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Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1

Portability
83
Imaging
57
Features
37
Overall
49
Leica X2 front
 
Sigma DP1 front
Portability
87
Imaging
43
Features
30
Overall
37

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Key Specs

Leica X2
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12500
  • No Video
  • 36mm (F2.8) lens
  • 345g - 124 x 69 x 52mm
  • Released May 2012
  • Superseded the Leica X1
  • Successor is Leica X Vario
Sigma DP1
(Full Review)
  • 5MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 800
  • No Video
  • 28mm (F) lens
  • 270g - 113 x 60 x 50mm
  • Launched May 2008
  • Renewed by Sigma DP1s
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Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Overview

Below, we will be looking at the Leica X2 and Sigma DP1, both Large Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Leica and Sigma. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the X2 (16MP) and DP1 (5MP) but they possess the exact same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The X2 was announced 4 years after the DP1 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Large Sensor Compact).

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the X2 scores against the DP1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica X2 over the Sigma DP1

 X2 DP1 
LaunchedMay 2012May 2008Newer by 49 months
Screen dimension2.7"2.5"Bigger screen (+0.2")

Reasons to pick Sigma DP1 over the Leica X2

 DP1 X2 

Common features in the Leica X2 and Sigma DP1

 X2 DP1 
Focus manually Very accurate focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kExact same screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch screen Lacking Touch screen

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Physical Comparison

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Leica X2 enjoys outside dimensions of 124mm x 69mm x 52mm (4.9" x 2.7" x 2.0") with a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Sigma DP1 has sizing of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Leica X2 and Sigma DP1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the X2 vs the DP1.

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 size comparison

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the X2 and DP1 is 83 and 87 respectively.

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 top view buttons comparison

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Sensor Comparison

In many cases, it's hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The picture here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the X2 and DP1.

As you can tell, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Leica X2 to give you extra detail with its extra 11MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The younger X2 will have an advantage in sensor tech.

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 sensor size comparison

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Screen and ViewFinder

Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica X2 Portrait photography information
Sigma DP1 Portrait photography information
74
has manual focus
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
features face detect focusing
supports RAW files
55
focusing manually
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
sensor resolution low (5 megapixels)
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Street Comparison

Leica X2 Street photography factors
Sigma DP1 Street photography factors
65
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports RAW files
screen is fixed
does not have image stabilization
64
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
lighter than competitors (270g)
no articulating screen
does not have image stabilization
low max ISO (800)
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Sports Comparison

Leica X2 Sports photography information
Sigma DP1 Sports photography information
49
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
better than average battery pack (450 per charge)
can't change focal length (36mm)
very slow continuous shooting (5.0 fps)
does not have image stabilization
lack of phase detect AF
31
sensor size is good (APS-C)
fixed focal length (28mm)
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (5MP)
lacks phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Leica X2
Travel photography with Sigma DP1
64
better than average battery pack (450 per charge)
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
flash built-in
does not have Timelapse recording
screen isn't selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f2.8)
63
lighter than competitors (270 grams)
built-in flash
fast max aperture (f)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
sensor resolution low (5MP)
does not offer selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Leica X2 as a Landscape photography camera
Sigma DP1 as a Landscape photography camera
53
has manual focus
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports RAW files
better than average battery pack (450 shots)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
can't change focal length (36mm)
slow max aperture (f2.8)
screen is small (2.7 inch)
does not have image stabilization
does not have Timelapse recording
44
focusing manually
fast max aperture (f)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
fixed focal length (28mm)
tiny screen (2.5 inch)
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (5 megapixels)
low max ISO (800)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Leica X2
Vlogging with Sigma DP1
9
no video
9
can't record video
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Leica X2 vs Sigma DP1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica X2 and Sigma DP1
 Leica X2Sigma DP1
General Information
Make Leica Sigma
Model Leica X2 Sigma DP1
Category Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Released 2012-05-10 2008-05-19
Physical type Large Sensor Compact Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS (Foveon X3)
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.6 x 15.8mm 20.7 x 13.8mm
Sensor surface area 372.9mm² 285.7mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixel 5 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Peak resolution 4928 x 3264 2640 x 1760
Highest native ISO 12500 800
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points 11 -
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 36mm (1x) 28mm (1x)
Maximum aperture f/2.8 -
Macro focus distance 30cm -
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.7
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 2.7 inch 2.5 inch
Screen resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic (optional) None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/4000 secs
Continuous shutter rate 5.0 frames per sec -
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync, Studio -
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Highest video resolution None None
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 345 gr (0.76 pounds) 270 gr (0.60 pounds)
Dimensions 124 x 69 x 52mm (4.9" x 2.7" x 2.0") 113 x 60 x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 450 shots -
Battery type Battery Pack -
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/SDHC card SD/MMC card
Card slots Single Single
Launch cost $994 $566