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Leica X2 vs Fujifilm X-Pro1

The Leica X2 and the Fujifilm X-Pro1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in May 2012 and January 2012. The X2 is a fixed lens compact, while the X-Pro1 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
versus
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Leica X2   Fujifilm X-Pro1
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 1080/24p Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 1230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g 140 x 82 x 43 mm, 450 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-Pro1? 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 X2 and the Fujifilm X-Pro1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the X-Pro1 is only available in black.

Size Leica X2 vs Fujifilm X-Pro1
Compare X2 versus X-Pro1 top
Comparison X2 or X-Pro1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Fujifilm X-Pro1 is notably larger (34 percent) than the Leica X2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X2 nor the X-Pro1 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-Pro1 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-Pro1 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-Pro1 can take 300 images on a single charge of its Fujifilm NP-W126 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 140 mm 82 mm 43 mm 450 g 300 n Jan 2012 1,699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 495 g 350 Y Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T1 129 mm 90 mm 47 mm 440 g 350 Y Jan 2014 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S 127 mm 74 mm 54 mm 445 g 330 n Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Sep 2013 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 999ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Jun 2013 699ebay.com
9.
 
Leica TL 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
10.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
13.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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 X-Pro1 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.

Leica X2 and Fujifilm X-Pro1 sensor measures

With 16.1MP, the X2 offers a slightly higher resolution than the X-Pro1 (16MP), but the X2 has marginally smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 4.80μm for the X-Pro1). However, the X2 is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the X-Pro1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-Pro1 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-Pro1 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-Pro1 employs a more randomized X-Trans layout of photosites, which according to Fujifilm helps to minimize moiré.

X2 versus X-Pro1 MP

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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image 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 3264none23.212.4127574
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/24p23.112.3123874
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.0160880
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.512.7142677
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.312.5132975
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6139076
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
8.
 
Fujifilm X-M1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6137176
9.
 
Leica TL APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.913.2169081
10.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
12.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
13.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
14.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
15.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The X-Pro1 indeed provides for movie recording, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the X-Pro1 can use is 1080/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the X-Pro1 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica X2, the Fujifilm X-Pro1, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro11440 n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s n n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro22360 n3.0 / 1620 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T12360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S2360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
8.
 
Fujifilm X-M1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
9.
 
Leica TLoptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
15.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 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.
padding

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X2 has one, while the X-Pro1 does not. While the built-in flash of the X2 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The X2 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the X-Pro1 uses SDXC cards. The X-Pro1 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.

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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 X2 and Fujifilm X-Pro1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T1Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X100SYstereo / mono--micro2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Fujifilm X-M1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
9.
 
Leica TLYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
15.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
padding

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-Pro1 (unlike the X2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the X2 and the X-Pro1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X-Pro1 was replaced by the Fujifilm X-Pro2, while the X2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X2 and X-Pro1 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Fujifilm X-Pro1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X2 and the Fujifilm X-Pro1? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica X2:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the X-Pro1 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x69mm vs 140x82mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the X-Pro1).
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (450 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
  • 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 modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 4 months after the X-Pro1).

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Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-Pro1:

  • 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 1080/24p video.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • 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 (1230k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-Pro1 emerges as the winner of the match-up (11 : 8 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 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.

X2 08:11 X-Pro1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X2 and the Fujifilm X-Pro1 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X2 and the X-Pro1 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 (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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro15/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 1,699ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-T15/5+ +..84/1005/55/5 Jan 2014 1,299ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X100S5/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A1........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 999ebay.com
8.
 
Fujifilm X-M13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 699ebay.com
9.
 
Leica TL..........4/5 Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
10.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
13.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 1,995ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. 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 use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Leica X2 vs Fujifilm X-Pro1

    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 X2 Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 36mm f/2.8 Fujifilm X mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2012 January 2012
    Launch Price USD 1,995 USD 1,699
    Sensor Specs Leica X2 Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 23.6 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 368.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 16 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 4896 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.79 μm 4.80 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2 4.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 1080/24p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Screen Specs Leica X2 Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica X2 Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica X2 Fujifilm X-Pro1
    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
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Leica X2 Fujifilm X-Pro1
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Fujifilm NP-W126
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 69 x 52 mm
    (4.9 x 2.7 x 2.0 in)
    140 x 82 x 43 mm
    (5.5 x 3.2 x 1.7 in)
    Camera Weight 345 g (12.2 oz) 450 g (15.9 oz)
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