A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

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

PW

Leica S Typ 007 vs S1

The Leica S (Typ 007) and the Leica S1 Pro are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2014 and August 1996. The S Typ 007 is a DSLR, while the S1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a medium format sensor. The S Typ 007 has a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, whereas the S1 provides 26.4 MP.

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 S1
Leica S Typ 007   Leica S1
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Leica S mount lenses Leica R mount lenses
37.5 MP – Medium Format sensor 26.4 MP – Medium Format sensor
4K/24p Video no Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 50-1,600
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 922k dots no LCD
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) no rear screen
3.5 shutter flaps per second 0.01 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g 339 x 214 x 119 mm, 2500 g
logo
Check S Typ 007 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check S1 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S (Typ 007) and the Leica S1 Pro? 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

The physical size and weight of the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S1 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S1
Compare S Typ 007 versus S1 top
Comparison S Typ 007 or S1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica S1 is considerably larger (278 percent) than the Leica S Typ 007. Moreover, the S1 is substantially heavier (98 percent) than the S Typ 007. It is worth mentioning in this context that the S Typ 007 is splash and dust resistant, while the S1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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 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, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

scroll hint
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 S1 339 mm 214 mm 119 mm 2500 g .. n Aug 1996 21,490ebay.com
3.
 
Leica S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
4.
 
Leica CL 131 mm 78 mm 45 mm 403 g 220 n Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
5.
 
Leica TL2 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 399 g 250 n Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
8.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
10.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
11.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A6400 120 mm 67 mm 50 mm 403 g 410 Y Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
16.
 
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.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The S1 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 12 percent) than the S Typ 007, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a medium format sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the S1 is 4 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 0.8 (S Typ 007) and 0.85. The sensor in the S Typ 007 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the S1 offers a 1:1 aspect.

Leica S Typ 007 and Leica S1 sensor measures

With 37.5MP, the S Typ 007 offers a higher resolution than the S1 (26.4MP), but the S Typ 007 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 7.01μm for the S1). However, the S Typ 007 is a much more recent model (by 18 years) than the S1, 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 Leica S Typ 007 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S Typ 007 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 37.5 x 25 inches or 95.3 x 63.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 25 x 16.7 inches or 63.5 x 42.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica S1 are 25.7 x 25.7 inches or 65.3 x 65.3 cm for good quality, 20.6 x 20.6 inches or 52.2 x 52.2 cm for very good quality, and 17.1 x 17.1 inches or 43.5 x 43.5 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica S (Typ 007) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica S1 Pro are ISO 50 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the S Typ 007 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the S1 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 S1 MP

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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

scroll hint
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 S1 Medium Format 26.4 5140 5140none........
3.
 
Leica S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
4.
 
Leica CL APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p24.013.3178882
5.
 
Leica TL2 APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p23.913.3175382
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
8.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none25.113.7276393
10.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
11.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
12.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
13.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
14.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
15.
 
Sony A6400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.6143183
16.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

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 S1 does not. The highest resolution format that the S Typ 007 can use is 4K/24p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The S Typ 007 and the S1 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica S Typ 007, the Leica S1, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
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 S1optical nnone / none none n .. 0.01/s n n
3.
 
Leica S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica CL2360 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica TL2optional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
10.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
11.
 
Leica S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
15.
 
Sony A64002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
16.
 
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.
padding

One feature that is present on the S Typ 007, but is missing on the S1 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 S Typ 007 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the S1 uses external storage.

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 Leica S (Typ 007) and Leica S1 Pro and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
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 S1-- / --------
3.
 
Leica S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
4.
 
Leica CLYstereo / mono----Y--
5.
 
Leica TL2Ystereo / mono--micro3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
14.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
15.
 
Sony A6400Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
padding

It is notable that the S Typ 007 has a hotshoe, while the S1 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica S Typ 007 (unlike the S1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

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 S1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The S1 was replaced by the Leica S2, while the S Typ 007 was followed by the Leica S3. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Leica website.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S1? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Reasons to prefer the Leica S (Typ 007):

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (37.5 vs 26.4MP) with a 24% higher linear resolution.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/24p movies.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Rear screen: Has a backside LCD (3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3.5 vs 0.01 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (160x120mm vs 339x214mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 1240g or 50 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More modern: Reflects 18 years of technical progress since the S1 launch.


Arguments in favor of the Leica S1 Pro:

  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (12 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 1996).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S Typ 007 is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 3 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 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.

S Typ 007 13:03 S1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S1 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 incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the S Typ 007 or the S1 perform in practice. 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.

scroll hint
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 S1............ Aug 1996 21,490ebay.com
3.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
4.
 
Leica CL....4.2/5....4/5 Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
5.
 
Leica TL23.5/5..3/5..4/54/5 Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
7.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
8.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
10.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
11.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A64004/5+4/585/1004.5/54/5 Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check S Typ 007 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check S1 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 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.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S1

    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 S1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses Leica R mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2014 August 1996
    Launch Price USD 24,490 USD 21,490
    Sensor Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm 36.0 x 36.0 mm
    Sensor Area 1350 mm2 1296 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm 50.9 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x 0.85x
    Sensor Resolution 37.5 Megapixels 26.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7500 x 5000 pixels 5140 x 5140 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 7.01 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 2.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/24p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 50 - 1,600 ISO
    Screen Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.87x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Manual Focus
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 3.5 shutter flaps/s 0.01 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards external
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single SSD
    Connectivity Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S1
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 no USB
    HDMI Port mini HDMI no 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 S1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-PRO1 Leica external
    Body Dimensions 160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    339 x 214 x 119 mm
    (13.3 x 8.4 x 4.7 in)
    Camera Weight 1260 g (44.4 oz) 2500 g (88.2 oz)
    logo
    Check S Typ 007 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check S1 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  »  Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S1