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Leica SL3 vs X Vario

The Leica SL3 and the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in March 2024 and June 2013. The Leica SL3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the X Vario is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (Leica SL3) and an APS-C (X Vario) sensor. The Leica SL3 has a resolution of 60.3 megapixels, whereas the X Vario provides 16.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica SL3
versus
Leica X Vario
Leica SL3   Leica X Vario
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Leica L mount lenses 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4
60.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
8K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-100,000 ISO 100-12,500
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 2333k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationno shake reduction
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
320 shots per battery charge450 shots per battery charge
141 x 108 x 85 mm, 854 g 133 x 73 x 95 mm, 680 g
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Check Leica SL3 price at
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Check X Vario offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL3 and the Leica X Vario (Typ 107)? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica SL3 and the Leica X Vario are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X Vario can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Leica SL3 is only available in black.

Size Leica SL3 vs Leica X Vario
Compare Leica SL3 versus X Vario top
Comparison Leica SL3 or X Vario rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X Vario is considerably smaller (36 percent) than the Leica SL3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Leica SL3 is splash and dust resistant, while the X Vario does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X Vario has a lens built in, whereas the Leica SL3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the Leica SL3 gets 320 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL6 battery, while the X Vario can take 450 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC8 power pack. The power pack in the Leica SL3 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 854 g 320 Y Mar 2024 US$ 6 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q3 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 743 g 350 Y May 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL3-S 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 852 g 315 Y Jan 2025 US$ 5 299 amazon.com
9.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S1 II 134 mm 102 mm 92 mm 800 g 350 Y May 2025 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic S5 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 740 g 370 Y Jan 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A1 II 136 mm 97 mm 83 mm 743 g 520 Y Nov 2024 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 III 136 mm 97 mm 83 mm 702 g 530 Y Nov 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X Vario was launched at a lower price than the Leica SL3, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL3 features a full frame sensor and the Leica X Vario an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X Vario is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL3 and Leica X Vario sensor measures

With 60.3MP, the Leica SL3 offers a higher resolution than the X Vario (16.1MP), but the Leica SL3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 4.80μm for the X Vario). However, the Leica SL3 is a much more recent model (by 10 years and 8 months) than the X Vario, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Leica SL3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica SL3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.6 x 31.7 inches or 120.9 x 80.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38.1 x 25.3 inches or 96.7 x 64.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.7 x 21.1 inches or 80.6 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X Vario are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.6 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.7 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica SL3 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica SL3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 100000, which can be extended to ISO 50-100000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) are ISO 100 to ISO 12500 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Leica SL3 versus X Vario MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
2.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
4.
 
Leica Q3 Full Frame 60.3 9528 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
7.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
8.
 
Leica SL3-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8338397
9.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
12.
 
Panasonic S1 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8340697
13.
 
Panasonic S5 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.6315896
14.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
15.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
16.
 
Sony A1 II Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.414.8336397
17.
 
Sony A9 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/120p25.414.7324396
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the Leica SL3 provides a higher video resolution than the X Vario. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the X Vario is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Leica SL3 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X Vario relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X Vario can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica SL3 and Leica X Vario in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
2.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
8.
 
Leica SL3-S5760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
9.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic S1 II5760 n3.2 / 1840 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic S5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
14.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
15.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A1 II9437 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A9 III9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/80000s 120.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the Leica SL3, but is missing on the X Vario is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Leica SL3 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica SL3 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Leica SL3 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards, while the X Vario uses SDXC cards. The Leica SL3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X Vario only has one slot. The Leica SL3 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the X Vario cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica SL3 and Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
4.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Leica SL3-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic S1 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic S5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
15.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Sony A1 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A9 IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the Leica SL3 has a microphone port, which is missing on the X Vario. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The Leica SL3 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the X Vario has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the X Vario from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL3 and X Vario can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X Vario Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica SL3 better than the Leica X Vario or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Reasons to prefer the Leica SL3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (60.3 vs 16.1MP) with a 93% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2333k vs 920k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
  • More modern: Reflects 10 years and 8 months of technical progress since the X Vario launch.


Advantages of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107):

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the Leica SL3 necessitates an extra lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (133x73mm vs 141x108mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the Leica SL3).
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 320) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 2013).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL3 is the clear winner of the match-up (30 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Leica SL3 30:08 X Vario

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL3 and the Leica X Vario place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the Leica SL3 and the X Vario in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 US$ 6 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
3.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL3-S............ Jan 2025 US$ 5 299 amazon.com
9.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S1 II............ May 2025 US$ 3 199 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic S5 II4.5/5+ +5/590/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A1 II............ Nov 2024 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 III4.5/5....91/100.... Nov 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Leica SL3 vs Leica X Vario

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica SL3 Leica X Vario
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4
    Launch Date March 2024 June 2013
    Launch Price USD 6,999 USD 2,849
    Sensor Specs Leica SL3 Leica X Vario
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 23.6 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 370.52 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 60.3 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9520 x 6336 pixels 4928 x 3272 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.79 μm 4.80 μm
    Pixel Density 6.98 MP/cm2 4.35 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 100,000 ISO 100 - 12,500 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 100,000 ISO no Enhancement
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 78
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1320
    Screen Specs Leica SL3 Leica X Vario
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2333k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL3 Leica X Vario
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationno handshake reduction
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CFexB or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL3 Leica X Vario
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica SL3 Leica X Vario
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL6 Leica BP-DC8
    Battery Life (CIPA)320 shots per charge450 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 141 x 108 x 85 mm
    (5.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 in)
    133 x 73 x 95 mm
    (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in)
    Camera Weight 854 g (30.1 oz) 680 g (24.0 oz)
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