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Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9

Portability
87
Imaging
58
Features
61
Overall
59
Fujifilm X-A1 front
 
Leica M9 front
Portability
79
Imaging
63
Features
30
Overall
49

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 Key Specs

Fujifilm X-A1
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Fujifilm X Mount
  • 330g - 117 x 67 x 39mm
  • Introduced November 2013
  • Successor is Fujifilm X-A2
Leica M9
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 2500
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • No Video
  • Leica M Mount
  • 585g - 139 x 80 x 37mm
  • Released September 2009
  • Renewed by Leica M9-P
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Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 Overview

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies FujiFilm and Leica. The resolution of the Fujifilm X-A1 (16MP) and the M9 (18MP) is relatively similar but the Fujifilm X-A1 (APS-C) and M9 (Full frame) possess different sensor size.

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The Fujifilm X-A1 was launched 4 years later than the M9 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the Fujifilm X-A1 matches up vs the M9 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Fujifilm X-A1 over the Leica M9

 Fujifilm X-A1 M9 
ReleasedNovember 2013September 2009Fresher by 52 months
Screen typeTiltingFixed Tilting screen
Screen sizing3"2.5"Bigger screen (+0.5")
Screen resolution920k230kSharper screen (+690k dot)

Reasons to pick Leica M9 over the Fujifilm X-A1

 M9 Fujifilm X-A1 

Common features in the Fujifilm X-A1 and Leica M9

 Fujifilm X-A1 M9 
Manually focus Very precise focusing
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Missing Touch friendly screen

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 Physical Comparison

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Fujifilm X-A1 enjoys physical dimensions of 117mm x 67mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs) whilst the Leica M9 has specifications of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs).

Check out the Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the Fujifilm X-A1 vs the M9.

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 size comparison

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Fujifilm X-A1 and M9 is 87 and 79 respectively.

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 top view buttons comparison

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 Sensor Comparison

More often than not, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the Fujifilm X-A1 and M9.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The Fujifilm X-A1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Leica M9 will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern Fujifilm X-A1 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 sensor size comparison

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 Screen and ViewFinder

Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Fujifilm X-A1 Portrait photography factors
Leica M9 Portrait photography factors
74
has manual focus
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
includes face detection focus
supports RAW files
69
focusing manually
good megapixels (18MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW files
doesn't have liveview
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Street Comparison

Fujifilm X-A1 Street photography details
Leica M9 Street photography details
76
screen tilts
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
supports RAW files
lack of image stabilization
65
big sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW files
no articulating screen
lack of image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Fujifilm X-A1
Sports photography with Leica M9
54
megapixel count good (16MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
includes tracking autofocus
max fps low (6.0 fps)
lack of image stabilization
lacks phase detect auto focus
44
good megapixels (18 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
doesn't have liveview
low fps (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
low battery pack (350 CIPA)
has no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Fujifilm X-A1
Travel photography with Leica M9
66
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
doesn't have Time Lapse function
does not feature selfie friendly display
54
good megapixels (18MP)
missing Timelapse function
low battery pack (350 shots)
display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Fujifilm X-A1 as a Landscape photography camera
Leica M9 as a Landscape photography camera
69
has manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Fujifilm X mount)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
supports RAW files
lack of image stabilization
doesn't have Time Lapse function
60
focusing manually
interchangeable lenses (Leica M mount)
good megapixels (18MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
does not have anti aliasing filter
supports RAW files
screen is somewhat small (2.5 inch)
doesn't have liveview
lack of image stabilization
low battery pack (350 per charge)
missing Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Fujifilm X-A1 Vlogging features
Leica M9 Vlogging features
31
includes face detection focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
does not feature selfie friendly display
lack of image stabilization
doesn't have external mic port
9
no video recording
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Fujifilm X-A1 vs Leica M9 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Fujifilm X-A1 and Leica M9
 Fujifilm X-A1Leica M9
General Information
Manufacturer FujiFilm Leica
Model Fujifilm X-A1 Leica M9
Class Entry-Level Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Introduced 2013-11-30 2009-09-09
Body design Rangefinder-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Chip EXR Processor II -
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size APS-C Full frame
Sensor measurements 23.6 x 15.6mm 36 x 24mm
Sensor area 368.2mm² 864.0mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 18MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Max resolution 4896 x 3264 5212 x 3472
Max native ISO 6400 2500
Lowest native ISO 200 80
RAW format
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
Continuous AF
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points 49 -
Lens
Lens mount Fujifilm X Leica M
Total lenses 54 59
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1
Screen
Range of display Tilting Fixed Type
Display size 3 inches 2.5 inches
Display resolution 920k dot 230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Display tech TFT LCD TFT color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Optical (rangefinder)
Viewfinder magnification - 0.68x
Features
Min shutter speed 30 seconds 4 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 6.0 frames/s 2.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range 7.00 m (ISO200m) no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto / Forced Flash / Suppressed Flash / Slow Synchro / Rear-curtain Synchro / Commander Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Max flash sync 1/180 seconds 1/180 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 30p, Continuous recording: up to approx. 14 min./1280 x 720 30p, Continuous recording: up to approx. 27 min. -
Max video resolution 1920x1080 None
Video data format H.264 -
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 330 gr (0.73 pounds) 585 gr (1.29 pounds)
Dimensions 117 x 67 x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") 139 x 80 x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 69
DXO Color Depth score not tested 22.5
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 11.7
DXO Low light score not tested 884
Other
Battery life 350 photographs 350 photographs
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model NP-W126 -
Self timer Yes (10 sec. / 2 sec.) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC (UHS-I) memory card SD/SDHC card
Storage slots Single Single
Retail price $329 $2,750