A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon 1D Mark III vs Leica SL

The Canon EOS-1D Mark III and the Leica SL (Typ 601) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2007 and October 2015. The 1D Mark III is a DSLR, while the Leica SL is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-H (1D Mark III) and a full frame (Leica SL) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 10.1 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 1D Mark III
versus
Leica SL
Canon 1D Mark III   Leica SL
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
10.1 MP – APS-H sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 (50 - 6,400) ISO 50-50,000
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (4400k dots)
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
2200 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
156 x 157 x 80 mm, 1155 g 147 x 104 x 39 mm, 847 g
logo
Check 1D Mark III offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Leica SL offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D Mark III and the Leica SL (Typ 601)? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark III and the Leica SL is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 1D Mark III vs Leica SL
Compare 1D Mark III versus Leica SL top
Comparison 1D Mark III or Leica SL rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica SL is considerably smaller (38 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark III. Moreover, the Leica SL is markedly lighter (27 percent) than the 1D Mark III. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark III gets 2200 shots out of its Canon LP-E4 battery, while the Leica SL can take 400 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-SCL4 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1D Mark III has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the Leica SL, Leica provides the HG-SCL4 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1535 g 1200 Y Jan 2004 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1565 g 1200 Y Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1265 g 600 Y Sep 2002 US$ 8 999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 80D 139 mm 105 mm 79 mm 730 g 960 Y Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
13.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
15.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The 1D Mark III was launched at a markedly lower price (by 40 percent) than the Leica SL, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark III features an APS-H sensor and the Leica SL a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Leica SL is 65 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 1D Mark III and Leica SL sensor measures

With 24MP, the Leica SL offers a higher resolution than the 1D Mark III (10.1MP), but the Leica SL has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 7.21μm for the 1D Mark III). Yet, the Leica SL is a much more recent model (by 8 years and 7 months) than the 1D Mark III, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Leica SL has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica SL implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D Mark III are 19.4 x 13 inches or 49.4 x 32.9 cm for good quality, 15.6 x 10.4 inches or 39.5 x 26.3 cm for very good quality, and 13 x 8.6 inches or 32.9 x 21.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 50-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica SL (Typ 601) are ISO 50 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

1D Mark III versus Leica SL MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL offers substantially better image quality than the 1D Mark III (overall score 17 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.3 bits higher color depth, 1.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
2.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.1100366
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.297566
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
6.
 
Canon 1Ds Full Frame 11.0 4064 2704none21.811.095463
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
9.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
10.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
11.
 
Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.2113579
12.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
13.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
14.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
15.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
16.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
17.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The Leica SL indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1D Mark III does not. The highest resolution format that the Leica SL can use is 4K/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Leica SL has an electronic viewfinder (4400k dots), while the 1D Mark III has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Leica SL has a higher magnification than the one of the 1D Mark III (0.80x vs 0.58x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 1D Mark III and Leica SL along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
2.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark II Noptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.5/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1Dsoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
9.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Canon 80Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
12.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
13.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
15.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
17.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Leica SL has a touchscreen, while the 1D Mark III has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Leica SL is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica SL has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 1D Mark III writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDHC cards, while the Leica SL uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The Leica SL supports UHS-II cards on its first slot and UHS-I on its second one, while the 1D Mark III cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS-1D Mark III and Leica SL (Typ 601) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIY- / ----1.1---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark II NY- / ----1.1---
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1DsY- / ----FW---
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
11.
 
Canon 80DYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
12.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
13.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
16.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
17.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--

It is notable that the Leica SL offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 1D Mark III does not provide wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Leica SL has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the 1D Mark III and the Leica SL have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 1D Mark III was replaced by the Canon 1D Mark IV, while the Leica SL was followed by the Leica SL2. Further information on the features and operation of the 1D Mark III and Leica SL can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D Mark III Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica SL Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1D Mark III or the Leica SL – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

ilogo

Advantages of the Canon EOS-1D Mark III:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (2200 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (40 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2007).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Leica SL (Typ 601):

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 10.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 54%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (17 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.58x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 230k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (147x104mm vs 156x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 308g or 27 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II and UHS-I) SDXC cards.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
  • More modern: Reflects 8 years and 7 months of technical progress since the 1D Mark III launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL is the clear winner of the contest (22 : 6 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

1D Mark III 06:22 Leica SL

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D Mark III and the Leica SL place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 1D Mark III or the Leica SL. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
2.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark II......+ +.... Jan 2004 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark II N............ Aug 2005 US$ 3 999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1Ds......+ +.... Sep 2002 US$ 8 999ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 80D4/5+ +4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
13.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
15.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check 1D Mark III offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Leica SL offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon 1D Mark III vs Leica SL

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 1D Mark III Leica SL
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2007 October 2015
    Launch Price USD 4,499 USD 7,449
    Sensor Specs Canon 1D Mark III Leica SL
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-H Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 28.1 x 18.7 mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 525.47 mm2 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 33.8 mm 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.3x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3888 x 2592 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.21 μm 6.00 μm
    Pixel Density 1.92 MP/cm2 2.78 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 50 - 50,000 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 6,400 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC III Maestro II
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 71 88
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.7 25.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.7 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1078 1821
    Screen Specs Canon 1D Mark III Leica SL
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.58x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 4400k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1D Mark III Leica SL
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support no Single UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1D Mark III Leica SL
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Canon 1D Mark III Leica SL
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon LP-E4 Leica BP-SCL4
    Battery Life (CIPA)2200 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 156 x 157 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    147 x 104 x 39 mm
    (5.8 x 4.1 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1155 g (40.7 oz) 847 g (29.9 oz)
    logo
    Check 1D Mark III offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check Leica SL offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon 1D Mark III vs Leica SL