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Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Portability
62
Imaging
58
Features
51
Overall
55
Leica X Vario front
 
Sigma DP2 Merrill front
Portability
83
Imaging
56
Features
33
Overall
46

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill Key Specs

Leica X Vario
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-70mm (F3.5-6.4) lens
  • 680g - 133 x 73 x 95mm
  • Released June 2013
  • Older Model is Leica X2
Sigma DP2 Merrill
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 50mm (F2.8) lens
  • 330g - 122 x 67 x 59mm
  • Released February 2012
  • Succeeded the Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • Refreshed by Sigma DP3 Merrill
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Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill Overview

The following is a extended assessment of the Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, both Large Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Leica and Sigma. The resolution of the X Vario (16MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is pretty comparable and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The X Vario was released 17 months after the DP2 Merrill which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the X Vario grades vs the DP2 Merrill with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica X Vario over the Sigma DP2 Merrill

 X Vario DP2 Merrill 
ReleasedJune 2013February 2012Newer by 17 months

Reasons to pick Sigma DP2 Merrill over the Leica X Vario

 DP2 Merrill X Vario 

Common features in the Leica X Vario and Sigma DP2 Merrill

 X Vario DP2 Merrill 
Manual focus Dial accurate focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen dimensions
Screen resolution920k920kIdentical screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither provides selfie screen
Touch screen Neither provides Touch screen

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill Physical Comparison

When you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Leica X Vario provides exterior dimensions of 133mm x 73mm x 95mm (5.2" x 2.9" x 3.7") along with a weight of 680 grams (1.50 lbs) and the Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") and a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the X Vario vs the DP2 Merrill.

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability score of the X Vario and DP2 Merrill is 62 and 83 respectively.

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill top view buttons comparison

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill Sensor Comparison

Generally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through technical specs. The picture here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the X Vario and DP2 Merrill.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Leica X Vario to provide greater detail as a result of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent X Vario will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill sensor size comparison

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill Screen and ViewFinder

Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica X Vario Portrait photography details
Sigma DP2 Merrill Portrait photography details
74
manual focus
good MP (16 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
has face detect focusing
supports RAW formats
73
focusing manually
MP count good (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Leica X Vario Street photography information
Sigma DP2 Merrill Street photography information
53
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
heavier than others in class (680 grams)
65
good sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Leica X Vario Sports photography details
Sigma DP2 Merrill Sports photography details
54
good MP (16 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
good battery pack (450 shots)
low fps (5.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
does not have phase detect AF
44
MP count good (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
focal length is fixed (50mm)
slow fps (4.0 fps)
does not have image stabilization
does not have phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Leica X Vario as a Travel photography camera
Sigma DP2 Merrill as a Travel photography camera
56
good battery pack (450 per charge)
good MP (16MP)
has built in flash
quite wide (28mm)
missing Time Lapse function
heavier than others in class (680g)
does not posses selfie friendly display
slow maximum aperture (f3.5)
54
MP count good (15MP)
does not have Timelapse function
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
Photography Glossary

Landscape Comparison

Leica X Vario as a Landscape photography camera
Sigma DP2 Merrill as a Landscape photography camera
61
manual focus
quite wide (28mm)
pretty good screen size (3 inches)
good MP (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
good battery pack (450 CIPA)
can't switch lens (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.5)
does not have image stabilization
missing Time Lapse function
55
focusing manually
screen is a good size (3 inches)
MP count good (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
focal length is fixed (50mm)
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
does not have image stabilization
does not have Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica X Vario as a Vlogging camera
Sigma DP2 Merrill as a Vlogging camera
25
quite wide (28mm)
has face detect focusing
high video quality (1920 x 1080 resolution)
slow maximum aperture (f3.5)
does not posses selfie friendly display
does not have image stabilization
missing mic support
heavier than others in class (680 grams)
22
slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
does not have image stabilization
low video resolution (640 x 480 pixels)
does not have microphone port
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Leica X Vario vs Sigma DP2 Merrill Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica X Vario and Sigma DP2 Merrill
 Leica X VarioSigma DP2 Merrill
General Information
Manufacturer Leica Sigma
Model type Leica X Vario Sigma DP2 Merrill
Type Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Released 2013-06-11 2012-02-08
Body design Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Processor - Dual TRUE II engine
Sensor type CMOS CMOS (Foveon X3)
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor measurements 23.6 x 15.8mm 24 x 16mm
Sensor area 372.9mm² 384.0mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 15 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 -
Full resolution 4928 x 3272 4704 x 3136
Max native ISO 12500 6400
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points 11 -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 28-70mm (2.5x) 50mm (1x)
Maximum aperture f/3.5-6.4 f/2.8
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 3 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 920 thousand dot 920 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic (optional) None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30 secs -
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 secs -
Continuous shooting speed 5.0 frames/s 4.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance - no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync, Studio no built-in flash
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 640x480
Max video resolution 1920x1080 640x480
Video file format MPEG-4 Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
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 680g (1.50 lb) 330g (0.73 lb)
Dimensions 133 x 73 x 95mm (5.2" x 2.9" x 3.7") 122 x 67 x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating 78 not tested
DXO Color Depth rating 23.4 not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.7 not tested
DXO Low light rating 1320 not tested
Other
Battery life 450 shots -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Battery ID BP-DC8 -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) -
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC -
Storage slots One One
Retail price $2,950 $931