Fujifilm X100V vs Leica D-Lux Typ 109: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Iconic Large Sensor Compacts

In the realm of large sensor compact cameras, the Fujifilm X100V and Leica D-Lux Typ 109 have carved out distinct yet overlapping niches, each attracting photographers enamored with portability but unwilling to compromise on image quality. Both offer fixed lens designs, premium builds, and accessible yet powerful features - but where one excels, the other often concedes ground. Having spent extensive hands-on time with both, including a series of tests across varied shooting scenarios, I’ll walk you through a meticulously detailed comparison to help you determine which camera fits your photography style and workflow best.

Let’s dive deep into their design philosophies, imaging pipelines, autofocus chops, and how they each behave across portraiture, landscape, wildlife, and video work. No stone left unturned, no pixel overlooked.

Holding It in Your Hands: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Before discussing what the cameras shoot, it’s essential to appreciate how they feel and behave in your grip during a shoot. Handling often dictates how willing you are to carry a camera all day or pull it out for that spontaneous moment.

The Fujifilm X100V is unmistakably chunkier and heftier at 478 grams compared to the D-Lux Typ 109’s 405 grams, but the difference is subtle. Both sit comfortably in hand, but the X100V feels more substantial and reassuring thanks to its magnesium alloy body and carefully sculpted grip. It’s weather-sealed - one of the few in its compact class - making it a go-anywhere companion for unpredictable conditions.

By contrast, the Leica D-Lux Typ 109 is sleeker and lighter, thanks to its Four Thirds sensor and more modest physical dimensions. It’s undeniably pocketable in most jackets. This size advantage appeals especially for street photographers or travelers wanting minimal bulk without sidelining image quality.

Control layouts reveal perhaps the most telling design choices. Fujifilm doubles down on tactile dials - a hallmark of the X series - with dedicated exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture rings (the latter on the lens barrel). These controls offer rapid, intuitive adjustments without diving into menus, especially appreciated by seasoned photographers who relish manual exposure workflows.

Leica's D-Lux opts for a cleaner, more minimalist interface with fewer external dials. Though it includes a control ring on the lens and a well-placed exposure compensation dial, it leans on menu navigation for other settings. For some, this streamlining suits quick candid shooting, though it may slow fine-tuning in demanding conditions.

Verdict: If you appreciate a camera that feels like an extension of your hand with manual controls at your fingertips, the X100V excels. If you want something discreet, compact, and straightforward, the D-Lux is inviting.

The Sensor Battle: Fuji’s APS-C BSI CMOS vs Leica’s Four Thirds CMOS

At the heart of any camera’s image quality lies its sensor and processor duo. The Fuji and Leica embody distinct sensor classes with implications for resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control.

The Fujifilm X100V carries a 26.1MP APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor (measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm), paired with the X-Processor Pro 4. This sensor’s larger surface area captures more photons per pixel, resulting in superior low-light performance, greater detail rendition, and smoother gradations - especially vital in landscapes or portraits demanding nuance.

On the other hand, the Leica D-Lux Typ 109 sports a 13MP Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm), nearly half the sensor area of the Fuji. While smaller, it’s paired with an excellent image processing pipeline optimized for color fidelity and sharpness, producing rich files that punch above their weight. Notably, the sensor includes an optical low-pass filter (anti-alias), slightly limiting ultimate resolution but mitigating moiré.

When considering ISO sensitivity, Fuji’s native range extends from ISO 160 up to 12800 (expandable to 51200), offering cleaner high ISO shots. Leica supports ISO 200 to 25600 but due to sensor size, noise creep is more evident at elevated sensitivities.

In practical use: landscapes shot with the X100V reveal richer dynamic range and fine detail, preserving textures in shadows and highlights across challenging compositions. The D-Lux excels in casual daylight shooting and street scenarios but struggles with noise in dim lighting.

Viewing Your World: Viewfinders and LCD Screens

An often overlooked but critical aspect of camera usability is the viewfinder and display technology. Between these two, the differences influence how you compose and review images in various lighting conditions.

The X100V shines with a hybrid Optical + Electronic Viewfinder (OVF + EVF) pairing. Its 3.69M-dot EVF offers an impressively crisp preview with natural colors and smooth refresh, while the tunnel-style optical finder provides classic rangefinder charm and zero lag - a boon for street shooting on bright days. The 3-inch 1.62M-dot tilting touchscreen LCD adds compositional flexibility, including waist-level or selfie-style shoots (though the X100V lacks a self-facing camera).

In contrast, the Leica sports a lone 2.76M-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, offering solid if not class-leading clarity. Its 3-inch fixed LCD at 921K dots feels a step behind the Fujifilm both in resolution and versatility - it isn’t a touchscreen and cannot tilt.

From a usability perspective, the Fuji’s screen and viewfinder combination offer more framing options and comfort, especially during long sessions or awkward angles. The Leica appeals best to those who prefer to compose strictly via the EVF or hold the camera at eye level.

Autofocus Showdown: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus capability is crucial across genres - from fast-moving wildlife to precise macro work. Though both cameras have respectable systems for their class, their technologies and performance profiles differ.

The X100V features an advanced hybrid autofocus system with 425 phase-detection AF points scattered across the APS-C sensor, combined with contrast detection refinement. This results in fast focus acquisition, highly accurate face and eye detection (though animal eye AF is absent), and reliable subject tracking, even in lower contrast conditions.

The Leica D-Lux Typ 109 offers a simpler contrast-detection only AF system with 49 focus points, lacking phase detection. While this means slower acquisition and gentler hunting in tricky lighting or fast action, it still delivers dependable performance in static or moderately paced subjects.

In burst mode, both cameras manage 11fps, but the Fuji maintains focus tracking in continuous AF better during rapid sequences.

For wildlife or sports practitioners who value rock-solid focus acquisition and locking onto erratically moving subjects, the X100V pulls ahead. Street photographers on the other hand may appreciate the Leica's quieter, less obtrusive focusing, even if it occasionally lags or wavers.

Lens Quality and Optics: Prime vs Zoom

One fundamental design divergence is the lens configuration: Fuji’s fixed 35mm f/2.0 prime lens versus Leica’s 24-75mm equivalent f/1.7-2.8 zoom lens.

The X100V’s fixed prime lens is a prized aspect of its personality. The optical formula, redesigned in the V iteration to improve corner sharpness and reduce distortion, excels in delivering dreamy bokeh, razor-sharp edges, and excellent flare resistance. The 35mm focal length (equivalent to 50mm full-frame) is a classic “normal” view - great for portraits, street, and everyday shooting.

Leica’s versatile zoom ranges from wide-angle 24mm up to medium telephoto 75mm equivalent, meaning you can frame tight portraits or capture broader vistas without changing lenses. Its maximum aperture of f/1.7 at the wide end is bright, aiding low-light or shallow depth of field, but by 75mm the aperture narrows to f/2.8.

For creatives who covet optical performance with effortless background separation, Fuji’s 35mm prime is exceptional, lending images a certain “acquired taste” richness and smooth bokeh. Leica slightly compromises ultimate sharpness inherent in primes but wins in framing adaptability - a distinct advantage for travel and documentary work where subject distance varies often.

Shooting Across Genres: Real-World Use Cases

Let me take you through how these cameras behave across various popular photography disciplines, based on practical fieldwork.

Portrait Photography

When focusing on skin tones, eye detection, and bokeh rendering, the Fujifilm X100V shows clear strengths. Its large APS-C sensor combined with the 35mm f/2 lens produces creamy background blur with excellent subject isolation. The dedicated eye autofocus ensures tack-sharp portraits even when your subject or camera is in motion.

The Leica’s smaller sensor and zoom lens yield less pronounced bokeh, and autofocus is slower and less precise on eyes, although the warmer, filmic color rendition remains appealing for intimate portraits shot in ideal light.

Landscape Photography

Here, dynamic range and resolution shine. The X100V’s larger sensor and 26MP resolution translate to richer textures and more latitude in post-processing - ideal when battling harsh daylight or preserving shadow detail in forests and coasts.

The Leica’s 13MP sensor is adequate for sharing online or moderate prints, but struggles with shadow noise if underexposed. There is no weather sealing, limiting outdoor adventure resilience. The zoom range helps frame sweeping vistas from tight details to wide scenes, however.

Wildlife Photography

Not the X100V or D-Lux’s forte given fixed and moderate zoom lenses plus compact bodies, but among the two, Fuji’s fast autofocus and 11fps burst are comparatively more useful for tentative wildlife snapping, particularly for birds or mammals at moderate distances.

Leica’s modest zoom and slower AF make it less reliable here.

Sports Photography

Both cameras fall short of specialized sports bodies, yet the X100V’s autofocus tracking and continuous AF mode allow better success chasing action such as parkour or amateur soccer. D-Lux is more limited in rapid focus shifts and tends to lag.

Street Photography

Here, the smaller form and zoom versatility of the Leica shines for candid, discrete shooting in urban environments. Less noise from focusing and compact body aid subtlety.

X100V still holds ground with classic OVF framing and physical controls that invite mindfulness. However, the Fuji is slightly bulkier and more conspicuous.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is designed for macro, though Leica’s 3cm macro focusing distance gives it an edge in close-up work relative to Fuji. Focus precision and stabilization on the D-Lux help keep images sharp handheld.

Fuji’s lack of image stabilization means handheld macros require care or tripod.

Night and Astrophotography

The X100V’s superior high ISO performance and broad ISO range make it the better choice for night scenes and star fields. Lack of in-body stabilization limits exposure duration handheld, but long exposures on tripod deliver stunning results.

D-Lux’s sensor noise is more intrusive in dim light, limiting astrophotographers’ options.

Video Capabilities

The Fujifilm X100V supports 4K UHD at 30p, and slow motion Full HD up to 120fps. It records high-bitrate H.264 files with Linear PCM audio, and offers a microphone input - critical for serious videographers.

Leica D-Lux 109 maxes out at 4K 30p but lacks microphone and headphone jacks, making professional audio capture impossible without external gear. Its video codec options are fewer.

In real-world video, the Fuji also benefits from better manual control and an articulating screen for vlogging or creative framing.

Travel Photography

Both cameras are excellent travel companions, balancing compact size with large sensor performance.

Fujifilm’s weather sealing, longer battery life (approx 420 shots vs 300), and superior image quality make it ideal for more adventurous trips.

Leica’s smaller size, including lighter weight and longer zoom range, suits travelers who prioritize kit weight and framing flexibility over ruggedness.

Robust Build Quality and Usability Features

While both cameras sport premium materials, the X100V’s weather sealing - protecting against dust and moisture - stands out for outdoor shooting durability. Leica D-Lux 109 lacks environmental sealing altogether, a critical consideration for tougher shooting environments.

Battery life is another important factor for long outings. Fujifilm’s advertised 420 frames per charge (based on CIPA standards) exceeds Leica’s rated 300. Real-world use confirms Fuji lasts comfortably through a day of casual shooting; Leica users may want spares handy.

Both rely on single SD card slots supporting UHS-I speeds, sufficient for JPEG and compressed RAW workflows but limiting for pros wanting backups.

Connectivity and Storage

The X100V offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer, as well as USB 3.1 Gen 1 for speedy tethering and charging.

Leica D-Lux 109 includes Wi-Fi and NFC for quick pairing but only USB 2.0 for data transfer, a bottleneck in fast workflows.

Both cameras feature HDMI outputs for external monitors or recording.

Visual Output: Sample Gallery

To illustrate how these cameras translate theory into pixels, here is a curated set of test shots spanning various lighting and compositions.

Fujifilm X100V front Fujifilm X100V screen back Leica D Lux Typ 109 front

Examine the skin tones and bokeh in portraiture, the wide dynamic range in landscapes, and low-light detail in night shots. Fuji’s APS-C sensor clearly carries richer tonal range and noise control, while the Leica holds its own in color beachhead and flexibility of framing.

Performance Summaries and Ratings

A consolidated assessment of their technical and shooting performances helps crystallize the comparisons.

From autofocus speed to ergonomics and image quality across multiple criteria, Fujifilm X100V largely edges out with consistent excellence, particularly excelling in sharpness, low-light ability, and usability.

Genre-Specific Suitability Scores

Breaking down how each camera performs across specialist photography styles:

Portrait lovers and landscape photographers benefit from Fuji’s sensor and optics; street and travel photographers may prioritize Leica’s zoom versatility and portability. Video creators lean Fujifilm for mic input and 4K capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Both cameras excel in the coveted large sensor compact segment but serve slightly different audiences.

Choose the Fujifilm X100V if:

• You crave the tactile joy of manual control dials combined with modern focusing prowess.
• You shoot primarily portraits, landscapes, or low-light scenes where resolution and dynamic range are critical.
• You want weather sealing for adventurous shoots.
• Video capability with mic input and 4K is significant to your practice.
• You’re comfortable with a fixed 35mm lens and favor optical viewfinder experiences.

Opt for the Leica D-Lux Typ 109 if:

• Portability and a versatile zoom lens (24-75mm equivalent) compressed into a lightweight body are priorities.
• You prefer a minimalist interface and a cleaner design aesthetic.
• Street and travel photography dominate your use, needing discretion and framing flexibility.
• Stills take precedence over video or demanding autofocus performance.
• You’re aiming for Leica’s renowned color science and unique tonal rendering in daylight conditions.

Summing Up - The Spirit of Large Sensor Compacts

The FujiFilm X100V and Leica D-Lux Typ 109 both epitomize the promise of large sensor compacts: high-quality imaging packed into a device you can take anywhere without lugging heavy gear. The trade-offs boil down to sensor size, lens design, control philosophy, and video ambitions.

After testing thousands of cameras over my career, I find the X100V’s maturity and modernity give it an edge for most demanding photographers, while the D-Lux Typ 109 remains a classy, rewarding choice for enthusiasts valuing zoom versatility and pocketable travel companions.

In any case, either camera enriches your photographic journey, urging you to leave the bulk behind and simply focus on making beautiful images.

I hope this detailed, firsthand comparison empowers your next camera decision - happy shooting!