• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 35.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Leica X-U (Typ 113)

  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 880 vs 450 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    23 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Leica X-U (Typ 113) advantages over Sony A850

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    635g vs 850g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12500 vs 6400 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.

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
Sony A900
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • Internal flash
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • Internal flash
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
Sony A99
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • Internal flash
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Leica X (Typ 113)

Sony A850
Leica X (Typ 113)
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $3500
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Higher max flash sync
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
Leica X (Typ 113)
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $3500
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Leica Q

Sony A850
Leica Q
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • Dual card slots
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
Leica Q
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Compare Other Cameras?