Leica X-U vs Panasonic ZS100

Below is a comprehensive comparison of the Leica X-U and Panasonic ZS100, both Large Sensor Compact cameras by brands Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the X-U (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is very close but the X-U (APS-C) and ZS100 (1") possess different sensor dimensions.

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The X-U was released at a similar time to the ZS100 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple summation of how the X-U scores vs the ZS100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica X-U and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The complete galleries are provided at Leica X-U Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Leica X-U comes with outer measurements of 140mm x 79mm x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") having a weight of 635 grams (1.40 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS100 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Leica X-U and Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the X-U versus the ZS100.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the X-U and ZS100 is 64 and 87 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by viewing technical specs. The photograph underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the X-U and ZS100.

As you can tell, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The X-U featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will result in more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively.