Verdict
In what is becoming a very competitive and overlapping market, the Leica X2 stands out as a high-quality, well-built camera, with a sharp lens and good image quality at low sensitivities. Sadly, however, the X2 has in many ways arrived a few years too late. Cameras such as the Fujifilm FinePix X100 will provide strong competition, and many photographers will instead opt for a compact system camera.
The lack of any finesse to the camera’s buttons and on-screen menu is a little strange given the high quality of the rest of the body, and the screen is also looking somewhat dated. However, the accessory socket and optional EVF are very welcome improvements over the previous X1.
Lacking many additional features, the Leica X2 is a very conservative camera, designed and built for photographers who want the convenience of a digital model but with the high quality of a professional film compact. However, with such a high price tag, many may look elsewhere for a better screen, or the convenience of a 24-70mm zoom lens.
Leica X2 – Key features
Flash
The internal pop-up flash reveals itself from the top plate on the left-hand side of the camera and is accessed via this switch.
Accessory port
There is currently only one accessory for this port, the Leica EVF-2.
Accessories
As well as the electronic and optical viewfinders for the Leica X2, there is a range of other accessories. The most notable of these are the handgrip, which costs around £100, and the brown leather Ever Ready case, which is around £150.
HDMI port
On the side of the Leica X2 is an HDMI port. This allows an HDMI cable to be connected so that images can be viewed via a compatible television screen.
Battery
Leica quotes that the Lithium-Ion battery supplied with the X2 should be able to take around 450 exposures from a full charge. I found this figure to be accurate, and would feel comfortable taking the X2 away for a weekend without needing the charger.
Memory
As well as being compatible with SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards, the Leica X2 also has 110MB of built-in memory.
Control dial
This wheel rotates around the control buttons to allow menus and images to be quickly scrolled.
Hotshoe
The hotshoe not only allows the use of Leica-compatible flashguns, but also holds the optical and electronic viewfinders.
