Leica X-U vs Sony RX100 III

Here is a thorough overview of the Leica X-U and Sony RX100 III, both Large Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Leica and Sony. The sensor resolution of the X-U (16MP) and the RX100 III (20MP) is fairly well matched but the X-U (APS-C) and RX100 III (1") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The X-U was manufactured 21 months later than the RX100 III making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Large Sensor Compact).

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the X-U matches up against the RX100 III with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica X-U & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The entire galleries are available at Leica X-U Gallery & Sony RX100 III Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Leica X-U features outside measurements of 140mm x 79mm x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") having a weight of 635 grams (1.40 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 III has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Analyze the Leica X-U and Sony RX100 III in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the X-U compared to the RX100 III.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X-U and RX100 III is 64 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the X-U and RX100 III.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The X-U because of its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony RX100 III will give you greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The more modern X-U is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.