• APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 70.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Leica X Vario advantages over Ricoh G900

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.77 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    12500 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh G900 advantages over Leica X Vario

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • More telephoto lens reach
    140 mm vs 70 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 95 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    5 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    247g vs 636g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica X Vario

Review Excerpt

  • 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 Sigma dp2 Quattro

Leica X Vario
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Lighter weight
Ricoh G900
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $746
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sigma dp3 Quattro

Leica X Vario
Sigma dp3 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
Ricoh G900
Sigma dp3 Quattro
  • $746
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Ricoh WG-30w

Leica X Vario
Ricoh WG-30w
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Ricoh G900
Ricoh WG-30w
  • $746
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Newer
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compared to Sigma dp0 Quattro

Leica X Vario
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Ricoh G900
Sigma dp0 Quattro
  • $746
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Ricoh WG-6

Leica X Vario
Ricoh WG-6
  • $2950
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $298
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
Ricoh G900
Ricoh WG-6
  • $746
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $298
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
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