Leica X2 vs Fujifilm X-M1

The Leica X2 and the Fujifilm X-M1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in May 2012 and June 2013. The X2 is a fixed lens compact, while the X-M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 16 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Leica X2		Fujifilm X-M1
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
36mm f/2.8		Fujifilm X mount lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor		16 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 100-12,500		ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Viewfinder optional		No viewfinder, LCD framing
2.7" LCD – 230k dots		3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
5 shutter flaps per second		5.6 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g		117 x 67 x 39 mm, 330 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X2 and the Fujifilm X-M1? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica X2 and the Fujifilm X-M1 is provided 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the X-M1 is available in three color-versions (black, silver, brown).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-M1 is notably smaller (8 percent) than the Leica X2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X2 nor the X-M1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X2 has a lens built in, whereas the X-M1 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 X-M1 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X2 gets 450 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the X-M1 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Fujifilm NP-W126 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.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
2.		Fujifilm X-M1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Jun 2013	US$ 699	ebay.com
3.		Fujifilm X-A1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Sep 2013	US$ 399	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-E2	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Oct 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-E2S	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Jan 2016	US$ 699	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	140 mm	82 mm	43 mm	450 g	300	n	Jan 2012	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X-T10	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	US$ 799	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X100S	127 mm	74 mm	54 mm	445 g	330	n	Jan 2013	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
9.		Leica T	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Apr 2014	US$ 1 849	ebay.com
10.		Leica TL	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Nov 2016	US$ 1 695	ebay.com
11.		Leica X1	124 mm	60 mm	32 mm	306 g	260	n	Sep 2009	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
12.		Leica X Vario	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	US$ 2 849	ebay.com
13.		Leica X Typ 113	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
14.		Nikon Coolpix A	111 mm	64 mm	40 mm	299 g	230	n	Mar 2013	US$ 1 099	ebay.com
15.		Ricoh GR	117 mm	61 mm	35 mm	245 g	290	n	Apr 2013	US$ 799	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

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. 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 size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 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. The sensor area in the X-M1 is 1 percent smaller. 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.

With 16.1MP, the X2 offers a slightly higher resolution than the X-M1 (16MP), but the X2 has marginally smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 4.80μm for the X-M1). Moreover, the X-M1 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 1 month) than the X2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-M1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Leica X2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-M1 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Like most digital cameras, the X2 uses a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. In contrast, the X-M1 employs a more randomized X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
2.		Fujifilm X-M1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.4	12.6	1371	76
3.		Fujifilm X-A1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.4	12.6	1390	76
4.		Fujifilm X-E2	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.4	12.6	1400	77
5.		Fujifilm X-E2S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
6.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/24p	23.1	12.3	1238	74
7.		Fujifilm X-T10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	12.9	1546	79
8.		Fujifilm X100S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.3	12.5	1329	75
9.		Leica T	APS-C	16.2	4944	3278	1080/30p	23.0	12.7	1082	75
10.		Leica TL	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.9	13.2	1690	81
11.		Leica X1	APS-C	12.2	4272	2856	none	22.6	11.8	1037	69
12.		Leica X Vario	APS-C	16.1	4928	3272	1080/30p	23.4	12.7	1320	78
13.		Leica X Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	12.8	1491	78
14.		Nikon Coolpix A	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.4	13.8	1164	80
15.		Ricoh GR	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	13.5	972	78
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 can also record movies. The X-M1 indeed provides for movie recording, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the X-M1 can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The X2 and the X-M1 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. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica X2 and Fujifilm X-M1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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 X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
2.		Fujifilm X-M1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6/s	Y	n
3.		Fujifilm X-A1	none	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6/s	Y	n
4.		Fujifilm X-E2	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
5.		Fujifilm X-E2S	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	1440	n	3.0 / 1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	n	n
7.		Fujifilm X-T10	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
8.		Fujifilm X100S	2360	n	2.8 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
9.		Leica T	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
10.		Leica TL	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
11.		Leica X1	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	3.0/s	Y	n
12.		Leica X Vario	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
13.		Leica X Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
14.		Nikon Coolpix A	optional	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/2000s	4.0/s	Y	n
15.		Ricoh GR	optional	n	3.0 / 1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The X2 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the X-M1 uses SDXC cards. The X-M1 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the X2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 X2 and Fujifilm X-M1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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 X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Fujifilm X-M1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Fujifilm X-A1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Fujifilm X-E2	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Fujifilm X-E2S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X-T10	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Fujifilm X100S	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Leica T	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Leica TL	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
11.		Leica X1	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Leica X Vario	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Leica X Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon Coolpix A	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Ricoh GR	Y	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the X-M1 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the X2 does not provide wifi capability.

Both the X2 and the X-M1 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 and Fujifilm. Further information on the features and operation of the X2 and X-M1 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-M1 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica X2 better than the Fujifilm X-M1 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Leica X2:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the X-M1 requires a separate lens.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (450 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in May 2012).

Advantages of the Fujifilm X-M1:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/30p video.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.6 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 1 month) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-M1 is the clear winner of the contest (11 : 6 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X2 and the Fujifilm X-M1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 X2 or the X-M1. 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 hands-on reviews by experts 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
2.		Fujifilm X-M1	3/5	+	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	US$ 699	ebay.com
3.		Fujifilm X-A1	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	US$ 399	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-E2	4/5	..	..	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	US$ 999	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-E2S	4.5/5	..	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	US$ 699	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	5/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	US$ 1 699	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X-T10	4.5/5	+ +	..	80/100	5/5	5/5	May 2015	US$ 799	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm X100S	5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	US$ 1 299	ebay.com
9.		Leica T	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Apr 2014	US$ 1 849	ebay.com
10.		Leica TL	..	..	..	..	..	4/5	Nov 2016	US$ 1 695	ebay.com
11.		Leica X1	3/5	..	..	+	..	4/5	Sep 2009	US$ 1 999	ebay.com
12.		Leica X Vario	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	US$ 2 849	ebay.com
13.		Leica X Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
14.		Nikon Coolpix A	4/5	+	..	75/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	US$ 1 099	ebay.com
15.		Ricoh GR	5/5	..	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	US$ 799	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated 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 comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. 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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