Table of Contents
amazon Leica X reviews
The Leica compact X1 comes with a large APS-C sensor, 12-megapixel resolution and a fixed focus lens of 23mm f / 2.8 built right into the camera body. By 2012, Leica upgrades the X2 with a 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, with an external electronic viewfinder mount. The successor to be launched this year is the Leica X (Type 113).
The Leica X looks much like the Leica M from appearance to size but is slightly smaller due to the lack of direct viewfinder on the body. This is also a limitation of the Leica X because most “players” still expect to have more viewfinder on the successor.
The Leica X was inspired by the X Vario, the smallest details were carefully elaborated. Front and rear covers are made of magnesium, while the top and bottom are aluminum.
The Leica X is also upgraded to a larger screen than its predecessor. The screen size is 3.0 inches, resolution 920,000 pixels. The camera is equipped with large size APS-C CMOS image sensor, 16.5 megapixel resolution. Another advantage over the predecessor is the Leica Summilux 23mm f / 1.7 ASPH lens.
Connectors are of minimal type: USB 2.0, HDMI, and a headset port, but do not support mic port or remote control ports commonly found in today’s products. The memory card slot is located at the bottom with the battery, Leica X uses standard SD memory cards (SDHC, SDXC and Eye-Fi).
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Leica X (Type 113) Black 18440 Digital Camera: Buy it now
Image Quality
The Leica X is equipped with a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is larger than the sensors typically found in compact cameras. This larger sensor size, combined with the high-quality Summilux lens, results in exceptional image quality with stunning detail and clarity.
The camera’s color reproduction is outstanding, delivering rich and accurate colors that are true to life. The dynamic range is impressive, capturing a wide range of tones from deep shadows to bright highlights. The camera performs well in various lighting conditions, producing clean and noise-free images even at higher ISO settings.
The Summilux 23mm f/1.7 lens is one of the highlights of the Leica X. With its wide maximum aperture, the lens allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh). The lens is sharp across the frame, even at its widest aperture, and exhibits minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. The combination of the high-quality lens and the APS-C sensor ensures that the Leica X delivers professional-level image quality in a compact form factor.
Autofocus and Performance
The Leica X features a contrast-detection autofocus system, which is generally accurate and reliable. While not as fast as the phase-detection autofocus systems found in some other cameras, the autofocus performance is more than sufficient for most shooting scenarios. The camera also offers manual focus, with a focus ring on the lens that provides precise control and a smooth focusing experience.
In terms of overall performance, the Leica X is responsive and efficient. The camera starts up quickly and has minimal shutter lag, allowing you to capture decisive moments with ease. The continuous shooting mode offers a respectable 5 frames per second, which is suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
One area where the Leica X could improve is its buffer capacity. When shooting in RAW format, the buffer fills up relatively quickly, which can slow down the shooting speed during extended bursts. However, for most casual and enthusiast photographers, this limitation is unlikely to be a significant issue.
Low Light Performance
The Leica X performs admirably in low-light conditions, thanks to its wide-aperture lens and the APS-C sensor’s good high ISO performance. The camera offers an ISO range of 100 to 12,500, providing flexibility for various lighting situations. Noise levels are well-controlled up to ISO 3200, with some noise becoming noticeable at higher ISO settings. However, the noise is generally fine-grained and not overly distracting, allowing for usable images even at the higher end of the ISO range.
The wide f/1.7 aperture of the Summilux lens is particularly beneficial in low-light situations, allowing more light to reach the sensor and enabling faster shutter speeds. This helps in capturing sharp images without the need for excessive ISO values or a tripod.
Video Capabilities
While the Leica X is primarily designed as a still photography camera, it does offer video recording capabilities. The camera can record Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second, providing good video quality with sharp details and accurate colors. The fixed lens, with its wide aperture, also allows for creative video work with shallow depth of field.
However, the Leica X lacks some of the advanced video features found in dedicated video cameras or even some other compact cameras. There is no 4K recording option, and the camera does not have a microphone input or headphone jack, which limits its use for professional video work. The autofocus during video recording is also relatively slow, making it less suitable for fast-paced video shooting.
Battery Life
The Leica X is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (BP-DC8), which provides a decent battery life for a compact camera. On a full charge, the camera can capture approximately 350 shots, depending on the usage and shooting conditions. This battery life is sufficient for a day of casual shooting or a short photography outing. However, for extended trips or intensive shooting sessions, carrying a spare battery is advisable.
Connectivity and Storage
The Leica X features built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for wireless image transfer and remote control via the Leica Image Shuttle app. The app, available for both iOS and Android devices, provides a convenient way to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for quick sharing on social media. The app also allows for remote control of the camera, including adjusting settings and triggering the shutter, which can be useful for self-portraits or group shots.
The camera uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards for storage, providing ample capacity for high-resolution images and videos. The single card slot is located in the battery compartment, which is accessible from the bottom of the camera.
Customization and Controls
The Leica X offers a range of customization options, allowing photographers to tailor the camera’s operation to their preferences. The camera’s menu system is straightforward and easy to navigate, with a logical layout and intuitive controls. The physical dials for aperture and shutter speed provide a tactile and satisfying way to make adjustments, while the customizable function button allows for quick access to frequently used settings.
The camera also offers several shooting modes, including Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual, giving photographers full control over exposure settings. In addition, the Leica X features various creative modes, such as panorama, multiple exposure, and time-lapse, providing additional options for creative expression.
Build and Durability
One of the hallmarks of Leica cameras is their exceptional build quality, and the Leica X is no exception. The camera feels solid and well-constructed, with a premium finish that exudes quality. The magnesium alloy body and aluminum top and bottom plates provide durability and resistance to wear and tear.
The leatherette covering not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the camera’s grip, making it comfortable to hold even during extended shooting sessions. The camera’s compact size and robust build make it an excellent choice for travel and street photography, where portability and durability are essential.
Lens Performance
The fixed Summilux 23mm f/1.7 ASPH lens is one of the standout features of the Leica X. This lens delivers exceptional optical performance, with sharpness and clarity that are characteristic of Leica lenses. The wide f/1.7 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh), making it ideal for portrait and street photography.
The lens construction includes aspherical elements, which help to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration. The result is images with excellent sharpness and minimal optical imperfections, even when shooting wide open at f/1.7. The lens also has a close focusing distance of 0.2 meters, allowing for creative close-up shots with pleasing background separation.
Image Processing
The Leica X utilizes a powerful image processor that ensures quick and efficient handling of image data. The camera’s JPEG output is impressive, with well-balanced colors and natural-looking tones straight out of the camera. The camera also offers RAW shooting capabilities, providing photographers with the flexibility to fine-tune their images in post-processing.
The camera’s white balance and metering systems are generally accurate, producing consistent results in various lighting conditions. The highlight and shadow recovery in post-processing is also commendable, thanks to the camera’s excellent dynamic range.
Handling and User Experience
Using the Leica X is a delightful experience, thanks to its intuitive controls and thoughtful design. The camera’s layout is simple and uncluttered, with a focus on manual controls that appeal to photography enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile experience of adjusting settings. The physical dials for aperture and shutter speed are a joy to use, providing a direct and immediate way to control exposure.
The camera’s menu system is straightforward and easy to navigate, with logical organization and intuitive settings. The customizable function button allows for quick access to frequently used settings and further enhances the user experience by allowing photographers to tailor the camera to their specific shooting style.
Shooting Experience
The Leica X provides a shooting experience that is both enjoyable and inspiring. The camera’s responsive performance, combined with its exceptional image quality, makes it a pleasure to use in various photographic scenarios. Whether you’re capturing street scenes, landscapes, portraits, or everyday moments, the Leica X delivers consistently excellent results.
The camera’s manual focus capabilities are particularly noteworthy. The focus ring on the Summilux lens is smooth and precise, making it easy to achieve critical focus. The focus peaking feature, which highlights in-focus areas on the LCD screen, further aids in manual focusing and ensures accurate results. This is especially useful for photographers who prefer to have complete control over their focusing.
Durability and Weather Resistance
While the Leica X is built to a high standard of durability, it is important to note that it does not offer extensive weather sealing. The camera is designed to withstand regular use and the occasional light rain or dust, but it may not be suitable for more extreme conditions. For photographers who require a camera that can endure harsh environments, additional protective measures or a more rugged camera might be necessary.
Price and Value
The Leica X is positioned in the premium segment of the compact camera market, and its price reflects the brand’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship. While it is more expensive than many other compact cameras, the Leica X offers a unique combination of features, build quality, and image performance that justify its premium price tag.
For photographers who appreciate the Leica brand and the experience of using a finely crafted camera, the Leica X represents a worthwhile investment. The camera’s exceptional image quality, beautiful design, and tactile controls provide a shooting experience that is both rewarding and inspiring.
Comparisons to Other Cameras
When considering the Leica X, it’s helpful to compare it to other cameras in the same category to understand its strengths and weaknesses more clearly.
Leica Q: The Leica Q is another fixed-lens compact camera from Leica, featuring a full-frame sensor and a wider 28mm f/1.7 lens. While the Q offers superior image quality and low-light performance due to its larger sensor, it is also more expensive and bulkier than the Leica X. The choice between the two would depend on the photographer’s preference for sensor size and focal length.
Fujifilm X100V: The Fujifilm X100V is a strong competitor in the high-end compact camera market, offering a 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and a fixed 23mm f/2 lens. The X100V provides a more modern feature set, including 4K video recording, a hybrid viewfinder, and a tilting touchscreen. However, the Leica X excels in build quality and the tactile experience of its manual controls.
Sony RX1R II: The Sony RX1R II is a compact camera with a full-frame sensor and a fixed 35mm f/2 lens. It offers exceptional image quality and advanced features such as a pop-up electronic viewfinder. The RX1R II is significantly more expensive than the Leica X, making it a consideration for photographers who prioritize full-frame performance in a compact body.
Ricoh GR III: The Ricoh GR III is a highly regarded compact camera with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and a fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens. It is more affordable than the Leica X and offers a highly portable form factor. However, the GR III lacks the Leica’s premium build quality and the wider aperture of the Summilux lens.
Conclusion
The Leica X (Type 113) is a remarkable compact camera that embodies the essence of Leica’s commitment to quality and excellence. Its timeless design, exceptional build quality, and outstanding image performance make it a highly desirable choice for discerning photographers. The fixed Summilux 23mm f/1.7 lens delivers stunning image quality, while the APS-C sensor ensures excellent detail and dynamic range.
While the Leica X may not have all the advanced features of some modern cameras, its simplicity and focus on the essentials of photography are what make it special. The tactile experience of using the manual controls, combined with the camera’s reliability and durability, provide a shooting experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding.
For photographers who appreciate the Leica brand and value the experience of using a beautifully crafted camera, the Leica X is an excellent choice. It may come at a premium price, but the investment is justified by the exceptional image quality, build quality, and overall shooting experience it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned Leica enthusiast or a photographer looking for a high-quality compact camera, the Leica X is sure to impress and inspire.