Customers also viewed these products
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Pre-owned Certified: Electronics products are inspected, cleaned and (if applicable) repaired to excellent functional standards. Buying Pre-owned extends a product's life, reducing e-waste and raw material extraction.
Reviews with images
My favorite camera every
My favorite camera every. This is the ultimate travel camera. I have owned many high end Canon DSLRs 5Dmkii, mkiii and a full range of L lenses. I also currently own a Sony A7Rii which is quite nice, I have even owned a RED Epic. But this has to be one of the most fun cameras I have ever owned. It is super simple, ok AF, not a lot of bells and whistles or expandability, but that is kind of the point. This camera makes you focus on the photos and your composition. If you get use to it it really can shine. I just took the camera to Iceland where it really shined. No matter the weather it was on me rain, snow, wind, etc.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2017
My favorite camera every. This is the ultimate travel camera. I have owned many high end Canon DSLRs 5Dmkii, mkiii and a full range of L lenses. I also currently own a Sony A7Rii which is quite nice, I have even owned a RED Epic. But this has to be one of the most fun cameras I have ever owned. It is super simple, ok AF, not a lot of bells and whistles or expandability, but that is kind of the point. This camera makes you focus on the photos and your composition. If you get use to it it really can shine. I just took the camera to Iceland where it really shined. No matter the weather it was on me rain, snow, wind, etc.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2017
Its autofocus is on the slow side, but it is pretty accurate, even in very low light. Everything is contrast detect, so there are no phase detect focusing points here. You have limited points to choose from and it does take anywhere between a split and a half second to an actual half second to nail focus. If you are used to the speed of a modern Sony autofocus system, M43, or DSLR, you may be a bit underwhelmed by the X-U's speed.
Its customization options are behind, say, a Sony RX1RII, Leica Q, or even a similarly-sized Fuji X100 series camera, but its durability really gives it incredible character and that "I'll bring this one" feel.
When the weather looks dicey or when I know that someone accident prone is going to be nearby, I am more than happy to grab the Leica X-U and have a blast.
As a stills camera, the Leica X-U is a mixed bag. When compared to similar cameras or setups, its capabilities are just okay. While the aperture is rated as a 1.7, it is actually a variable aperture when at close distances. Starting at 3 feet, the lens will shift to 1.8, f2.5 at 1.5 feet and 2.8 at close-up distances. Leica says this is to preserve sharpness, but I have never had any issues with close focusing and sharpness wide open with a myriad of compact comers, including the similarly priced RX1RII, the fantastic Ricoh GR, and the RX100 V. It is a shame that the camera takes away your aperture control, even in aperture priority/manual. Another issue is not being to choose DNG only (you have to save your files are either jpgs or dng with jps) and changing focus points takes a slight pause.
Obviously, the best setup in this sensor-size would be something like a Sony A6500 with the Zeiss 24mm 1.8 (which even when combined are barely half the price of the Leica) is going to give you the best low-light and autofocus speed and while both the X100 and A6000 series of cameras have an EVF and other niceties, none of them are waterproof.
While its a bit behind some of its competitors in terms of speed and customization, its ease of operation is dead simple. You can literally give this camera to your mom or dad and they'll be able to figure it out. There is a great "less is more" feeling with the X-U. You almost never have to go into the menus because using the camera is such a breeze. It is not exactly like an old Leica rangefinder, but it has the same soul.
Of course, the greatest strength of the X-U is its adventure readiness. I think the U in X-U means "unstoppable" and if it isn't, it really should be. You never have to baby this camera inside a camera bag. You can always have it with you, rain, snow, or sleet are never something you need to worry about. As the largest sensor waterproof camera on the market, you can take photos with a level of sharpness, color depth, and low-light that makes all other waterproof cameras look like toys. This is a true waterproof camera that takes photos you can be proud of, instead of making excuses for.
The DNG files are pretty robust, but the camera does give you excellent jpgs, if that is your sort of thing. The manual focus ring is a joy to use. I sometimes just play with it while walking around like a fidget spinner for adults.
There are number of annoyances, but this is more than the sum of its parts and is an incredibly fun camera to have with you on your adventures.
Having been disappointed with smaller-sensored underwater cameras, the Leica X-U is an absolute gem.
If you have the means, both in terms of extra cash and spare time for adventures, the Leica X-U is a great travel companion.
One of the best waterproof cameras on the market
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2017
The Leica X-U is a fantastic adventure camera. It features an APS-C sensor, which is multiple times larger than most waterproof cameras and has a well-balanced and versatile 23mm 1.7 lens that roughly equates to a 35mm lens in full frame terms. I have tested it in waterfalls and multiple ski trips and I love having a camera that I do not have to worry about.Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2017
Its autofocus is on the slow side, but it is pretty accurate, even in very low light. Everything is contrast detect, so there are no phase detect focusing points here. You have limited points to choose from and it does take anywhere between a split and a half second to an actual half second to nail focus. If you are used to the speed of a modern Sony autofocus system, M43, or DSLR, you may be a bit underwhelmed by the X-U's speed.
Its customization options are behind, say, a Sony RX1RII, Leica Q, or even a similarly-sized Fuji X100 series camera, but its durability really gives it incredible character and that "I'll bring this one" feel.
When the weather looks dicey or when I know that someone accident prone is going to be nearby, I am more than happy to grab the Leica X-U and have a blast.
As a stills camera, the Leica X-U is a mixed bag. When compared to similar cameras or setups, its capabilities are just okay. While the aperture is rated as a 1.7, it is actually a variable aperture when at close distances. Starting at 3 feet, the lens will shift to 1.8, f2.5 at 1.5 feet and 2.8 at close-up distances. Leica says this is to preserve sharpness, but I have never had any issues with close focusing and sharpness wide open with a myriad of compact comers, including the similarly priced RX1RII, the fantastic Ricoh GR, and the RX100 V. It is a shame that the camera takes away your aperture control, even in aperture priority/manual. Another issue is not being to choose DNG only (you have to save your files are either jpgs or dng with jps) and changing focus points takes a slight pause.
Obviously, the best setup in this sensor-size would be something like a Sony A6500 with the Zeiss 24mm 1.8 (which even when combined are barely half the price of the Leica) is going to give you the best low-light and autofocus speed and while both the X100 and A6000 series of cameras have an EVF and other niceties, none of them are waterproof.
While its a bit behind some of its competitors in terms of speed and customization, its ease of operation is dead simple. You can literally give this camera to your mom or dad and they'll be able to figure it out. There is a great "less is more" feeling with the X-U. You almost never have to go into the menus because using the camera is such a breeze. It is not exactly like an old Leica rangefinder, but it has the same soul.
Of course, the greatest strength of the X-U is its adventure readiness. I think the U in X-U means "unstoppable" and if it isn't, it really should be. You never have to baby this camera inside a camera bag. You can always have it with you, rain, snow, or sleet are never something you need to worry about. As the largest sensor waterproof camera on the market, you can take photos with a level of sharpness, color depth, and low-light that makes all other waterproof cameras look like toys. This is a true waterproof camera that takes photos you can be proud of, instead of making excuses for.
The DNG files are pretty robust, but the camera does give you excellent jpgs, if that is your sort of thing. The manual focus ring is a joy to use. I sometimes just play with it while walking around like a fidget spinner for adults.
There are number of annoyances, but this is more than the sum of its parts and is an incredibly fun camera to have with you on your adventures.
Having been disappointed with smaller-sensored underwater cameras, the Leica X-U is an absolute gem.
If you have the means, both in terms of extra cash and spare time for adventures, the Leica X-U is a great travel companion.
Images in this review
