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Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR

Portability
89
Imaging
52
Features
33
Overall
44
Leica X1 front
 
Ricoh GR front
Portability
90
Imaging
58
Features
54
Overall
56

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR Key Specs

Leica X1
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • No Video
  • 35mm (F2.8) lens
  • 306g - 124 x 60 x 32mm
  • Released December 2009
  • Refreshed by Leica X2
Ricoh GR
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28mm (F2.8) lens
  • 245g - 117 x 61 x 35mm
  • Announced April 2013
  • Refreshed by Ricoh GR II
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Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR Overview

In this article, we will be analyzing the Leica X1 versus Ricoh GR, both Large Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Leica and Ricoh. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the X1 (12MP) and GR (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

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The X1 was launched 4 years before the GR which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the X1 matches up against the GR in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Leica X1 over the Ricoh GR

 X1 GR 

Reasons to pick Ricoh GR over the Leica X1

 GR X1 
AnnouncedApril 2013December 2009More modern by 40 months
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution1230k230kClearer screen (+1000k dot)

Common features in the Leica X1 and Ricoh GR

 X1 GR 
Manual focus Very precise focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Neither comes with selfie screen
Touch screen Neither comes with Touch screen

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR Physical Comparison

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Leica X1 comes with exterior dimensions of 124mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 306 grams (0.67 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR has dimensions of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check out the Leica X1 versus Ricoh GR in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the X1 vs the GR.

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X1 and GR is 89 and 90 respectively.

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR top view buttons comparison

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR Sensor Comparison

Normally, its tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes just by looking through technical specs. The pic here may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the X1 and GR.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Ricoh GR to result in more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged X1 will be behind in sensor innovation.

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR sensor size comparison

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR Screen and ViewFinder

Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica X1 as a Portrait photography camera
Ricoh GR as a Portrait photography camera
63
you can focus manually
good sensor size (APS-C)
has face detection focus
delivers RAW files
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
74
you can focus manually
above average flash sync speed (1/4,000s)
megapixel count decent (16MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Leica X1
Street photography with Ricoh GR
70
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
lighter than competitors in class (306 grams)
screen does not articulate
does not have image stabilization
74
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
lighter than competitors (245g)
great ISO range (25,600)
screen is fixed
does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Leica X1 Sports photography information
Ricoh GR Sports photography information
34
good sensor size (APS-C)
can't change focal length (35mm)
low frames per second (3.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
no phase detect auto focus
45
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
focal length is fixed (28mm)
max frames per second low (4.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
has no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Leica X1
Travel photography with Ricoh GR
59
lighter than competitors in class (306 grams)
has built in flash
missing Timelapse function
low resolution sensor (12MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f2.8)
71
lighter than competitors (245g)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
does not have a selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
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Landscape Comparison

Leica X1 as a Landscape photography camera
Ricoh GR as a Landscape photography camera
44
you can focus manually
good sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (35mm)
slow max aperture (f2.8)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inches)
does not have image stabilization
low resolution sensor (12MP)
missing Timelapse function
62
you can focus manually
nice screen size (3 inches)
megapixel count decent (16MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
great ISO range (25,600)
supports RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
focal length is fixed (28mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
does not have image stabilization
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Leica X1
Vlogging with Ricoh GR
9
no video
30
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than competitors (245g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
does not have a selfie friendly screen
does not have image stabilization
no external mic support
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Leica X1 vs Ricoh GR Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica X1 and Ricoh GR
 Leica X1Ricoh GR
General Information
Brand Leica Ricoh
Model Leica X1 Ricoh GR
Type Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Released 2009-12-18 2013-04-17
Physical type Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.6 x 15.8mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 372.9mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 1:1, 4:3 and 3:2
Peak resolution 4272 x 2856 4928 x 3264
Highest native ISO 3200 25600
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points 11 -
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 35mm (1x) 28mm (1x)
Max aperture f/2.8 f/2.8
Macro focus distance 30cm -
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 2.7 inch 3 inch
Resolution of screen 230k dots 1,230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Screen technology - TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Optical (optional)
Features
Min shutter speed 30 seconds 300 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate 3.0 frames per sec 4.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range - 5.40 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync, Studio -
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash synchronize - 1/4000 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 ( 60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24 fps)
Highest video resolution None 1920x1080
Video format - MPEG-4
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 306g (0.67 lb) 245g (0.54 lb)
Dimensions 124 x 60 x 32mm (4.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") 117 x 61 x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 78
DXO Color Depth score not tested 23.6
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 13.5
DXO Low light score not tested 972
Other
Battery life - 290 photographs
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery model - DB65
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC card SD, SDHC, SDXC
Card slots Single Single
Launch pricing $1,495 $971