• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 36.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200

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Differences

Leica X2 advantages over Pentax K-1 II

  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    51 mm vs 85 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    345g vs 1010g
    Lighter weight

Pentax K-1 II advantages over Leica X2

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 670 vs 450 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    36.4 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    77 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 vs 12500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Leica X2
Leica X2

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Buy the Pentax K-1 II
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 28-105mm Lens
All K-1 II Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent build and comfortable handling; Bright, roomy viewfinder and articulated LCD; Great image quality; Good performance for the class; In-camera stabilization, GPS and Wi-Fi; Incredibly feature-rich design.

  • Bulkier than APS-C DSLRs; Top ISOs are for the spec sheet, not the real world; JPEGs are a bit punchy by default; Slow startup; Below-average battery life; Only a relatively modest update to the K-1.

  • Read our Pentax K-1 II Review

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

Compare Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Pentax K-1 II
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

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

Compare Leica X2 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Pentax K-1 II
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon Coolpix A

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Leica X2
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • $1534
  • APS-C

Compare Leica X2 vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Pentax K-1 II
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Leica X2
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Leica X2 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-1 II
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Nikon D850

Leica X2
Nikon D850
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner
  • $2597
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica X2 vs Nikon D850

Pentax K-1 II
Nikon D850
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $2597
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-1 II vs Nikon D850

Compare Other Cameras?