• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • 35.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 70.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Fujifilm X100S advantages over Leica X Vario

  • Less expensive
    $1300 vs $2850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    53 mm vs 95 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    449g vs 636g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.7 fps vs 4.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    16 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica X Vario advantages over Fujifilm X100S

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    70 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Wider angle lens
    28 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Fujifilm X100S

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Buy the Leica X Vario

Review Excerpt

  • Attractive, retro rangefinder-style design; Improved (excellent) still image quality that's even better thanks to second generation X-Trans sensor technology; Great, sharp f/2 35mm-equivalent lens; Overall better operation and performance than the X100; Addition of phase-detect pixels makes bright light autofocusing faster.

  • Low-light AF slow and inconsistent; Video quality, even at 60p, compromised by moire and lack of image stabilization; Combined four-way pad/Command dial means AF control points cumbersome to change; Too easy to bump control dials and change settings accidentally (especially the EV dial).

  • Outstanding design and build; Exceptionally sharp 28-70mm equivalent zoom lens; Very good still image quality with accurate and realistic colors; Fairly speedy and accurate autofocusing.

  • Expensive, especially for a fixed-lens compact; Relatively slow f/3.5-6.4 lens; Below average video functionality and quality; Not at all pocketable, about as big and heavy as a mirrorless camera with a moderate zoom lens attached.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X100

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
Leica X Vario
Fujifilm X100
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sigma dp2 Quattro

Fujifilm X100S
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Higher-res screen
Leica X Vario
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100T
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • External Mic Jack
Leica X Vario
Fujifilm X100T
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sigma dp0 Quattro

Fujifilm X100S
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher-res screen
Leica X Vario
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100F
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Leica X Vario
Fujifilm X100F
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
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