Leica X2 Pro Reviews

Whilst the traditionalist-looking X2 isn't a budget option by any means and we'd find it hard to justify the expense ourselves, it is capable of delivering shots that are lovely enough for you to consider leaving the DSLR at home on occasion and pocketing the X2 instead. And naturally, if street photography is your aim, the relatively compact yet reassuringly chunky dimensions of the Leica means that (human) subjects aren't going to be so easily intimidated by it. Plus the build should ensure that, if it does become your regular travel companion as it should, then it will be capable of offering years of luxurious service.

The Leica X2 is a large-sensor compact camera with a sharp lens and a classic control interface, but it doesn't excel in low light.

The Leica X1 was quite unique when first announced, as one of very few cameras available with a large APS-C sized sensor. This partly justified the high price of the Leica X1, however since then, there has been a number of new cameras, with large sensors, such as the Fujifilm X100 with optical/electronic hybrid viewfinder, the Sigma DP1/DP2 Merrill with 46mp Foveon sensor, as well as a number of mirrorless cameras (with practicallty all of them cheaper than the Leica X2). Undoubtedly the Leica X2 is capable of producing images with excellent image quality, with good colour, and excellent levels of detail and sharpness. The Leica X2 is also a stylish, compact, and extremely well built camera, and it comes with a free version of Adobe Lightroom, in a rather stylish box as well. However, it's quite clear from the price of the camera, (and the price of the Leica VF-2 viewfinder), that there is a lot of value placed in the Leica name. Whether that is something you are willing to pay for is up to you, and there are a number of people that are prepared to. If you do spend the money to buy the Leica X2, you'll be extremely glad to know that you're getting a very good camera capable of taking excellent photos. However, for most people the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 or Fujifilm X100 will do the job just as well, and for considerably less money.

High-quality compact-sized cameras were few and far between when the X1 was released, and that made it a tempting (if pricey) proposition. Today, however, the market the X2 enters has changed considerably. Not only have we seen the arrival of a host of high-end creative compacts, namely the Fujifilm X100 and the Canon PowerShot G1 X, but there's also the burgeoning Compact System Camera market, where you'll find comparable sized models such as the Panasonic GX1 and Sony NEX-7, but with the luxury of interchangeable lenses. With this kind of competition, the X2 needed to deliver something really special to set it apart from its rivals and justify the price, but it falls short. Images are excellent and the styling makes it look the part, but the level of features and performance let it down. There's simply not enough here to tempt you away from opting for a more affordable and better performing rival such as the Fujifilm X100.

We love the Leica X2, but it’s a far cry from a mainstream camera and, therefore, won’t be suited to many of our readers. However, it’s this distinctiveness that makes it a desirable camera. Not only does the X2 look delectable - that understated "for those in the know" kind of good - but its images are equally great too. Compared to the X1 there’s a raft of improvements: higher resolution, quicker autofocus, stiffer control dials, a higher pop-up flash, significantly better battery life, and an accessory port to add an electronic viewfinder should you wish.