leica X Typ 113 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Leica X2 | optional | n | 2.7 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Nikon D500 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Nikon Df | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | n | n | |
10. | Nikon Coolpix A | optional | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D7000 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Nikon D700 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Nikon D300 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Nikon D200 | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Ricoh GR | optional | n | 3.0 / 1230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
17. | Sony RX1R | optional | n | 3.0 / 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 feature that is present on the D300S, but is missing on the X Vario is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The Nikon D300S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The X Vario writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D300S uses Compact Flash or SDXC cards. The D300S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X Vario only has one slot.
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 Vario (Typ 107) and Nikon D300S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X Vario | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Nikon D300S | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Leica Q Typ 116 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
5. | Leica T | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Leica X Typ 113 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Leica X2 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D500 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
9. | Nikon Df | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon Coolpix A | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D7000 | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D700 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D300 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Nikon D200 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
16. | Ricoh GR | Y | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Sony RX1R | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the D300S has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The X Vario does not feature such a mic input.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D300S (unlike the X Vario) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the X Vario and the D300S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D300S was replaced by the Nikon D500, while the X Vario does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X Vario and D300S can be found, respectively, in the Leica X Vario Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D300S Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica X Vario better than the Nikon D300S or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Advantages of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107):
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.1 vs 12.2MP) with a 15% higher linear resolution.
- Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (8 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.7 stops ISO advantage).
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/24p).
- Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the D300S requires a separate lens.
- More compact: Is smaller (133x73mm vs 147x115mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the D300S).
- More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
- More modern: Reflects 3 years and 10 months of technical progress since the D300S launch.
Arguments in favor of the Nikon D300S:
- Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
- Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (950 versus 450) out of a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in July 2009).
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D300S emerges as the winner of the match-up (12 : 9 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 Vario and the Nikon D300S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best DSLR 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 X Vario and the D300S 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.
Expert reviews
This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X Vario | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2013 | 2,850 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D300S | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2009 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
3. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 3.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | Jan 2016 | 2,950 | ebay.com | |
4. | Leica Q Typ 116 | 5/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2015 | 4,249 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica T | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Apr 2014 | 1,850 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica X Typ 113 | 3.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2014 | 2,295 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica X2 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3/5 | 4/5 | May 2012 | 1,995 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D500 | 5/5 | + + | 4.7/5 | 91/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
9. | Nikon Df | 4/5 | .. | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon Coolpix A | 4/5 | + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2013 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D7000 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2010 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D700 | .. | 89/100 | .. | + + | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D300 | .. | + + | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D200 | .. | + + | .. | + + | o | .. | Nov 2005 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2014 | 899 | ebay.com | |
16. | Ricoh GR | 5/5 | .. | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX1R | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | 2,799 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
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 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.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, 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.
- Canon 1D Mark II vs Leica X Vario
- Canon T3 vs Nikon D300S
- Leica SL vs Nikon D300S
- Leica T vs Leica X Vario
- Leica X Vario vs Nikon D5000
- Leica X Vario vs Nikon Z8
- Leica X Vario vs Pentax K-5
- Leica X Vario vs Ricoh GR
- Nikon D300S vs Nikon Z8
- Nikon D300S vs Olympus E-P1
- Nikon D300S vs Sony A9
- Nikon D300S vs Sony HX99
Specifications: Leica X Vario vs Nikon D300S
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 Model | Leica X Vario | Nikon D300S |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 | Nikon F mount lenses |
Launch Date | June 2013 | July 2009 |
Launch Price | USD 2,850 | USD 1,799 |
Sensor Specs | Leica X Vario | Nikon D300S |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.6 x 15.7 mm | 23.6 x 15.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 370.52 mm2 | 372.88 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.3 mm | 28.4 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 16.1 Megapixels | 12.2 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4928 x 3272 pixels | 4288 x 2848 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 4.80 μm | 5.53 μm |
Pixel Density | 4.35 MP/cm2 | 3.28 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | 720/24p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 12,500 ISO | 200 - 3,200 ISO |
ISO Boost | no Enhancement | 100 - 6,400 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 78 | 70 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 23.4 | 22.5 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 12.7 | 12.2 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1320 | 787 |
Screen Specs | Leica X Vario | Nikon D300S |
Viewfinder Type | Viewfinder optional | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.63x | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | Control Panel |
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 Vario | Nikon D300S |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 5 shutter flaps/s | 7 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | Intervalometer built-in |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | CF or SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Dual card slots |
UHS card support | no | no |
Connectivity Specs | Leica X Vario | Nikon D300S |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | no PC Sync | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | no MIC socket | External MIC port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Leica X Vario | Nikon D300S |
Environmental Sealing | not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | BP-DC8 | EN-EL3e |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 450 shots per charge | 950 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
133 x 73 x 95 mm (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in) |
147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2 in) |
Camera Weight | 680 g (24.0 oz) | 938 g (33.1 oz) |
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