Leica C vs Leica X2

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Leica C and Leica X2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Leica. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the C (12MP) and X2 (16MP) and the C (1/1.7") and X2 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The C was announced 17 months after the X2 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Leica C being a Compact camera and the Leica X2 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the C scores against the X2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Leica C and Leica X2. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica C Gallery and Leica X2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Leica C provides external dimensions of 103mm x 63mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Leica X2 has specifications of 124mm x 69mm x 52mm (4.9" x 2.7" x 2.0") having a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs).

Compare the Leica C and Leica X2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the C versus the X2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the C and X2 is 92 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by looking through a spec sheet. The picture here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the C and X2.

Clearly, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The C using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Leica X2 will provide you with extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent C should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.