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Leica X Vario vs Sony A9 III

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Sony Alpha A9 III are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2013 and November 2023. The X Vario is a fixed lens compact, while the A9 III is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X Vario) and a full frame (A9 III) 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 Vario
versus
Sony A9 III
Leica X Vario   Sony A9 III
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 Sony E mount lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video 4K/120p Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 250-25,600 (125 - 51,200)
Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder (9440k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fully flexible touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 120 shutter flaps per second
no shake reductionIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
450 shots per battery charge530 shots per battery charge
133 x 73 x 95 mm, 680 g 136 x 97 x 83 mm, 702 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Sony Alpha A9 III? 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 Vario and the Sony A9 III 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 Vario can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A9 III is only available in black.

Size Leica X Vario vs Sony A9 III
Compare X Vario versus A9 III top
Comparison X Vario or A9 III rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A9 III is notably larger (36 percent) than the Leica X Vario. It is noteworthy in this context that the A9 III 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 A9 III 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 A9 III and their specifications in the Sony FE Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X Vario gets 450 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the A9 III can take 530 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A9 III can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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
  empty 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.
 
Sony A9 III 136 mm 97 mm 83 mm 702 g 530 Y Nov 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
4.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
5.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 US$ 4 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
17.
 
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.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 Vario was launched at a lower price than the A9 III, despite having a lens built in. 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 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. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica X Vario features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A9 III a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A9 III is 128 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.

Leica X Vario and Sony A9 III sensor measures

With 24MP, the A9 III offers a higher resolution than the X Vario (16.1MP), but the A9 III nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 4.80μm for the X Vario) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A9 III is a much more recent model (by 10 years and 4 months) than the X Vario, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A9 III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A9 III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X Vario are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.6 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.7 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A9 III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A9 III are ISO 250 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-51200.

In terms of underlying technology, the X Vario is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A9 III uses a Stacked CMOS imager. 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 Vario versus A9 III MP

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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty 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.
 
Sony A9 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/120p25.414.7324396
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
4.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
5.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
6.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
7.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
8.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
9.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
10.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
11.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
12.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
13.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
14.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
15.
 
Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.3351792
16.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
17.
 
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 two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the A9 III provides a better video resolution than the X Vario. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/120p, while the Leica is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A9 III has an electronic viewfinder (9440k dots), which can be very helpful 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 table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica X Vario and Sony A9 III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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.
 
Sony A9 III9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/80000s 120.0/s n Y
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
10.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
17.
 
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 difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X Vario has one, while the A9 III does not. While the built-in flash of the X Vario is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The A9 III has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the X Vario does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A9 III is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A9 III 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 A9 III uses CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards. The A9 III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X Vario only has one slot. The A9 III supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the X Vario cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 Vario (Typ 107) and Sony Alpha A9 III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty 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.
 
Sony A9 IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
4.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
5.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---
8.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
9.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
12.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
17.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---

It is notable that the A9 III offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the X Vario does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A9 III (unlike the X Vario) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A9 III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the X Vario has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the X Vario from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the X Vario and A9 III can be found, respectively, in the Leica X Vario Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A9 III Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X Vario and the Sony A9 III? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107):

  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the A9 III requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (133x73mm vs 136x97mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the A9 III).
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in June 2013).

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A9 III:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 16.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 22%.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/120p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 920k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/80000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (120 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (530 versus 450) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-II standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 10 years and 4 months of technical progress since the X Vario launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the A9 III is the clear winner of the contest (32 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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 Vario 07:32 A9 III

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X Vario and the Sony A9 III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X Vario and the A9 III in practical situations. 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.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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
  empty  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.
 
Sony A9 III4.5/5.......... Nov 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
4.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
5.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
11.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 US$ 4 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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. 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: Leica X Vario vs Sony A9 III

    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 Vario Sony A9 III
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2013 November 2023
    Launch Price USD 2,849 USD 5,999
    Sensor Specs Leica X Vario Sony A9 III
    Sensor Technology CMOS Stacked CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3272 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 4K/120p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 250 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 125 - 51,200 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 Vario Sony A9 III
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.9x
    Viewfinder Resolution 9440k dots
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica X Vario Sony A9 III
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/80000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 120 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/80000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image Stabilizationno shake reductionIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CFexA or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support no UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica X Vario Sony A9 III
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Leica X Vario Sony A9 III
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge530 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 133 x 73 x 95 mm
    (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in)
    136 x 97 x 83 mm
    (5.4 x 3.8 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 680 g (24.0 oz) 702 g (24.8 oz)
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