• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 36.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Leica X2

  • 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 4.79 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 880 vs 450 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Leica X2 advantages over Sony A850

  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    51 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    345g vs 850g
    Lighter weight
  • 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.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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

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Leica X2

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A900

Leica X2
Sony A900
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Leica X2 vs Sony A900

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Sony A850
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Sony A850 vs 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

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

Compare Sony A850 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Leica X2
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Leica X2 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A99

Leica X2
Sony A99
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica X2 vs Sony A99

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Sony A850
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compare Sony A850 vs 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)

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