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Leica S Typ 007 vs S Typ 006

The Leica S (Typ 007) and the Leica S (Typ 006) are two professional cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2014 and September 2012. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a medium format sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 37.5 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica S Typ 007
versus
Leica S Typ 006
Leica S Typ 007   Leica S Typ 006
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Leica S mount lenses Leica S mount lenses
37.5 MP – Medium Format sensor 37.5 MP – Medium Format sensor
4K/24p Video no Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 100-1,600
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3.5 shutter flaps per second 1.5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g 160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S (Typ 007) and the Leica S (Typ 006)? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S Typ 006 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.

Size Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S Typ 006
Compare S Typ 007 versus S Typ 006 top
Comparison S Typ 007 or S Typ 006 rear

In this particular case, the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S Typ 006 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. 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 table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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 S Typ 007 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
2.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
3.
 
Leica S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The S Typ 006 was somewhat cheaper (by 10 percent) than the S Typ 007 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a medium format sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 0.8. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica S Typ 007 and Leica S Typ 006 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 37.5 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the S Typ 007 and the S Typ 006 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the S Typ 007 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 11 months) than the S Typ 006, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time. 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 Leica S (Typ 007) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica S (Typ 006) are ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the S Typ 007 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the S Typ 006 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S Typ 007 versus S Typ 006 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 S Typ 007 Medium Format 37.5 7500 50004K/24p25.113.7276393
2.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
3.
 
Leica S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none25.113.7276393
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
8.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
11.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
12.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
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 also of capturing video footage. The S Typ 007 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the S Typ 006 does not. The highest resolution format that the S Typ 007 can use is 4K/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The S Typ 007 and the S Typ 006 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (98%), as well as the same magnification (0.87x). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica S Typ 007 and Leica S Typ 006 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 S Typ 007optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s n n
2.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
3.
 
Leica S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
12.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the S Typ 007 and the S Typ 006 write their files to Compact Flash or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The S Typ 007 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the S Typ 006 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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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 S (Typ 007) and Leica S (Typ 006) 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 S Typ 007Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
2.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Leica S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
8.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
11.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
12.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the S Typ 007 offers wifi support, while the S Typ 006 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

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 S Typ 007 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the S Typ 007 and the S Typ 006 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The S Typ 006 was replaced by the Leica S Typ 007, while the S Typ 007 was followed by the Leica S3. Further information on the features and operation of the S Typ 007 and S Typ 006 can be found, respectively, in the Leica S Typ 007 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica S Typ 006 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Leica S Typ 007 or the Leica S Typ 006 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Reasons to prefer the Leica S (Typ 007):

  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/24p movies.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3.5 vs 1.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • 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 a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 11 months after the S Typ 006).


Advantages of the Leica S (Typ 006):

  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2012).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the S Typ 007 is the clear winner of the match-up (7 : 1 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 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.

S Typ 007 07:01 S Typ 006

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S Typ 006 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S Typ 007 and the S Typ 006 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 expert reviews are important. 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.

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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 S Typ 0074/5.......... Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
2.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
3.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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 your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S Typ 006

    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 S Typ 007 Leica S Typ 006
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses Leica S mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2014 September 2012
    Launch Price USD 24,490 USD 21,950
    Sensor Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S Typ 006
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm 45.0 x 30.0 mm
    Sensor Area 1350 mm2 1350 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm 54.1 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x 0.8x
    Sensor Resolution 37.5 Megapixels 37.5 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7500 x 5000 pixels 7500 x 5000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 6.00 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 2.78 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/24p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 1,600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 76
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 824
    Screen Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S Typ 006
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.87x 0.87x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S Typ 006
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 3.5 shutter flaps/s 1.5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards CF or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S Typ 006
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S Typ 006
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-PRO1 Leica BP-PRO1
    Body Dimensions 160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1260 g (44.4 oz) 1260 g (44.4 oz)
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