Leica X1 review

Leica X1 review: Our conclusion

By any standards the X1 is certainly expensive, particularly when you consider that many of its specifications are bettered elsewhere. Then again, together with the Sony NEX series of models and Sigma's DP range it's among the smallest and lightest camera to incorporate an APS-C sensor, and Leica models have the added advantage of holding their value extremely well. Crucially, what it sets out to do it does well: that is, to provide high-quality images in a small and compact body.

Still, with the arrival of Fujifilm's X100 and, to a lesser extent, Ricoh's GXR system, it's less of a unique proposition than when it first came onto the market. Unfortunately for Leica, in that time those two companies have managed to leapfrog the X1 with better-specified models delivered at a cheaper price point, and while it's true that each is affected by its own issues, for the enthusiast market they have more than just price to tempt buyers away from the X1. To that end, the best thing Leica could do now is to release a successor to the X1, with a better LCD, a revised focusing system and video recording, and perhaps even an expansion to its sensitivity range, too.

Leica X1 review: We liked

With its large sensor in a small format body – and a beautiful one at that – the X1 is a pocketable but serious camera that can deliver sharp, noise free images with a superb amount of detail.

Leica X1 review: We disliked

No video recording, sub-standard JPEG quality, a tardy focusing system, and an asking price that comfortably makes it the most expensive compact on the market, the X1 won't be to everyone's liking.