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Leica M8 vs Sony H300

The Leica M8 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2006 and February 2014. The M8 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera, while the H300 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-H (M8) and a 1/2.3-inch (H300) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 10.4 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 19.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica M8
versus
Sony H300
Leica M8   Sony H300
Rangefinder camera Fixed lens compact camera
Leica M mount lenses 25-875mm f/3.4-6.5
10.4 MP – APS-H sensor 19.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
no Video 720/30p Video
ISO 160-2,500 ISO 80-3,200
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
2.5" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2 shutter flaps per second 0.8 shutter flaps per second
550 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
139 x 80 x 37 mm, 591 g 128 x 89 x 92 mm, 590 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica M8 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica M8 and the Sony H300 are illustrated 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M8 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the H300 is only available in black.

Size Leica M8 vs Sony H300
Compare M8 versus H300 top
Comparison M8 or H300 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony H300 is somewhat larger (2 percent) than the Leica M8. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M8 nor the H300 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the H300 has a lens built in, whereas the M8 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the M8 and their specifications in the Leica M Lens Catalog.

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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica M8 139 mm 80 mm 37 mm 591 g 550 n Sep 2006 5,499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony H300 128 mm 89 mm 92 mm 590 g 350 n Feb 2014 219ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX610 105 mm 61 mm 27 mm 191 g 270 n Jan 2015 249ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T3 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon XTi 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 n Aug 2006 799ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M9 139 mm 80 mm 37 mm 585 g 550 n Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 729ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 n Aug 2006 999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic L10 135 mm 96 mm 78 mm 556 g 450 n Aug 2007 599ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX90V 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 245 g 360 n Apr 2015 429ebay.com
15.
 
Sony HX400V 130 mm 93 mm 103 mm 660 g 300 n Feb 2014 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H400 130 mm 95 mm 122 mm 628 g 300 n Feb 2014 319ebay.com
17.
 
Sony H200 123 mm 83 mm 87 mm 530 g 240 n Jan 2013 249ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The H300 was launched at a lower price than the M8, despite having a lens built in. 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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 Leica M8 features an APS-H sensor and the Sony H300 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the H300 is 94 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 5.6. The sensor in the M8 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the H300 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica M8 and Sony H300 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the H300 offers a higher resolution of 19.9 megapixels, compared with 10.4 MP of the M8. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.19μm versus 6.84μm for the M8). However, it should be noted that the H300 is much more recent (by 7 years and 5 months) than the M8, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. 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 Sony H300 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the H300 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.8 x 19.3 inches or 65.4 x 49.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.6 x 15.5 inches or 52.3 x 39.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.2 x 12.9 inches or 43.6 x 32.7 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica M8 are 19.7 x 13.2 inches or 50 x 33.4 cm for good quality, 15.7 x 10.5 inches or 40 x 26.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.1 x 8.8 inches or 33.3 x 22.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica M8 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 2500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CCD (Charged Coupled Device) 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.

M8 versus H300 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica M8 APS-H 10.4 3936 2630none21.111.366359
2.
 
Sony H300 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
3.
 
Canon SX610 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/30p20.211.671247
4.
 
Canon T3 APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
5.
 
Canon XTi APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.066462
6.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
7.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
8.
 
Leica M9 Full Frame 18.1 5212 3472none22.511.788469
9.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
10.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
11.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.411.451663
12.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.111.252461
13.
 
Panasonic L10 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.310.842955
14.
 
Sony HX90V 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36721080/60p20.211.673847
15.
 
Sony HX400V 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.111.462945
16.
 
Sony H400 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
17.
 
Sony H200 1/2.3 15.2 5184 2930720/30p19.911.252944
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The H300 indeed provides for movie recording, while the M8 does not. The highest resolution format that the H300 can use is 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the M8 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the H300 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica M8 and Sony H300 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Leica M8optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 2.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony H300none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX610none n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/2000s 2.5/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon T3optical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon XTioptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
6.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M9optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D80optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic L10optical n2.5 / 207 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony HX90V638 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony HX400V210 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony H400210 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/2000s 0.7/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony H200none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The H300 has one, while the M8 does not. While the built-in flash of the H300 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The M8 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the H300 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

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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 Leica M8 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica M8Y- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Sony H300-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon SX610-- / ---micro2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon T3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon XTiY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
7.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Leica M9Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D80Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic L10Y- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Sony HX90V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony HX400VYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony H400-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Sony H200-mono / mono---2.0---
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It is notable that the M8 has a hotshoe, while the H300 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Both the M8 and the H300 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The M8 was replaced by the Leica M9, while the H300 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the M8 and H300 can be found, respectively, in the Leica M8 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony H300 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica M8 better than the Sony H300 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica M8:

  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/1500s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (2 vs 0.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (550 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2006).

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Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (19.9 vs 10.4MP), which boosts linear resolution by 36%.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 230k dots).
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the M8 necessitates an extra lens.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 5 months of technical progress since the M8 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the M8 emerges as the winner of the contest (12 : 10 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 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.

M8 12:10 H300

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the M8 and the H300 in practical situations. 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 hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica M8......+ +.... Sep 2006 5,499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony H300..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2014 219ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX610........4/54/5 Jan 2015 249ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T3..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon XTi..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 799ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M9........4.5/5.. Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 729ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic L10..85/100..+3.5/54/5 Aug 2007 599ebay.com
14.
 
Sony HX90V4/5+ +....4/54.5/5 Apr 2015 429ebay.com
15.
 
Sony HX400V4/5+ +....4/54/5 Feb 2014 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H400..o....3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2014 319ebay.com
17.
 
Sony H200........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2013 249ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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.

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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.

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    Specifications: Leica M8 vs Sony H300

    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 Leica M8 Sony H300
    Camera Type Rangefinder camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Leica M mount lenses 25-875mm f/3.4-6.5
    Launch Date September 2006 February 2014
    Launch Price USD 5,499 USD 219
    Sensor Specs Leica M8 Sony H300
    Sensor Technology CCD CCD
    Sensor Format APS-H Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 27.0 x 18.0 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 486 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 32.4 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 1.3x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 10.4 Megapixels 19.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3936 x 2630 pixels 5152 x 3864 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.84 μm 1.19 μm
    Pixel Density 2.13 MP/cm2 70.91 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 160 - 2,500 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 59 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.1 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 663 ..
    Screen Specs Leica M8 Sony H300
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.5inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica M8 Sony H300
    Focus System Manual Focus Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 2 shutter flaps/s 0.8 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Leica M8 Sony H300
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Leica M8 Sony H300
    Battery Type Leica BLI-312 Sony 4xAA
    Battery Life (CIPA)550 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 139 x 80 x 37 mm
    (5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in)
    128 x 89 x 92 mm
    (5.0 x 3.5 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 591 g (20.8 oz) 590 g (20.8 oz)
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