Leica M (Typ 240) and Leica X Vario: Technical Data Comparison

Comparison of Technical Data | References

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On this page, I compare the technical data of the Leica X Vario and the Leica M (Typ 240). On another page, I discuss technical and functional differences.

 

Comparison of Technical Data

Below I present selected technical data for the Leica X Vario that I collected from various sources and compare them with the Ricoh GXR A16 technical data, which is a similar camera system. I cannot guarantee that all the data is correct.

Data Leica X Vario (Typ 107) Leica M (Typ 240) Comment
Lens

Leica Vario-Elmar 18-46 mm f/3.5-6.4 ASPH. (corresponds to 28-70 mm in 35 mm format)

9 lenses in 8 groups, 2 aspherical lenses

Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding

Lens system: Leica M lenses, Leica R lenses with optional Leica R-Adapter M

Because of its high quality, the X Vario lens is regarded as for primary lenses. The zoom range includes four "classic" primes: 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm (equivalent)
Zoom Optical zoom: 2.5 x --- Typically, there are no M-Mount zooms, only lenses with several fixed focal lengths. Using an R-Mount adapter, the M can use zoom lenses.
Filter diameter 43 mm Depending on the lens used  
Sensor CMOS sensor, size APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm) with 16.5/16.2 million pixels (total/effective), aspect ratio 3:2; weak AA filter LEICA MAX 24 MP CMOS Sensor; 24 (23.7) Million pixels (effective); aspect ratio 3:2; no AA filter The lack of an AA filter seems to let the M images appear slightly sharper at 100%
Max. Pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels* (JPG; 16 megapixels) or 4944 x 3274 pixels (DNG; 16 megapixels) 5976 x 3992 pixels (DNG; 24MP); 5952 x 3976 pixels (JPG; 24 MP)  
Aperture range From 3.5 to 16 (at 28 mm)/6.4 to 16 (at 70 mm) in 1/3 EV increments Depending on the lens used The X Vario lens is slow
ISO Range Automatic (with optional limits for shutter speed and sensitivity), ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500 ISO 200 – ISO 6400, Pull 100 available, Auto ISO; ISO values beyond 3200 are called "Push" The X Vario goes one step beyond the M. Auto ISO on the M in M mode is an additional exposure mode sometimes called TAv (since firmware update version 2.1.0.5)
Autofocus system Contrast-based auto focus system None The M is a "manual focus-only" camera
Distance setting range 30 cm/1 ft (at 70 mm focal length) to infinity; otherwise start at 40 cm Depends on lens used There M is not good for close-up and macro shots since M lenses usually have a long shortest distance.
Smallest object field Approx. 12 x 8 cm (according to own tests at 43 mm (70 mm) - do not take this too seriously) Depends on lens used There M is not good for close-up and macro shots since M lenses usually have a long shortest distance.
Focus metering methods AF: 1-field, 11-field, spot, face detection; MF (with loupe, ca. 6 x) Rangefinder: double and split image
Live view: Focus Aid (screen magnification 5 x, 10 x) and Focus Peaking (three colors) 		T X Vario enlarges a section on a partial screen, the M full-screen (better image quality); the X Vario does not offer focus peaking
Exposure modes Automatic program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority, and manual setting Aperture priority, manual setting, TAv (Auto ISO in manual mode) TAv available since firmware update 2.1.0.5
Exposure metering Multi-field, center-weighted, spot Classic (strongly center-weighted), Live view: Spot, center-weighted, multi-field metering M: There is a new option: "Classic / LV disabled" (since firmware update version 2.1.0.5)
Exposure compensation ±3 EV in 1/3 EV increments -3 EV to +3 EV, 1/3 f-stops The same for both cameras
Automatic bracketing Three pictures in graduations up to 3 EV, adjustable in 1/3 EV increments Exposure Bracketing: 3/5 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 f-stops The M looks more flexible here...
Continuous picture
series		 3 fps or 5 fps, max. seven pictures with constant frequency in DNG + JPG Fine 3 fps, ≤12 pictures in series  
Shooting modes Auto / program shift / aperture priority / shutter priority / manual exposure Aperture priority / manual exposure / TAv (Auto ISO in manual exposure) TAv available on M since firmware update 2.1.0.5; no scene modes on both cameras
Shutter speed range 30 s to 1/2000 s For aperture priority: (A) continuous from 60s to 1/4000s.
For manual adjustment: 8s to 1/4000s in half steps, B: For long exposures up to maximum 60s (in conjunction with self-timer T function, i.e. 1st release = shutter opens, 2nd release = shutter closes).)
1/180s flash synchronization		 M: 60 s in B only at ISO 200; 8 s at ISO 3200
Self timer delay time/Interval timer 2 or 12 s; none 2 or 12 s; none No interval timer on both cameras
       
LCD monitor 3" TFT LCD, approx. 920,000 pixels 3" TFT LCD, approx. 920,000 pixels; scratch resistant cover glass (Corning®Gorilla®Glass) A similar monitor, but the M's is more scratch-resistant
Electronic viewfinder (optional) Leica VF2 (or Olympus VF2), approx. 1.44 megapixels, tiltable 90 degrees Leica VF2 (or Olympus VF2), approx. 1.44 megapixels, tiltable 90 degrees Both cameras use the same electronic viewfinder(s)
       
Video resolution/
frame rate		 1920 x 1080 pixels, 30 fps (1080p) or 1280 x 720 pixels, 30 fps (720p) 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p) or 1280 x 720 pixels (720p), 25/24 fps; 640 x 480 (VGA), 30 fps

Stereo sound on both cameras only with external microphone

Video recording format MP4 MP4  
       
Dimensions Ca. 133 x 73 x 95 mm / 5.24 x 2.87 x 3.74 in (W x H x D) Ca. 139 x 42 x 80 mm / 5.5 x 1.7 x 3.1 in (W x H x D) The M is considerably larger than the X Vario even though the numbers seem to tell the opposite
Weight Ca. 650/680 g / 22.9/24 oz (without/with battery) Ca. 680 g / 23.9 oz (with battery) The M is noticeably heavier than the X Vario when you put on a lens (1060 g with my Zeiss normal lens)...
Connections Mini USB 2.0 socket, HDMI socket, special socket exclusivelynthe for external Leica EVF 2 electronic viewfinder Special socket exclusively for the external Leica EVF 2 electronic viewfinder; USB socket only in optional handgrip Tthe external Leica EVF 2 electronic viewfinder can be used on both cameras (I own only one)
Power supply Lithium ion battery 3.7 V, capacity 1600 mAh, approx. 260 pictures Lithium ion battery 7.4 V, capacity 1800 mAh, approx. 400 pictures in live view, 800 pictures when using the rangefinder exclusively The Leica M battery is BIG.
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards  

*) Incorrect in manual (there: 3274)

Please note that the technical data in both the German and the English version in the instructions for my Leica X Vario as well as the online technical data (English version) contain some errors. I cannot guarantee that all listed data is correct. Leica may correct the instructions and technical specifications over time...

 

References

 

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03.04.2019