Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Leica M10

The Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Leica M10 (Typ 3656) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2021 and January 2017. The GFX 100S is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the M10 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless. The cameras are based on a medium format (GFX 100S) and a full frame (M10) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 101.8 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 23.8 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm GFX 100S		Leica M10
Mirrorless system camera		Rangefinder camera
Fujifilm G mount lenses		Leica M mount lenses
101.8 MP, Medium Format Sensor		23.8 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video		no Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400)		ISO 100-50,000
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.2 LCD, 2360k dots		3.0 LCD, 1037k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		no shake reduction
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
460 shots per battery charge		210 shots per battery charge
150 x 104 x 87 mm, 900 g		139 x 80 x 39 mm, 660 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Leica M10 (Typ 3656)? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Leica M10 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M10 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the GFX 100S is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica M10 is notably smaller (29 percent) than the Fujifilm GFX 100S. Moreover, the M10 is markedly lighter (27 percent) than the GFX 100S. 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.

The power pack in the GFX 100S can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	150 mm	104 mm	87 mm	900 g	460	Y	Jan 2021	5,999
2.		Leica M10	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595
3.		Canon R5	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	738 g	320	Y	Jul 2020	3,899
4.		Canon 80D	139 mm	105 mm	79 mm	730 g	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199
5.		Fujifilm X-T4	135 mm	93 mm	64 mm	607 g	500	Y	Feb 2020	1,699
6.		Fujifilm X-S10	126 mm	85 mm	65 mm	465 g	325	n	Oct 2020	999
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	156 mm	144 mm	75 mm	1320 g	800	Y	May 2019	9,999
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	161 mm	97 mm	66 mm	775 g	400	Y	Sep 2018	4,499
9.		Fujifilm XP130	110 mm	71 mm	28 mm	207 g	240	n	Jan 2018	229
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	148 mm	94 mm	91 mm	740 g	400	Y	Sep 2016	6,499
11.		Leica SL2-S	146 mm	107 mm	83 mm	931 g	510	Y	Dec 2020	4,895
12.		Leica SL2	146 mm	107 mm	42 mm	953 g	370	Y	Nov 2019	5,999
13.		Leica M10-P	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Aug 2018	7,995
14.		Leica M Typ 262	139 mm	80 mm	42 mm	680 g	..	Y	Nov 2015	5,195
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	130 mm	80 mm	93 mm	640 g	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249
16.		Leica M Typ 240	139 mm	80 mm	42 mm	680 g	..	Y	Sep 2012	6,950
17.		Sony A1	129 mm	97 mm	81 mm	737 g	530	Y	Jan 2021	6,499
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 GFX 100S was somewhat cheaper (by 9 percent) than the M10 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm GFX 100S features a medium format sensor and the Leica M10 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the M10 is 41 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 1.0. The sensor in the GFX 100S has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the M10 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 101.8MP, the GFX 100S offers a higher resolution than the M10 (23.8MP), but the GFX 100S has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 6.00μm for the M10). However, the GFX 100S is a much more recent model (by 4 years) than the M10, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm GFX 100S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GFX 100S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 58.2 x 43.7 inches or 147.9 x 110.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 46.6 x 34.9 inches or 118.3 x 88.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 38.8 x 29.1 inches or 98.6 x 74 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica M10 are 29.8 x 20 inches or 75.6 x 50.7 cm for good quality, 23.8 x 16 inches or 60.5 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 19.8 x 13.3 inches or 50.4 x 33.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

The GFX 100S has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica M10 (Typ 3656) are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
2.		Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
3.		Canon R5	Full Frame	44.8	8192	5464	8k/30p	25.3	14.6	3042	95
4.		Canon 80D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.2	1135	79
5.		Fujifilm X-T4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
6.		Fujifilm X-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
9.		Fujifilm XP130	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Leica SL2-S	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
12.		Leica SL2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
13.		Leica M10-P	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	..	..	..	..
14.		Leica M Typ 262	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	none	..	..	..	..
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.7	2221	85
16.		Leica M Typ 240	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	1080/25p	24.0	13.3	1860	84
17.		Sony A1	Full Frame	49.8	8640	5760	8k/30p	..	..	..	..

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The GFX 100S indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the M10 does not. The highest resolution format that the GFX 100S can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GFX 100S has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the M10 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 GFX 100S has a higher magnification than the one of the M10 (0.77x vs 0.73x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and Leica M10 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	3690	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	Y
2.		Leica M10	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
3.		Canon R5	5760	Y	3.2	2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
4.		Canon 80D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	7.0	Y	n
5.		Fujifilm X-T4	3690	n	3.0	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0	n	Y
6.		Fujifilm X-S10	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	optional	Y	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	Y
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	3690	n	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
9.		Fujifilm XP130	none	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	optional	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
11.		Leica SL2-S	5760	Y	3.2	2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
12.		Leica SL2	5760	Y	3.2	2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
13.		Leica M10-P	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
14.		Leica M Typ 262	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	n	Y
16.		Leica M Typ 240	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
17.		Sony A1	9437	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y

One feature that is present on the GFX 100S, but is missing on the M10 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

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 GFX 100S 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 Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Leica M10 both have 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GFX 100S and the M10 write their files to SDXC cards. The GFX 100S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the M10 only has one slot. The GFX 100S supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the M10 can use UHS-I cards.

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 Fujifilm GFX 100S and Leica M10 (Typ 3656) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Leica M10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
3.		Canon R5	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon 80D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Fujifilm X-T4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm X-S10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	Y
9.		Fujifilm XP130	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
11.		Leica SL2-S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
12.		Leica SL2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
13.		Leica M10-P	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
14.		Leica M Typ 262	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Leica M Typ 240	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony A1	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.2	Y	-	Y

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm GFX 100S (unlike the M10) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the GFX 100S and the M10 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The M10 replaced the earlier Leica M Typ 262, while the GFX 100S followed on from the Fujifilm GFX 100. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Leica websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm GFX 100S or the Leica M10 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Fujifilm GFX 100S:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (101.8 vs 23.8MP) with a 103% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/30p movies.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.73x).
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2360k vs 1037k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (460 versus 210) on a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the M10 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Leica M10 (Typ 3656):

• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More compact: Is smaller (139x80mm vs 150x104mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 240g or 27 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in January 2017).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GFX 100S is the clear winner of the match-up (23 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the GFX 100S or the M10. 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 adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	5,999
2.		Leica M10	4.5/5	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595
3.		Canon R5	4.5/5	..	91/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2020	3,899
4.		Canon 80D	4/5	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199
5.		Fujifilm X-T4	5/5	+ +	..	5/5	5/5	Feb 2020	1,699
6.		Fujifilm X-S10	5/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	999
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	4.5/5	+ +	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	May 2019	9,999
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	5/5	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2018	4,499
9.		Fujifilm XP130	..	o	..	3.5/5	4/5	Jan 2018	229
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	..	..	85/100	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	6,499
11.		Leica SL2-S	4/5	..	..	..	4.5/5	Dec 2020	4,895
12.		Leica SL2	4/5	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2019	5,999
13.		Leica M10-P	..	..	..	..	4/5	Aug 2018	7,995
14.		Leica M Typ 262	..	..	..	..	..	Nov 2015	5,195
15.		Leica Q Typ 116	5/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249
16.		Leica M Typ 240	4/5	..	..	4/5	..	Sep 2012	6,950
17.		Sony A1	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	6,499
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. 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. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

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Specifications: Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Leica M10

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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