Reasons to choose X1
Released in 2009, X1 has about 373 mm² of sensor area, 12.2 MP effective resolution, and a 306 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Leica X1
vs Sony Alpha NEX-C3
VS
Sensor area
373 mm²
X1365 mm²
Alpha NEX-C3- Area ratio
- 1.02:1
- Absolute difference
- 8 mm²
- Relative difference
- 2.1%
The X1 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
X1MetricAlpha NEX-C3
12.2 MPEffective pixels16.2 MP
23.6 × 15.8Sensor23.4 × 15.6
5.53 µmPixel pitch4.75 µm
30.56 µm²Pixel area22.53 µm²
3.27 MP/cm²Pixel density4.44 MP/cm²
1.52Crop factor1.54
—Maximum video—
306 gWeight225 g
SD/SDHCStorageSD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
BP-DC8 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The X1 has the larger sensor area. The Alpha NEX-C3 has the lighter body. The Alpha NEX-C3 has the higher effective resolution. The Alpha NEX-C3 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Alpha NEX-C3
Released in 2011, Alpha NEX-C3 has about 365 mm² of sensor area, 16.2 MP effective resolution, and a 225 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.