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 S2 vs Nikon Z6

The Leica S2 and the Nikon Z6 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2008 and August 2018. The S2 is a DSLR, while the Z6 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a medium format (S2) and a full frame (Z6) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24.3 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica S2
versus
Nikon Z6
Leica S2   Nikon Z6
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Leica S mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
37.5 MP – Medium Format sensor 24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 80-1,250 ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
1.5 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
no shake reductionIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1410 g 134 x 101 x 67 mm, 675 g
logo
Check S2 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Z6 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S2 and the Nikon Z6? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica S2 and the Nikon Z6. 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.

Size Leica S2 vs Nikon Z6
Compare S2 versus Z6 top
Comparison S2 or Z6 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z6 is notably smaller (30 percent) than the Leica S2. Moreover, the Z6 is substantially lighter (52 percent) than the S2. 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.

Concerning battery life, the S2 gets .. shots out of its Leica BP-PRO1 battery, while the Z6 can take 310 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15b power pack. The power pack in the Z6 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 US$ 22 999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica S1 339 mm 214 mm 119 mm 2500 g .. n Aug 1996 US$ 21 499ebay.com
5.
 
Leica S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 US$ 18 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 US$ 21 949ebay.com
7.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 US$ 16 599ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S Typ 007 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 US$ 24 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Zf 144 mm 103 mm 49 mm 710 g 380 Y Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 US$ 9 995ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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 Z6 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 91 percent) than the S2, 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 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. 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica S2 features a medium format sensor and the Nikon Z6 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Z6 is 36 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.8 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica S2 and Nikon Z6 sensor measures

With 37.5MP, the S2 offers a higher resolution than the Z6 (24.3MP), but the S2 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 5.94μm for the Z6) due to its larger sensor. However, the Z6 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 11 months) than the S2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica S2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S2 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 Nikon Z6 are 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm for good quality, 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm for very good quality, and 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z6 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica S2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 1250. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z6 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the S2 is build around a CCD sensor, while the Z6 uses a BSI-CMOS 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.

S2 versus Z6 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.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
2.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
4.
 
Leica S1 Medium Format 26.4 5140 5140none........
5.
 
Leica S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
7.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none25.113.7276393
8.
 
Leica S Typ 007 Medium Format 37.5 7500 50004K/24p25.113.7276393
9.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
10.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
11.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
12.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
14.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
15.
 
Nikon Zf Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.414.7324396
16.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
17.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The Z6 indeed provides for movie recording, while the S2 does not. The highest resolution format that the Z6 can use is 4K/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Z6 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the S2 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 viewfinder in the Z6 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the S2 (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the S2 has a higher magnification (0.86x vs 0.80x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica S2 and Nikon Z6 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty 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 S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
2.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica S1optical nnone / none none n .. 0.01/s n n
5.
 
Leica S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
7.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
8.
 
Leica S Typ 007optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
14.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Nikon Zf3690 n3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
16.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
17.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Z6 has a touchscreen, while the S2 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

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 Z6 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 Nikon Z6 has 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.

The S2 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDHC cards, while the Z6 uses XQD cards. The S2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the Z6 only has one slot.

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 S2 and Nikon Z6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
4.
 
Leica S1-- / --------
5.
 
Leica S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica S Typ 007Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
13.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Nikon ZfYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
17.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY

It is notable that the Z6 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the S2 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica S2 (unlike the Z6) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the S2 and the Z6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The S2 was replaced by the Leica S Typ 006, while the Z6 was followed by the Nikon Z6 II. Further information on the features and operation of the S2 and Z6 can be found, respectively, in the Leica S2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z6 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica S2 and the Nikon Z6? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Advantages of the Leica S2:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (37.5 vs 24.3MP) with a 24% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.86x vs 0.80x).
  • 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.
  • 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 2008).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z6:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
  • 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 (2100k vs 460k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 1.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (134x101mm vs 160x120mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 735g or 52 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (91 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 11 months of technical progress since the S2 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z6 is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 8 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 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.

S2 08:23 Z6

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S2 and the Nikon Z6 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 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 S2 or the Z6. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

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], 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
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 US$ 22 999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica S1............ Aug 1996 US$ 21 499ebay.com
5.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 US$ 18 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 US$ 21 949ebay.com
7.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 US$ 16 599ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S Typ 0074/5.......... Sep 2014 US$ 24 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Zf4.5/5..4.5/590/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 US$ 9 995ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) 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. 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, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check S2 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Z6 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 S2 vs Nikon Z6

    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 S2 Nikon Z6
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2008 August 2018
    Launch Price USD 22,999 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Leica S2 Nikon Z6
    Sensor Technology CCD BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 1350 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 37.5 Megapixels 24.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7500 x 5000 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 2.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 1,250 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 25.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 14.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 3299
    Screen Specs Leica S2 Nikon Z6
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 96% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.86x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica S2 Nikon Z6
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.5 shutter flaps/s 12 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image Stabilizationno shake reductionIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Leica S2 Nikon Z6
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Leica S2 Nikon Z6
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-PRO1 Nikon EN-EL15b
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    134 x 101 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 1410 g (49.7 oz) 675 g (23.8 oz)
    logo
    Check S2 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check Z6 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 S2 vs Nikon Z6