Leica X2 Review

Overall 43

Imaging 13

Features 24

Size 79

Price 0

Main Features

16.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
ISO 100 - 12500
Image Stabilization: No
2.7″ Fixed Type Screen
ViewFinder: Yes
5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
Built-in Wireless: No
Dimensions: 124 x 69 x 52 mm
Weight: 345 g
Environmental Sealing: No
Built-in GPS: No
Replaced Leica X1. Compare
Replaced by Leica X Vario. Compare

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Leica X2 Summary

This review is devoted to X2 that Leica has first introduced to the public in May 10, 2012. This model is a Large Sensor Compact camera with a resolution of 16.0 MP and a APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sized CMOS sensor.

Initially, Leica developed this model to replace their older product X1 and, after some time, Leica has replaced this upgraded model with their most recent one X1. To learn more about the specs and difference between these models, check our complete comparison by following these links:
Leica X2 vs. X Vario
Leica X2 vs. X1

In Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact Cameras) this model has taken rank #241 out of 472. Its Overall Score has reached 43/100 and it takes a rank of #575 out of 1174 in all Cameras.

Leica X2 Compared to other Compact Cameras

Now let's delve into more details of our Leica X2 review by assessing its features and specs, as well as checking what pros and cons it has compared to other average products in this category.

PROs

Sensor Size: APS-C
Max Native Iso: 12500
AutoFocus Face Detection: Yes
Viewfinder: Electronic (optional)
Built-In Flash: Yes
Battery Life: 450 shots

CONs

Screen Type: Fixed Type
Touch Screen: No
Viewfinder Coverage: No
Viewfinder Magnification: No
Image Stabilization: No
Number Of Focus Points: 11
Af Phase Detection: No
Wireless Connectivity: No
Timelapse Recording: No

Popular comparisons of Leica X2

Leica X2 VS Leica X Vario

Leica X2 VS Leica X1

Complete Comparison of Leica X2 With Other Cameras in Large Sensor Compact Category

In this part of our review, we are going to take a closer look at the technical specs and features presented in Leica X2. In addition, we are going to define the main pros and cons of this model and, based on this info, compare it to other average Large Sensor Compact cameras.

Physical Characteristics Of Leica X2

Leica X2 has the following external dimensions 124 x 124 x 52 mm (48.82 x 27.17 x 20.47″) with the weight of 345 g.

The typical weight for average Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 393g. If we compare the average indicator of the weight of Leica X2, we can conclude that this model is lighter than many other similar products.

Talking about the camera’s thickness, it is worth saying that Leica X2 is thinner than other average cameras from this class. Its thickness is 52mm.

Look at the pictures below to see the front and top view of Leica X2 with the indication of this model’s dimensions:

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If you want to have a better idea of how big the Leica X2 is, look at the pictures below to see how big it is compared to a credit card and a AA type battery.

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Finally, let's check how different are the weight and thickness of the Leica X2 compared to other models from this class of cameras presented by the brand’s competitors:

Battery

Leica X2 — 450 shots

Min: 200 shots

Average: 301 shots

Max: 450 shots

Thickness

Leica X2 — 52 mm

Min: 31 mm

Average: 54 mm

Max: 122 mm

Weight

Leica X2 — 345 g

Min: 206 g

Average: 393 g

Max: 1040 g

Unfortunately, Leica X2 comes without a waterproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and avoid water.

Unfortunately, Leica X2 comes without a dustproof feature, so if you want it to serve well and last longer, you will have to use it very carefully and protect your camera from external threats such as dust.

Leica X2 Photo and Sensor Features

Leica X2 boasts of a resolution of 16.0 MP and is equipped with a APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sized CMOS sensor.

The base of Leica X2 has the following ISO range 100 - 12500 .

Also, this model comes with the support of the RAW file. This gives you more opportunities in terms of further processing of your files as you can pick to save them in a RAW format.

Leica X2 features a 16.0 MP APS-C sensor, which is not a good pick for high-quality and detailed pictures. However, we have an alternative option for you if you were looking for higher resolution.

Anti-Aliasing Filter

Leica X2 is known for the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. It is one of its essential features of the sensor built in this model. The absence of this filter contributes to a higher level of details and sharpness in the pictures you take. Yet, the lack of an anti-alias filter also enhances the possibility of more occurring in certain conditions.

Now let’s check how we can compare the size of APS-C sensor featured in Leica X2 with other standard sensor sizes.

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Other Characteristics And Features of Leica X2

LCD and ViewFinder

Leica X2 is equipped with a Fixed Type 2.7" LCD screen. The resolution of this model’s screen reaches 230k dots.

In addition, this model comes with a built-in Electronic (optional) ViewFinder.

Max Shutter speed

Some of the other highlights of Leica X2 are its 5.0 fps max speed and 1/2000 sec max shutter speed, which allow you to shoot continuously.

Flash

X2 features both an embedded flash and a flash shoe, which means that you can use both built-in and external flashes depending on your needs.

Focusing

In addition, X2 has a Face detection AF feature that quickly finds the faces that appear within the frame range and locks the focus on them automatically.

Leica X2 is not equipped with any ports that would allow you to connect external headphones and microphones to it.

Connectivity and Storage

You can connect X2 to compatible devices via its USB 2.0 or HDMI ports.

Battery Life

In concordance with generally accepted CIPA standards, the battery featured in Leica X2 provides a shooting life of 450, while the average battery life of cameras in this class is 301 shots.

Compared to all models in the Large Sensor Compact category, Leica X2 offers the highest battery life that reaches 450 shots.

How Good is Leica X2 for Different Types of Photography?

In this part of our review, we are going to focus on Leica X2’s performance in various fields of photography. Each sub-section stands for a specific photography area. In every part, we will review Leica X2’s name performance and give it an overall score. This first spider web graph indicates how we can compare the X2 to the average Compact camera.

Hover your mouse over the points to see the score details for each photography type.

Leica X2 for Portrait Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Leica X2 performs Portrait Photography, we gave it a score of 69. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Leica X2 can be called a Strong model for this type of photography.

If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Portrait Photography.

Advantages:

Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

No Image Stabilization

Leica X2 for Street Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Leica X2 performs Street Photography, we gave it a score of 68. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Leica X2 can be called a Strong model for this type of photography.

Advantages:

Built-in View Finder
Live View
Large APS-C(23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

Big size (124 x 69 x 52 mm)
No Image Stabilization
Small Number of autofocus Points (11)

Leica X2 for Sports Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Leica X2 performs Sports Photography, we gave it a score of 62. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Leica X2 can be called a 62 model for this type of photography.

Advantages:

No Significant Advantages

Disadvantages:

Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
No Environmental Sealing
Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/2000s)
Smal Number of autofocus Points (11)
Bad Max Native ISO (12500)
Small battery life (450 shots)

Leica X2 for Daily Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Leica X2 performs Daily Photography, we gave it a score of 67. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Leica X2 can be called a Strong model for this type of photography.

Advantages:

Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Built-in Flash
Built-in View Finder
Live View

Disadvantages:

Big size (124 x 69 x 52 mm)
Video is not available

Leica X2 for Landscape Photography

After carefully reviewing how well Leica X2 performs Landscape Photography, we gave it a score of 76. Compared to scores of other cameras from the same class, Leica X2 can be called a 76 model for this type of photography.

If the score of this model doesn’t impress you and you are still looking for a model that is better suited for Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check out our Top 10 Cameras for Landscape Photography.

Advantages:

Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Live View
RAW Support

Disadvantages:

Low resolution sensor (16 MP)
No Environmental Sealing
Bad Max Native ISO (12500)

Leica X2 Detailed Specs

General
Brand	Leica
Model	X2
Announced	May 10, 2012
Body Type	Large sensor compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Fixed lens
Number of Lenses	n/a
Focal Length Multiplier	n/a
Macro Focus Range	30
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	2.7″
Screen Resolution	230k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
ViewFinder
ViewFinder	Electronic (optional)
ViewFinder Resolution	0k dots
ViewFinder Coverage	%
ViewFinder Magnification
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30 s
Max Shutter Speed	1/2000 s
Continuous Shooting	5.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range
Flash Modes	Auto, Red-Eye, Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync, Studio
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	APS-C
Sensor Dimensions	23.6 x 15.8 mm
Sensor Area	372.88 mm²
Sensor Resolution	16.0 MP
Max Image Resolution	4928 x 3264
Max Native ISO	12,500
Max Boosted ISO	n/a
Min Native ISO	100
RAW Support
AutoFocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	11
Number of Cross Focus Points	n/a
Video Features
Video Resolutions	n/a
Max Video Resolution
Video Formats	n/a
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	345 g
Physical Dimensions	124 x 69 x 52 mm
Battery Life	450 shots
Battery Type	450 shots
Battery Model	n/a
Other Features
Self Timer
Timelapse Recording
GPS
Storage Type	SD/SDHC card
Storage Slots	1