Clicky

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR

Portability
64
Imaging
60
Features
52
Overall
56
Leica X-U front
 
Ricoh GR front
Portability
90
Imaging
58
Features
54
Overall
56

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR Key Specs

Leica X-U
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 35mm (F1.7-16.0) lens
  • 635g - 140 x 79 x 88mm
  • Introduced January 2016
  • Alternative Name is Typ 113
Ricoh GR
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28mm (F2.8) lens
  • 245g - 117 x 61 x 35mm
  • Released April 2013
  • Replacement is Ricoh GR II
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR Overview

In this article, we will be comparing the Leica X-U and Ricoh GR, both Large Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Leica and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the X-U (16MP) and the GR (16MP) is pretty comparable and they enjoy the same exact sensor measurements (APS-C).

Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

The X-U was manufactured 2 years after the GR which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the X-U matches up vs the GR in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras
	
	

Reasons to pick Leica X-U over the Ricoh GR

 X-U GR 
ReleasedJanuary 2016April 2013More modern by 34 months
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen

Reasons to pick Ricoh GR over the Leica X-U

 GR X-U 
Screen resolution1230k920kSharper screen (+310k dot)

Common features in the Leica X-U and Ricoh GR

 X-U GR 
Manual focus Dial precise focusing
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen measurements
Selfie screen Neither comes with selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Missing Touch friendly screen

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR Physical Comparison

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Leica X-U comes with outer dimensions of 140mm x 79mm x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") with a weight of 635 grams (1.40 lbs) and the Ricoh GR has proportions of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica X-U and Ricoh GR in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the X-U and the GR.

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR size comparison

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X-U and GR is 64 and 90 respectively.

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR top view buttons comparison

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR Sensor Comparison

Normally, it can be tough to see the gap in sensor sizes only by going through specs. The image underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-U and GR.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels and you should expect comparable quality of files however you need to take the release date of the cameras into account. The more modern X-U is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR sensor size comparison

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR Screen and ViewFinder

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Leica X-U
Portrait photography with Ricoh GR
76
has manual focus
good MP (16MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
74
manual focus
flash sync is higher than normal (1/4,000s)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Street Comparison

Leica X-U as a Street photography camera
Ricoh GR as a Street photography camera
64
fully articulated screen
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
weather proof
does not have image stabilization
heavier than competition (635g)
74
decent sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
lighter than others (245g)
good ISO range (25,600)
no moving screen
lack of image stabilization
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Leica X-U
Sports photography with Ricoh GR
55
good MP (16MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
weather proof
great battery life (450 CIPA)
fixed focal length (35mm)
very slow continuous shooting (5.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
lacks phase detect AF
45
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
fixed focal length (28mm)
painfully slow continuous shooting (4.0 frames/s)
lack of image stabilization
does not have phase detect auto focus
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Travel Comparison

Leica X-U Travel photography features
Ricoh GR Travel photography features
62
great battery life (450 CIPA)
weather proof
good MP (16MP)
built-in flash
fast max aperture (f1.7)
doesn't have Time Lapse function
heavier than competition (635g)
display isn't selfie friendly
71
lighter than others (245g)
megapixel count decent (16MP)
has built in flash
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Landscape Comparison

Leica X-U Landscape photography info
Ricoh GR Landscape photography info
63
has manual focus
fast max aperture (f1.7)
good sized screen (3")
good MP (16MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
weather proof
great battery life (450 shots)
cannot switch lens (fixed lens mount)
fixed focal length (35mm)
does not have image stabilization
doesn't have Time Lapse function
62
manual focus
screen size is good (3")
megapixel count decent (16MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
good ISO range (25,600)
exports RAW formats
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
fixed focal length (28mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
lack of image stabilization
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Vlogging Comparison

Leica X-U Vlogging information
Ricoh GR Vlogging information
25
fast max aperture (f1.7)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
doesn't have mic socket
heavier than competition (635 grams)
30
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than others (245g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
lack of image stabilization
no mic jack
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Leica X-U vs Ricoh GR Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica X-U and Ricoh GR
 Leica X-URicoh GR
General Information
Company Leica Ricoh
Model type Leica X-U Ricoh GR
Also called as Typ 113 -
Type Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Introduced 2016-01-20 2013-04-17
Body design Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.6 x 15.7mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 370.5mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 1:1, 4:3 and 3:2
Full resolution 4928 x 3264 4928 x 3264
Max native ISO 12500 25600
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points 11 -
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 35mm (1x) 28mm (1x)
Highest aperture f/1.7-16.0 f/2.8
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 920 thousand dot 1,230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen technology - TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Optical (optional)
Features
Lowest shutter speed 30 secs 300 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 5.0 frames per second 4.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 2.00 m (at ISO 100) 5.40 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Automatic, automatic/red eye reduction, on, on/red eye reduction, long-term synchronization/red eye reduction, off -
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Highest flash sync - 1/4000 secs
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p) 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 ( 60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4 MPEG-4
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 635 grams (1.40 lbs) 245 grams (0.54 lbs)
Dimensions 140 x 79 x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") 117 x 61 x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 78
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.6
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 13.5
DXO Low light rating not tested 972
Other
Battery life 450 pictures 290 pictures
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID BP-DC8 DB65
Self timer Yes Yes
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD, SDHC, SDXC
Storage slots One One
Price at launch $3,495 $971