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Leica X2 vs Nikon Z9

The Leica X2 and the Nikon Z9 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in May 2012 and October 2021. The X2 is a fixed lens compact, while the Z9 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X2) and a full frame (Z9) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 45.4 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica X2
versus
Nikon Z9
Leica X2   Nikon Z9
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
36mm f/2.8 Nikon Z mount lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 8K/30p Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400)
Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.2" LCD – 2089k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fully flexible touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 30 shutter flaps per second
no shake reductionIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
450 shots per battery charge740 shots per battery charge
124 x 69 x 52 mm, 345 g 149 x 150 x 91 mm, 1340 g
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Check X2 offers at
ebay.com
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Check Z9 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X2 and the Nikon Z9? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica X2 and the Nikon Z9 is provided 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 X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Z9 is only available in black.

Size Leica X2 vs Nikon Z9
Compare X2 versus Z9 top
Comparison X2 or Z9 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z9 is considerably larger (161 percent) than the Leica X2. It is noteworthy in this context that the Z9 is splash and dust-proof, while the X2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X2 has a lens built in, whereas the Z9 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 X2 gets 450 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the Z9 can take 740 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL18d power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the Z9 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. The power pack in the Z9 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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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 X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 US$ 5 499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 117 mm 67 mm 39 mm 330 g 350 n Sep 2013 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 129 mm 75 mm 37 mm 350 g 350 n Oct 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S 127 mm 74 mm 54 mm 445 g 330 n Jan 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
7.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
8.
 
Leica TL 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Nov 2016 US$ 1 695ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X1 124 mm 60 mm 32 mm 306 g 260 n Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X2 was launched at a lower price than the Z9, 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the 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 X2 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon Z9 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Z9 is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica X2 and Nikon Z9 sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the Z9 offers a higher resolution than the X2 (16.1MP), but the Z9 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 4.79μm for the X2). Yet, the Z9 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 5 months) than the X2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Z9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X2 are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 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 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z9 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica X2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z9 are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the X2 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z9 uses a Stacked BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

X2 versus Z9 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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 X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
2.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A1 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.412.6139076
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.412.6140077
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.312.5132975
7.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
8.
 
Leica TL APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.913.2169081
9.
 
Leica X1 APS-C 12.2 4272 2856none22.611.8103769
10.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
13.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
14.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
16.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
17.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
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. The Z9 indeed provides for movie recording, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the Z9 can use is 8K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z9 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica X2 and Nikon Z9 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 X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A1none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E22360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S2360 n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Leica TLoptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Leica X1none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
14.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
17.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X2 has one, while the Z9 does not. While the built-in flash of the X2 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

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 Z9 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 Nikon Z9 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 X2 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the Z9 uses CFexpress (type B) or XQD cards. The Z9 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X2 only has one slot.

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 X2 and Nikon Z9 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 X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Fujifilm X100SYstereo / mono--micro2.0---
7.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
8.
 
Leica TLYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Leica X1Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---

It is notable that the Z9 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the X2 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon Z9 (unlike the X2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z9 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The Z9 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the X2 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the X2 from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the X2 and Z9 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z9 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Leica X2 or the Nikon Z9 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica X2:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the Z9 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x69mm vs 149x150mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the Z9).
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in May 2012).

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Advantages of the Nikon Z9:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 16.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 68%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced 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.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 8K/30p video.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • 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: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (740 versus 450) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 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.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 5 months of technical progress since the X2 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Z9 is the clear winner of the contest (31 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X2 08:31 Z9

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X2 and the Nikon Z9 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X2 and the Z9 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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 X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 US$ 5 499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A1........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 US$ 399ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-E24/5....80/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X100S5/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
7.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 US$ 1 849ebay.com
8.
 
Leica TL..........4/5 Nov 2016 US$ 1 695ebay.com
9.
 
Leica X13/5....+..4/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 US$ 2 849ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 US$ 1 099ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 2 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check X2 offers at
ebay.com
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Check Z9 price at
amazon.com

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 your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Leica X2 vs Nikon Z9

    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 X2 Nikon Z9
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 36mm f/2.8 Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2012 October 2021
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 5,499
    Sensor Specs Leica X2 Nikon Z9
    Sensor Technology CMOS Stacked BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 45.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.79 μm 4.35 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2 5.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 8K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 32 - 102,400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 98
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 26.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 14.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 2451
    Screen Specs Leica X2 Nikon Z9
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 2089k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica X2 Nikon Z9
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/32000s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 30 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image Stabilizationno shake reductionIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards CFexB or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Leica X2 Nikon Z9
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Leica X2 Nikon Z9
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Nikon EN-EL18d
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge740 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 124 x 69 x 52 mm
    (4.9 x 2.7 x 2.0 in)
    149 x 150 x 91 mm
    (5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 345 g (12.2 oz) 1340 g (47.3 oz)
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