Leica C-Lux vs Sony RX100 II

Leica C-Lux vs Sony RX100 II: Which One Should Photography Enthusiasts Choose?

When stepping into the world of large sensor compact cameras, two models stand out for their blend of portability and capability: Leica’s C-Lux and Sony’s RX100 II. Both promise to deliver sharp, vibrant images without the bulk of traditional DSLRs or mirrorless setups, but they each approach this in uniquely different ways. Having spent extensive time testing both, from city streets to wildlife habitats, I’ll walk you through how they stack up - technically, practically, and creatively - so you can decide which is the better fit for your photography style and budget.

First impressions: Design, handling, and ergonomics

Looking at the Leica C-Lux and Sony RX100 II side-by-side, size and ergonomics immediately come into focus. The Leica is a bit chunkier (113x67x46mm weighing 340g) compared to the more pocketable RX100 II (102x58x38mm at 281g). That extra heft translates into a more substantial grip and a feel of solidity in hand. Leica’s design language tends to favor simplicity and refinement - a minimalistic look with well-placed buttons and a fixed lens - whereas Sony prioritizes compactness and a functional, more tech-centric interface.

If you appreciate physical dials and dedicated controls, the C-Lux offers a more traditional experience, including a clean layout that invites tactile control over shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. Sony’s RX100 II, meanwhile, has fewer physical buttons and a tilt screen with the slightly smaller 3-inch LCD (1229k dots vs Leica’s 1240k) that’s non-touch, which limits intuitiveness but allows for creative angles. The Leica’s touchscreen really shines for rapid focusing and menu navigation - a definite advantage if you shoot handheld with changing scenes.

Sensor fundamentals: The heart of image quality

Both cameras utilize a 1” type CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm, delivering approximately 20 megapixels, which places them in the same ballpark regarding native resolution and dynamic range potential.

However, while Sony’s RX100 II sensor had a groundbreaking reputation at launch in 2013 - leveraging stacked CMOS technology for speed - the Leica C-Lux benefits from newer sensor tech incorporated in its 2018 release. This results in subtle yet meaningful improvements in noise handling, color depth, and dynamic range. Although DxOMark hasn’t scored the Leica C-Lux specifically, Sony’s RX100 II holds an overall score of 67 with color depth of 22.5 bits and a dynamic range of 12.4 EV stops. Leica’s newer processor and sensor tuning provide cleaner images at higher ISOs, which you’ll appreciate in low-light scenarios.

From my shooting sessions, especially in landscapes and astrophotography, Leica’s sensor delivered richer tonal transitions with less aggressive noise reduction, which preserves fine detail better than the RX100 II’s older sensor, where noise can become more apparent beyond ISO 1600.

Autofocus, tracking, and shooting speeds

Both models offer 10fps continuous shooting - quite impressive given their size - but autofocus implementation tells a different story.

The Leica C-Lux boasts 49 contrast-based focus points with face detection, continuous, single, tracking, and selective AF modes, all accessible via touchscreen controls. Contrast detection is slower and sometimes hunting compared to phase-detection AF, but for a compact with no interchangeable lenses, Leica optimized it well for daylight and well-lit situations. However, it lacks phase detection AF or animal eye AF, limiting its utility in fast-moving wildlife or unpredictable sports environments.

Sony RX100 II features 25 contrast-detection focus points and face detection as well, but the absence of phase detection AF means autofocus speed is similarly reliant on contrast, though Sony’s excellent lens and processor coupling often make the RX100 II snappier in acquiring focus, particularly wide open at f/1.8. Still, you might notice hunting indoors or in low contrast scenes.

For wildlife and sports photography, neither camera is ideal - but if you must choose, the RX100 II’s faster aperture and lens responsiveness give it a slight edge in low light. Yet, Leica’s superior burst buffer performance during my tests means you’ll rarely miss decisive moments in daylight action shots.

Lens versatility: Fixed zooms that cover different grounds

Here’s a key area where their differences become very tangible.

• Leica C-Lux sports a 24-360mm (equivalent) f/3.3-6.4 lens delivering an ultra-zoom 15x reach.
• Sony RX100 II has a shorter 28-100mm equivalent zoom with a faster f/1.8-4.9 aperture.

This translates to different strengths depending on your shooting discipline.

For travel and wildlife photographers who want maximum reach, Leica’s 15x zoom is a game-changer. It’s well-suited for shooting distant subjects without swapping lenses or carrying extra gear. The downsides? Aperture closes down to f/6.4 telephoto, which affects low-light performance and bokeh quality at the long end.

Alternatively, Sony’s RX100 II, with a brighter f/1.8 at the wide end, excels in indoor, street, or portrait photography where shallow depth of field and low-light ability matter most. The 100mm maximum is less versatile for wildlife but great for portraits and general shooting.

From my experience, the Leica’s lens delivers respectable edge-to-edge sharpness across the zoom range, though slight softness and chromatic aberration creep in at extreme telephoto. Sony’s lens produces tack-sharp images when stopped down slightly, and its wider aperture allows for more pronounced background separation, especially in portraits.

User interface and rear screen: How you compose your shot

While both cameras offer 3-inch LCD screens, their approach to touch and articulation differ significantly.

Leica C-Lux employs a fixed, high-resolution touchscreen that supports touch autofocus, menu control, and pinch zooming. This interface felt responsive and intuitive during my trials, making it ideal for photographers who need to adapt quickly, like street shooters or travelers.

Sony’s RX100 II opts for a tilting LCD with better flexibility for shooting at high or low angles - a boon for macro or creative compositions. However, it lacks a touchscreen, relying on physical buttons and a control dial to navigate menus and focus points, which can feel cumbersome after working on the Leica.

Viewfinder-wise, Leica includes a bright electronic viewfinder with 2.33 million dots and full 100% coverage, which shines in bright outdoor conditions or steady handheld shooting. Sony RX100 II had an optional external EVF (sold separately), which some users found limiting. For me, having a built-in EVF is mission-critical for clarity and composure in challenging lighting.

Image stabilization and low light usability

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) inside their lenses, crucial for handheld shooting, especially at longer focal lengths or lower shutter speeds.

Leica’s stabilization performs admirably according to my real-world tests, noticeably reducing camera shake at the 360mm equivalent end. Sony’s OIS is also quite effective but somewhat less capable at the telephoto range given its shorter zoom.

In terms of ISO performance, Leica’s newer sensor affords cleaner results at higher ISO settings. Shooting indoors or at dusk, the C-Lux produces images that needed less noise reduction in post, preserving textures and skin tones. Sony’s RX100 II begins to show noise beyond ISO 800, and while still usable, images have less punch and clarity after processing.

On the topic of skin tones and bokeh in portraiture, Leica’s lens tends to render more natural and pleasing out-of-focus areas, thanks partly to its optical design and lens coatings. Sony’s faster aperture adds creative flexibility in tight spaces but results in a somewhat harsher bokeh quality in my tests.

Video capabilities: Modern needs meet compact performance

Video has become a must-have feature in compact cameras, and here the Leica C-Lux pulls ahead.

It offers 4K UHD video recording at 30p with a max bitrate of 100 Mbps in MOV (H.264/AAC codec). This is a significant advantage if you want crisp cinematic footage without a dedicated camcorder. Leica’s video autofocus during recording is smooth with decent tracking, supported by electronic stabilization. However, the lack of microphone and headphone jacks limits audio control, so you’ll need an external audio recorder for professional setups.

Sony RX100 II caps out at 1080p full HD 60fps, which was standard in 2013 but now feels a bit dated if you crave 4K clarity. Its video autofocus can be a bit noisy and less precise when tracking subjects in motion. There’s no mic input either, which again restricts audio upgrades.

If video versatility is high on your list, Leica’s significantly better feature set is a strong selling point.

Battery life, storage, and connectivity: Practicalities that matter

The Leica C-Lux offers a rated battery life of approximately 370 shots per charge, whereas Sony RX100 II provides around 350 shots under similar testing conditions. Real-world usage aligns with these specs – both will get you through a decent day of shooting but benefit from carrying spares for extended sessions.

On storage, both rely on a single SD card slot, with Leica supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I), and Sony adding compatibility with Memory Stick Duo formats - a nice touch for Sony system users. Leica’s USB port supports faster data transfer, while Sony’s uses USB 2.0, which is slower.

In wireless connectivity, Leica edges out Sony by including built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for instant sharing and remote control via smartphone apps, making it easier to upload and geotag your shots. Sony’s RX100 II has only NFC, which is more limited and less convenient in everyday use.

Build quality and weather resistance

Neither camera is weather sealed, dustproof, or shockproof, so neither is recommended for harsh outdoor conditions without additional protective gear. That said, Leica’s build exudes a more premium tactile feel - solid metal chassis and precision engineering - which is expected at its price point. Sony is well built but uses more plastic components to keep weight and cost lower.

Image samples and real-world use

Leica C Lux front Leica C Lux screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

Looking at the image gallery above, you can immediately appreciate the Leica’s sharper dynamic range retention in bright and shadowed areas, the creamy bokeh, and detail in portrait skin tones. Sony’s images also impress with punchy colors and crispness, especially in landscapes and street scenes, thanks to its wider aperture lens.

For street photography, the RX100 II’s smaller stature and tilt screen offer stealth advantages, whereas Leica’s EVF and touchscreen make it more confident in varied lighting but slightly more conspicuous.

For macro work, both cameras focus as close as 5cm. Leica’s touchscreen focusing aids in precise composition, while Sony’s tilt screen helps with awkward angles, but the lens speed favors Leica for easier subject isolation.

Night and astrophotography users will enjoy Leica’s superior high ISO handling and longer exposure capabilities (up to 60 seconds shutter speed), compared to Sony’s max native ISO experiences and shorter long-exposure limits.

Overall performance ratings and genre-specific scores

As shown above, the Leica C-Lux leads in overall image quality, video functionality, and telephoto versatility, while Sony RX100 II scores higher in compactness, low-light portrait aperture, and affordability.

Who should buy the Leica C-Lux?

If you’re a serious enthusiast or professional seeking a pocketable camera that delivers a reassuring combination of excellent image quality, strong zoom reach for wildlife or travel, and 4K video, the Leica C-Lux justifies its premium price tag with real-world versatility. Its touchscreen, EVF, and wireless features make it a modern tool that adapts well across portrait, landscape, macro, and travel photography. If you don’t mind the slightly larger size or desire more creative control in video, the C-Lux is a compelling choice.

Who should consider the Sony RX100 II?

If budget is tighter but you still want a large sensor compact that excels in street photography, portraits, and general daylight shooting, the Sony RX100 II remains a solid classic. Its smaller size and fast f/1.8 lens mean it’s great for low light and candid moments. Though you’ll miss 4K video and the latest AF tech, the RX100 II is dependable, easy to carry, and well-supported by a broad lens accessory ecosystem.

Final thoughts: Balancing budget, purpose, and preferences

Choosing between these two boils down to priorities. Do you want the latest innovations in a versatile zoom and video-ready compact? Leica C-Lux is your answer. Need a pocket-friendly, sharp, and fast camera for everyday shooting at zero fuss? The RX100 II still holds its ground.

Both are excellent examples of the 1” sensor compact format done right, with Leica leaning into premium optics and user experience, Sony delivering classic speed and portability. Whichever you pick, you’ll step up from smartphones to genuine photographic quality with confidence.

Happy shooting!