Leica X Vario vs Sony RX1R

Let's take a more detailed look at the Leica X Vario and Sony RX1R, both Large Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Leica and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the X Vario (16MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the X Vario (APS-C) and RX1R (Full frame) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The X Vario was introduced very close to the RX1R which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the X Vario scores versus the RX1R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica X Vario and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica X Vario Gallery and Sony RX1R Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Leica X Vario provides outside measurements of 133mm x 73mm x 95mm (5.2" x 2.9" x 3.7") along with a weight of 680 grams (1.50 lbs) while the Sony RX1R has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Contrast the Leica X Vario and Sony RX1R in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the X Vario vs the RX1R.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X Vario and RX1R is 62 and 79 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking a spec sheet. The picture here might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the X Vario and RX1R.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The X Vario using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony RX1R will resolve more detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively.