Name: X1
Brand: Leica
SKU: 1475
Rating: 4.2 (39 reviews)

Leica X1 - Pros & Cons

beautifully designed and highly intuitive
GF1's autofocus is also significantly better than the X1's
excellent performance for a small camera shooting such large files
The camera is also beautifully designed and manufactured
image quality is exceptional
X1's menu structure is very straightforward
Image Quality Image quality from the Leica X1 is exemplary
represent great value and will give years of faithful service
It feels well made and the design links to the Leica M series are clear
It s much quicker to use than repeated button pressing
comfortable
well-balanced and reassuring weight about
structure
flare resistance and chromatic aberration performance
X1 is like holding a real classic and it really feels good
Faster
better lens
and much cheaper
lens' image quality is also excellent
image quality was definitely better than a small sensor compact
sensor's image quality is really excellent
makes the camera quick and intuitive to operate
provide a quick and easy way to select AF modes
The manual controls are a genuine pleasure to use and make it easy to set camera functions quickly
Low-light performance was excellent at all ISO settings
The menu is clear and easy to read in normal lighting
solid and well-built
make it easy to shoot compelling lifestyle images
high image quality and unique rendering of
Leica X1 is a remarkably light camera for its class
the X1 is lovingly made and exquisitely detailed
battery is good for a modest 260 shots
It enforces discipline and affects the way you shoot
crisp and stunningly lifelike
offers a unique shooting experience as well as great pictures
a beautiful camera which produces excellent images
Image quality is very good and RAW files are surprisingly flexible
Very inspiring OOC photos and style
the EVF and it seemed quicker
image quality is impressive and sets the standard for a smaller compact camera
The sharpness and colour of the pictures is amazing
The menu system is easy and simple to navigate and understand
build quality was pretty good
compact take anywhere cameras and your hands on experience has
High-quality images
simplicity
beautiful design
extensive and honest review
very helpful
color
auto-white balance
and exposure is superb
the X100 fits better in my hands
X100 is excellent
it is nice and straight forward
X1 is quite a nice experience

heavier and a bit bulkier
macro
The camera seemingly never fails to focus
slow in focusing and only works up to ISO3200
Olympus Pen Mini
much-vaunted (and somewhat disappointing
Olympus E-P1 was so slow as to be unusable
slow autofocus
superior noise performance becomes visible not only on-screen
Low-speed continuous shooting revealed inconsistent frame rates
only a small AF-assist light
support video and lacks an optical viewfinder
camera lacks any dynamic range expansion facilities
JPEG shots were slightly softened at ISO 1600 and ISO 3200
no built-in optical finder
X1 does not have either optical or sensor-based image stabilization
Leica X1 have Image Stabilization
Does the Leica X1 have Weather Sealing
Leica X1 have built-in GPS
X2 looks a lot bigger than the GR
doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder
Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic
small size and low resolution are
Leica X1 is much more sluggish
230K-dot LCD is subpar
priciest digital compact with a non-interchangeable lens
horrible noise at higher ISOs
built-in flash is not very powerful
too often partial
inconsistent
and inaccurate
the X1 does not provide the possibility to capture videos
it remains incomplete and does no justice
and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down
lack of a higher performing macro function does pose
Leica cameras have never been ordinary cameras
isn't always entirely clear and the focusing itself is rather slow
it does not cost you a cent more
slow performance and limited ability coupled
The RAW images straight out of camera are not mind blowing
X1 feels like it is missing a few key features
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you lose in colour imaging
the controls are small
therefore fiddly
lack of an EVF
often sluggish AF response and not shutter lag
poor visibility of the screen in the bright shooting conditions
Macro performance is poor
no accessory ring on the lens barrel
slow auto-focus system and image processing times
images are a little soft at the default sharpening setting
exhibit too much noise
no video will be a con
performance is so slow then IQ becomes academic only
X1 sharpening is too high by default
packaging does not make or break a camera
noise levels are an irritation at high ISO
Leica takes longer to turn off
Video files are recorded in QuickTime format
not hybrids consisting of half of jewels and half of rubbish
color saturation is not the only way to make images stand out
very often their cameras seem like being designed
learn not to move the camera

Leica X1 - Technical Overview

	Poor	Average	Good	Excellent
Screen size	2.7 in Best: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710 Screen size: 6.7 in
ISO maximum	3200 Best: Pentax KP ISO maximum: 819200
Effective pixels	12 Mpx Best: Hasselblad H6D-100c Effective pixels: 100 Mpx
Max resolution	4272 x 2856 px Best: Leica M11 Max resolution: 9528 x 6328 px

Leica - Video Reviews (9)

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Leica X1 - Full Specifications

Sensor type	CMOS
Image sensor format	APS-C
Sensor size	0.93 in
Sensor photo detectors	13.0 Mpx
Effective pixels	12.0 Mpx
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Max resolution	4272 x 2856 px
Other resolutions	3564x2160 2144x1424 1632x1080

Optical zoom	1.0 x
Maximum aperture	2.8
Focal length equiv	< 35
Focus adjustment	Manual
Autofocus	Face tracking Single Auto Focus
Auto Focus (AF) lock	yes
Manual focus	yes
Normal focus range	23.62 in
Auto Focus (AF) assist beam	yes
Macro focus range	11.81 in
Number of focus points	11

Minimum shutter speed	30.0 s
Maximum shutter speed	1.0 s
Shutter priority	yes
Aperture priority	yes
Manual exposure mode	yes
Exposure compensation plus	3
Exposure compensation minus	-3
Expousure compensation steps	1/3
Self-timer delay	2 12
Subject / scene modes	no
Built-in flash	yes
Flash modes	Auto Redeye Reduction Slow Sync
External flash	yes
Continuous drive	3.0 fps
Self-timer	yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Self-timer options	2 12

Body type	Compact
Colour of product	Black Grey,Stainless steel
Environmentally sealed	no

Internal storage	50.0 mB
Compatible memory cards	SD SDHC
Storage types	SD SDHC

HDMI	yes
HDMI ports quantity	1
USB version	2.0
Remote control	No
PictBridge	no

ISO	100 200 400 800 1600 3200 Auto
ISO Auto	yes
ISO minimum	100
ISO maximum	3200
White balance presets	5
White balance modes	Auto Daylight Flash Manual Shade
Custom white balance	yes
Photo effects	Black&White Neutral Vivid
Image stabilizer	no
Image stabilization type	No
Uncompressed format	RAW

Screen size	2.7 in
Articulated LCD	no
Screen technology	LCD
Screen dots	230000
Touch screen	no
Field of view	100.0 %
Live view	no
Viewfinder	None

Built-in microphone	no

Weight	10.09 oz
Width	4.88 in
Height	2.34 in
Depth	1.26 in

Battery life (CIPA)	260
Battery technology	Lithium-Ion

Orientation sensor	yes

Leica X1 - Q&A

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Leica X1 Leica - Editorial Reviews (18)

3.6

Based on 18 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

PCMag UK

Published: 19.11.2010

Leica X1

3.0

PC Magazine is your complete guide to computers, phones, tablets, peripherals and more. We test and review the latest gadgets, products and services, report technology news and trends, and provide shopping advice and price comparisons.

Leica X1 Leica X1 Review - Specifications

Imaging Resource

Published: 09.09.2009

Leica X1 Review - Specifications

Leica X1 Review - X1 Specifications

CNET

Published: 22.09.2010

Leica X1

The Leica X1 is a very well-built, cool, yet extremely expensive compact camera that is every bit a luxury item. It will more than satisfy both the photo enthusiast and the casual user wanting a top-quality camera for longer than just the holidays.

PC World

Leica X1 digital cameras

4.0

The Leica X1 is a beautifully constructed hybrid digital camera with a great quality lens, but is it worth the hefty price tag?

Leica X1 Leica X1 Review | Photography Blog

photographyblog.com

Published: 28.06.2010

Leica X1 Review | Photography Blog

4.0

The Leica X1 is a premium camera with a premium price-tag - £1395 / $1995 is a lot to ask for a compact camera, albeit one with a large APS-C sensor, fast f/2.8, 36mm lens and superlative handling. Can the Leica X1 possibly justify its credit-crunching cost of admission? Read our in-depth Leica X1 review to find out...

Leica X1 Leica X1 review - What Digital Camera tests the Leica X1

Trusted Reviews

Published: 10.05.2010

Leica X1 review - What Digital Camera tests the Leica X1

4.0

The Leica X1 has a large DSLR-like APS-C CMOS sensor in a compact body for the ultimate quality, but is the X1 the ultimate luxury fixed-lens compact? The What Digital Camera Leica X1 review...

Leica X1 The Leica X1 - Hands on Review, Image Samples, and Comparisons | Steve Huff Photo

Steve Huff Photo | Real World Camera and Lens Reviews

The Leica X1 - Hands on Review, Image Samples, and Comparisons | Steve Huff Photo

Welcome to my Leica X1 Digital Camera Review! I have tons of sample X1 images as well as my full written review of almost 7000 words on this Leica compact.

Luminous Landscape

Published: 13.02.2011

Leica X1 Field Review - Luminous Landscape

FacebookTweet Take the 12.2 Megapixel Sony-fabricated sensor that’s likely the same one found in the Nikon D300, put it in a pocket-sized Leica-designed body with...

Camera Decision

Published: 18.12.2009

Leica X1 Review | Camera Decision

2.3

Leica X1 is a 12.0MP Large Sensor Compact camera with a APS-C sized CMOS sensor and 35 mm F2.8 lens. Read our X1 review to find its pros and cons.

Photo Review

Published: 17.02.2012

Leica X1

4.3

A very expensive, large-sensor compact camera with intuitive manual exposure controls and support for DNG raw file capture - but not video recording.Leica's announcement of the X1 in early September 2009 took the market by surprise. Given the company's liaison with Panasonic, many analysts expected to see a version of the Panasonic GF1. But the X1 is quite different. A fixed-lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor in a compact body, it provides only P, A, S and M shooting modes, doesn't support video and lacks an optical viewfinder (one is available as an optional accessory).

Ming Thein | Photographer

Published: 30.03.2012

Review: The Leica X1

Why write about this camera now? The X1 may not be a new camera by any means, but curiously I think if anything it has become relevant again, now that large sensor compacts are all the rage (I can …

Photoxels

Published: 28.06.2010

Leica X1 Review @ PhotographyBLOG

“The Leica X1 is a camera of extremes, offering a compelling blend of stunning design, fantastic handling and superlative image quality.” We’ve added a new Leica X1 [Specs] review…

DPReview

Published: 18.12.2009

Leica X1 Review

If there's been one welcome development in 2009, it's the rise of relatively compact cameras with large sensors (i.e. APS-C, or the smaller Four Thirds size). For a long time Sigma seemed to be the only company willing to take a gamble on there being a genuine market for such beasts, starting with the slightly rough-and-ready DP1 (released in March last year), which was followed up by the much-improved DP2 earlier this year. But then Olympus launched its retro-styled Micro Four Thirds E-P1, Panasonic replied with the GF1, and into a sector which, if not yet exactly crowded, is at least starting to look like if can be described as 'burgeoning', there now comes the Leica X1.