Fujifilm X-M1 vs Leica TL — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Fujifilm · Mirrorless · 16 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Fujifilm X-M1
51
SCORE
|
Leica · Mirrorless · 16 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Leica TL
56
WINNER
|
|---|---|---|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Fujifilm X-M1 is the smaller and lighter carry, at 117 x 67 x 39 mm and 330 g against the Leica TL's 134 x 69 x 33 mm and 384 g. Both are mirrorless cameras from 2016, the X-M1 announced in June and the TL in November. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
June 25, 2016 | November 8, 2016 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 117 x 67 x 39 mm | 134 x 69 x 33 mm |
| Camera weight | 330 g | 384 g |
| Optics | 53/100 | 52/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsTracking a moving subject is far easier on the Fujifilm X-M1, which offers 49 autofocus points where the Leica TL offers just 1. That gap makes the TL demanding for children, pets or sport, and the Fujifilm's 5.6 fps burst against 5 fps adds a slight edge. The mounts also differ, Fujifilm X against Leica L, so neither body accepts the other brand's lenses. Their 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS specifications match, so neither offers more cropping room. The TL's native ISO range runs from 100 to 12500, against 200 to 6400 on the Fujifilm, a lower setting for bright light or wide apertures. Both share a 1/4000 second maximum shutter, and neither offers in-body stabilisation. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16 MP050 | 16 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4896 x 3264 | 4928 x 3264 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
23.5 x 15.6 | 23.6 x 15.7 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5.6 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Fujifilm X | Leica L |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
EXR Processor II | Maestro II |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 125003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 125003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
490300 | 10300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
None | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | 43/100 | 43/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoFor casual clips, neither camera offers more than the other: both are limited to Full HD resolution and a 30 fps maximum frame rate, so there is no 4K or slow motion from either body. One difference matters at the editing stage. The X-M1 records MOV files, while the TL offers both MPEG-4 and MOV, giving the Leica an easier fit into varied editing workflows. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MPEG-4, MOV |
| Features | 54/100 | 72/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe Leica TL is the better pick for touch-driven shooting, with a 3.7 inch, 1,230,000-dot touchscreen for direct focus placement and menu control. The X-M1's 3 inch, 920,000-dot screen has no touch input, so settings change through physical buttons. The Fujifilm answers with two practical advantages. Its screen tilts for waist-level framing, and its built-in flash gives quick fill light indoors, something the TL lacks. Both support external flashes and offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless transfer. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
No |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" | 3.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9200001150001500000 | 12300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
 Yes | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
 Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Storage & battery | 21/100 | 24/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryA longer outing favours the Leica TL, rated at 400 shots per charge against 350 for the Fujifilm X-M1. Storage differs in design rather than capacity. Both use a single SD, SDHC or SDXC card, but the TL adds internal storage, so shots can be saved without a card inserted. Neither supports USB charging. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Internal |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-W126 | BC-DC13 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
350 shots1505000 | 400 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
For most photographers, the Fujifilm X-M1 is the more capable all-rounder. Its 49 autofocus points suit moving subjects such as children, pets or street scenes, and its tilting screen and built-in flash add flexibility for low-angle and indoor work.
Choose the Leica TL if touch control matters more than autofocus coverage. Its larger, higher-resolution touchscreen suits static subjects such as products or architecture, and its internal storage and 400-shot rating support longer sessions. Since the mounts differ, the lens system comes first, and the X-M1 is the safer pick for action.