• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 36.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Leica X2 advantages over Olympus AIR

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 450 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Olympus AIR advantages over Leica X2

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $1995 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    23 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus AIR

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Leica X2
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Olympus AIR
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon Coolpix A

Leica X2
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
Olympus AIR
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic GM1

Leica X2
Panasonic GM1
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Leica X2
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • $1534
  • APS-C
Olympus AIR
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to YI M1

Leica X2
YI M1
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Olympus AIR
YI M1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster shutter
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive
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