Leica C-Lux Detailed Review

Leica C-Lux

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The C-Lux was presented by Leica in June 2018. It is a Superzoom Digital Camera.
Brand Leica
Category Superzoom
Date 06/2018
Sensor Properties

In additional C-Lux has a 1″ CMOS sensor with size of 13 x 9 mm² (0.52″ x 0.35″).

Picture of C-Lux’s sensor compared to popular format.

Infographic: C-Lux comparing sensor sizes

Also 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The C-Lux’s sensor has resolution of 20 megapixel.

The Leica supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Leica’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

Format 1″
Sensor area 13.20 x 8.80mm²
(0.52″ x 0.35″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 20.10 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 20.10 megapixel
Pixel size 7.36 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 10 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length (min) 24mm
Focal length (max) 360mm
Aperture (max) 3.3
Aperture (min) 6.4
Viewfinder Properties

The C-Lux uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.33 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.53x, an average value for an electronic viewfinder.

Type Elektronic
Coverage 100%
Magnification 0.53x
Resolution 2.33 megapixel
Dioptric correction
Shutter

The C-Lux’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 60s.

The highest shutter speed of the Leica is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

Max. shutter speed 1/2000s
Min. shutter speed 60s
Sensitivity Properties

The C-Lux’s sensitivity goes from 80 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 80 ISO
Max. sensitivity 25600 ISO
Exposure Modes

The C-Lux supports all general exposure modes.

The Leica allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The C-Lux’s auto focus processor uses 49 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. in low light).

Manual focus is also possible with the Leica, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

Type Contrast Detection
AF points 49
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The C-Lux features a built-in flash with a range of up to 7m (23 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Leica.

Built-in
Range 6.80m
(23 ft.)
Hot shoe
Display Specs
C-Lux display and touch screen

The C-Lux features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the C-Lux’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The C-Lux’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 75.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 1.04 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

C-Lux video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Leica C-Lux Video parameters:

Max. resolution 3840 x 2160 pixel
…with frame rates 24 frames/second
25 frames/second
30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The C-Lux has Wi-fi connection. You can transfer photos to a mobile or laptop using wi-fi.

For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option.

Connect the Leica to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Leica supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Battery

The Leica C-Lux works with a BLG10E LiIon (kompatibel) battery. The battery lifetime is a generous 370 shots. Usually enough for a full day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The C-Lux’s battery battery parameters:

Type BLG10E LiIon (kompatibel)
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 370 photos
Size

The Leica C-Lux’s dimensions are 111.2 x 66.4 x 45.2mm³. (4.4″ x 2.6″ x 1.8″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 340 grams (11.0 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the C-Lux:

Leica C-Lux Dimensions (Width / Height)
Leica C-Lux Dimensions (Width / Depth)
Dimensions Comparison

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The C-Lux is not much bigger:

Leica C-Lux size comparison

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