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Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1

Portability
64
Imaging
59
Features
52
Overall
56
Leica X-U front
 
Sony ZV-1 front
Portability
88
Imaging
55
Features
86
Overall
67

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 Key Specs

Leica X-U
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 35mm (F1.7-16.0) lens
  • 635g - 140 x 79 x 88mm
  • Launched January 2016
  • Other Name is Typ 113
Sony ZV-1
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - 1" Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 125 - 12800 (Bump to 25600)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 24-70mm (F1.8-2.8) lens
  • 294g - 105 x 60 x 44mm
  • Announced May 2020
  • Newer Model is Sony ZV-1 II
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Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 Overview

Following is a thorough analysis of the Leica X-U versus Sony ZV-1, both Large Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Leica and Sony. The sensor resolution of the X-U (16MP) and the ZV-1 (20MP) is relatively similar but the X-U (APS-C) and ZV-1 (1") feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The X-U was unveiled 5 years before the ZV-1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the X-U grades against the ZV-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Leica X-U over the Sony ZV-1

 X-U ZV-1 

Reasons to pick Sony ZV-1 over the Leica X-U

 ZV-1 X-U 
AnnouncedMay 2020January 2016More modern by 52 months
Screen resolution922k920kClearer screen (+2k dot)
Selfie screen Easy selfies
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Common features in the Leica X-U and Sony ZV-1

 X-U ZV-1 
Focus manually Very accurate focus
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFully ArticulatedFully Articulated screen
Screen dimension3"3"Identical screen measurements

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 Physical Comparison

If you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Leica X-U provides outside measurements of 140mm x 79mm x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 635 grams (1.40 lbs) while the Sony ZV-1 has measurements of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") with a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Examine the Leica X-U versus Sony ZV-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the X-U compared to the ZV-1.

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 size comparison

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X-U and ZV-1 is 64 and 88 respectively.

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 top view buttons comparison

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 Sensor Comparison

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing specifications. The image here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the X-U and ZV-1.

Plainly, both the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The X-U with its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Sony ZV-1 will offer extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged X-U is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 sensor size comparison

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica X-U Portrait photography advice
Sony ZV-1 Portrait photography advice
75
has manual focus
MP count decent (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
supports RAW files
73
you can focus manually
good resolution (20 megapixels)
nice sensor size (1")
comes with face detect focus
supports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Leica X-U Street photography advice
Sony ZV-1 Street photography advice
63
fully articulated screen
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
supports RAW files
weather sealing
does not have image stabilization
heavier than competitors in class (635g)
85
screen articulates fully
image stabilization (Optical)
nice sensor size (1")
supports RAW formats
has focus by touch
lighter than others (294 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Leica X-U
Sports photography with Sony ZV-1
54
MP count decent (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
weather sealing
good battery pack (450 shots)
focal length is fixed (35mm)
slow fps (5.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
lack of phase detect AF
71
quiet mode (1/32,000 seconds)
high fps (24.0 frames/s)
image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (20 megapixels)
nice sensor size (1")
comes with tracking focus
has phase detect auto focus
bad battery pack (260 shots)
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Travel Comparison

Leica X-U Travel photography advice
Sony ZV-1 Travel photography advice
62
good battery pack (450 per charge)
weather sealing
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
good maximum aperture (f1.7)
lack of Time Lapse mode
heavier than competitors in class (635 grams)
screen isn't selfie friendly
81
lighter than others (294 grams)
supports bluetooth
has focus by touch
good resolution (20MP)
display is selfie friendly
fairly wide (24mm)
very good maximum aperture (f1.8)
bad battery pack (260 CIPA)
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Landscape Comparison

Leica X-U Landscape photography details
Sony ZV-1 Landscape photography details
63
has manual focus
good maximum aperture (f1.7)
nice screen size (3 inches)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
supports RAW files
weather sealing
good battery pack (450 CIPA)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
focal length is fixed (35mm)
does not have image stabilization
lack of Time Lapse mode
70
you can focus manually
fairly wide (24mm)
very good maximum aperture (f1.8)
pretty good screen size (3 inches)
image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (20MP)
nice sensor size (1")
supports RAW formats
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
bad battery pack (260 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica X-U Vlogging info
Sony ZV-1 Vlogging info
25
good maximum aperture (f1.7)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
lack of external mic jack
heavier than competitors in class (635g)
86
fairly wide (24mm)
very good maximum aperture (f1.8)
display is selfie friendly
has touchscreen
image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detect focus
high res video (3840 x 2160 pxls)
has microphone port
lighter than others (294g)
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Leica X-U vs Sony ZV-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica X-U and Sony ZV-1
 Leica X-USony ZV-1
General Information
Brand Leica Sony
Model type Leica X-U Sony ZV-1
Also called Typ 113 -
Type Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Launched 2016-01-20 2020-05-27
Body design Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip - Bionz X
Sensor type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size APS-C 1"
Sensor measurements 23.6 x 15.7mm 13.2 x 8.8mm
Sensor area 370.5mm² 116.2mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixel 20 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4928 x 3264 5472 x 3648
Highest native ISO 12500 12800
Highest enhanced ISO - 25600
Minimum native ISO 100 125
RAW images
Minimum enhanced ISO - 80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points 11 315
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 35mm (1x) 24-70mm (2.9x)
Largest aperture f/1.7-16.0 f/1.8-2.8
Macro focusing distance - 5cm
Focal length multiplier 1.5 2.7
Screen
Range of display Fully Articulated Fully Articulated
Display sizing 3" 3"
Display resolution 920k dot 922k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Min shutter speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Max quiet shutter speed - 1/32000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 5.0 frames/s 24.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 2.00 m (at ISO 100) no built-in flash
Flash settings Automatic, automatic/red eye reduction, on, on/red eye reduction, long-term synchronization/red eye reduction, off Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Rear Sync, Flash Off
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p) 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 3840x2160
Video format MPEG-4 MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
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 gr (1.40 lb) 294 gr (0.65 lb)
Dimensions 140 x 79 x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") 105 x 60 x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 450 photos 260 photos
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID BP-DC8 -
Self timer Yes Yes
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots Single Single
Retail cost $3,495 $750