Canon M3 vs Leica TL2

The Canon EOS M3 and the Leica TL2 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2015 and July 2017. Both the M3 and the TL2 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 24.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

	VS
Canon M3		Leica TL2
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF-M mount lenses		Leica T mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		24.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12800 (100-25600)		ISO 100-50000
Viewfinder optional		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.7" LCD, 1230k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
4.2 shutter flaps per second		7 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge		250 shots per battery charge
111 x 68 x 44 mm, 366 g		134 x 69 x 33 mm, 399 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS M3 and the Leica TL2? 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.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon M3 and the Leica TL2. 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.

The M3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the TL2 is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica TL2 is notably larger (22 percent) than the Canon M3. Moreover, the TL2 is markedly heavier (9 percent) than the M3. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M3 nor the TL2 are weather-sealed.

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.

The power pack in the TL2 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon M3»	111 mm	68 mm	44 mm	366 g	250	n	Feb 2015	679		Canon M3
	Leica TL2«	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	399 g	250	n	Jul 2017	1,950		Leica TL2
	Canon M6« »	112 mm	68 mm	45 mm	390 g	295	n	Feb 2017	779		Canon M6
	Canon M100« »	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	302 g	295	n	Aug 2017	499		Canon M100
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699		Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon M5« »	116 mm	89 mm	61 mm	427 g	295	n	Sep 2016	979		Canon M5
	Canon 750D« »	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749		Canon 750D
	Canon G5 X« »	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799		Canon G5 X
	Canon M10« »	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	301 g	255	n	Oct 2015	499		Canon M10
	Canon G7 X« »	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699		Canon G7 X
	Canon M« »	109 mm	66 mm	32 mm	298 g	230	n	Jul 2012	599		Canon M
	Leica C-LUX« »	113 mm	67 mm	46 mm	340 g	370	n	Jun 2018	1,049		Leica C-LUX
	Leica CL« »	131 mm	78 mm	45 mm	403 g	220	n	Nov 2017	2,795		Leica CL
	Leica TL« »	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Nov 2016	1,695		Leica TL
	Leica T« »	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Apr 2014	1,850		Leica T
	Sony A6000« »	120 mm	67 mm	45 mm	344 g	360	n	Feb 2014	599		Sony A6000
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The M3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 65 percent) than the TL2, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the TL2 is 12 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (M3) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 24.1MP, the TL2 offers a higher resolution than the M3 (24MP), but the TL2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 3.72μm for the M3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the TL2 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 5 months) than the M3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the TL2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The M3 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS M3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica TL2 are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the TL2 provides a better video resolution than the M3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The M3 and the TL2 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. However, optional viewfinders – the EVF-DC1 for the M3 and the Visoflex (Typ 020) for the TL2 – are available as accessories. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon M3, the Leica TL2, and comparable cameras.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The M3 has one, while the TL2 does not. While the built-in flash of the M3 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M3 and the TL2 write their files to SDXC cards. The TL2 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the M3 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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 M3 and Leica TL2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the M3 has a microphone port, which is missing on the TL2. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The TL2 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the M3 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the M3 was succeeded by the Canon M6. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Leica websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon M3 or the Leica TL2 – 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.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS M3:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (111x68mm vs 134x69mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (65 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2015).

Arguments in favor of the Leica TL2:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.7" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 4.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 5 months of technical progress since the M3 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the M3 comes out slightly ahead of the TL2 (10 : 9 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon M3 and the Leica TL2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the M3 or the TL2. 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 why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon M3	o	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679		Canon M3
	Leica TL2	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	Jul 2017	1,950		Leica TL2
	Canon M6	..	80/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	779		Canon M6
	Canon M100	+	..	4/5	..	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499		Canon M100
	Canon G7 X Mark II	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699		Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon M5	+	82/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2016	979		Canon M5
	Canon 750D	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749		Canon 750D
	Canon G5 X	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799		Canon G5 X
	Canon M10	..	..	..	o	4/5	Oct 2015	499		Canon M10
	Canon G7 X	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699		Canon G7 X
	Canon M	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jul 2012	599		Canon M
	Leica C-LUX	..	..	4.5/5	..	4/5	Jun 2018	1,049		Leica C-LUX
	Leica CL	..	..	..	..	4/5	Nov 2017	2,795		Leica CL
	Leica TL	..	..	..	..	4/5	Nov 2016	1,695		Leica TL
	Leica T	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	Apr 2014	1,850		Leica T
	Sony A6000	+	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	599		Sony A6000
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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 your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon M3 vs Leica TL2

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.

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