gdgt

The Leica X2 is a large-sensor compact camera with a sharp lens and a classic control interface, but it doesn't excel in low light.

So why doesn’t the Leica X2 score higher? It’s that price. All £1575 of it. It’s unavoidable, but not unexpected. This Leica is part statement piece, part camera. It’s lovable, but most will head straight for a "normal" compact and pocket the change.

The Leica X2 is a superb expert compact that'll please photo enthusiasts looking for a simple model that takes great-quality pictures and which isn't too slow to use. But the generally excellent quality makes it all the more difficult to overlook blips like the screen and non-existent video mode.

The X2 needed to deliver something really special to set it apart from its rivals and justify the price, but it falls short. Images are excellent and the styling makes it look the part, but the level of features and performance let it down.

If you’re looking for something a little different, a little quirkier, a little classier than the average point-and-shoot, the X2 fits the bill snugly.

I do know the X2 is a bit more polished than the X1 and possibly X100. It feels like a completed camera, just a slower than average one. You can’t argue with the results though and the strengths of the X2 are it’s IQ, accurate AF, ... ability to use an EVF and even high ISO shooting.