Leica X1 vs Nikon L21

Below, we will be evaluating the Leica X1 and Nikon L21, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Leica and Nikon. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the X1 (12MP) and L21 (8MP) and the X1 (APS-C) and L21 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The X1 was revealed around the same time to the L21 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Leica X1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Nikon L21 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the X1 grades vs the L21 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Leica X1 & Nikon Coolpix L21. The full galleries are available at Leica X1 Gallery & Nikon L21 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you need to think about its weight and size. The Leica X1 provides outer measurements of 124mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 306 grams (0.67 lbs) whilst the Nikon L21 has specifications of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Leica X1 and Nikon L21 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the X1 compared to the L21.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the X1 and L21 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualize the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over technical specs. The photograph here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the X1 and L21.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The X1 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Leica X1 will offer you more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs much more aggressively.