Leica X Vario vs Sony W380

Here is a extensive assessment of the Leica X Vario versus Sony W380, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Leica and Sony. The resolution of the X Vario (16MP) and the W380 (14MP) is pretty similar but the X Vario (APS-C) and W380 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The X Vario was revealed 3 years later than the W380 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Leica X Vario being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Sony W380 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the X Vario scores versus the W380 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Leica X Vario and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380. The full galleries are provided at Leica X Vario Gallery and Sony W380 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Leica X Vario offers exterior dimensions of 133mm x 73mm x 95mm (5.2" x 2.9" x 3.7") and a weight of 680 grams (1.50 lbs) and the Sony W380 has sizing of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Examine the Leica X Vario versus Sony W380 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the X Vario versus the W380.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the X Vario and W380 is 62 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the X Vario and W380.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X Vario with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Leica X Vario will offer you greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern X Vario should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.