Leica X2 vs YI M1

Cameras
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Leica X2 vs YI M1

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APS-C 369.7mm²
16.2 megapixels
36.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Leica X2 Review.

4/3 224.9mm²
20.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full YI M1 Review.
How does it shoot? YI M1 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the M1.
What’s the bottom line? Read our YI M1 conclusion.

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Differences

Leica X2 advantages over YI M1

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.79 vs 3.34 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash

YI M1 advantages over Leica X2

Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Less expensive
$350 vs $1995 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Shoot 4K video
4K (UHD) vs No
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Thinner
33 mm vs 51 mm
Thinner
Newer
8 years vs 13 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
20.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
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

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
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
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

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Buy the Leica X2

Leica X2

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Buy the YI M1

Kit with 12-40mm lens (Black)

Kit with 12-40mm lens (Black)
Kit with 12-40mm & 42.5mm lenses (Silver)

Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Leica X2.
Read our Leica X2 Preview

Cheap as chips (and with a kit lens!); Quality Sony Exmor Four Thirds sensor; Widely-supported Micro Four Thirds lens mount; Good image quality from raw files; Reasonable burst performance for price; 4K video capture.
Poor ergonomics; Controls too easily bumped; Frustrating user interface; Mediocre JPEG image quality; Heavy-handed noise reduction; Unreliable white balance; No raw+JPEG; Buffer is almost nonexistent; Focus confirmation beep happens while still focusing; AF is poor in low light; Laggy user interface in playback; Extreme crop for 4K video; Kit lenses feel cheap; No bundled flash.
Read our YI M1 Express 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

YI M1

Sigma DP1 Merrill

$199
4/3

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$849
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare YI M1 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

YI M1

Nikon Coolpix A

$199
4/3

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$1097
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare YI M1 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Compared to Olympus E-PL6

Leica X2

Olympus E-PL6

$1499
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$299
4/3

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica X2 vs Olympus E-PL6

YI M1

Olympus E-PL6

$199
4/3

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

$299
4/3

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare YI M1 vs Olympus E-PL6

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)

YI M1

Leica X-E (Typ 102)

$199
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

$1534
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare YI M1 vs Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Compared to Panasonic GX850

Leica X2

Panasonic GX850

$1499
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$548
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

Compare Leica X2 vs Panasonic GX850

YI M1

Panasonic GX850

$199
4/3

Less expensive
Built-in Bluetooth

$548
4/3

Tiltable Screen
Internal flash

Compare YI M1 vs Panasonic GX850

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