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Leica S3 vs Panasonic G6

The Leica S3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2018 and April 2013. The S3 is a DSLR, while the G6 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a medium format (S3) and a Four Thirds (G6) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 64 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica S3
versus
Panasonic G6
Leica S3   Panasonic G6
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Leica S mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
64 MP – Medium Format sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/24p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-50,000 ISO 160-12,800 (160 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1036k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 7 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g 122 x 85 x 71 mm, 390 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6? 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 S3 and the Panasonic G6 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The G6 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the S3 is only available in black.

Size Leica S3 vs Panasonic G6
Compare S3 versus G6 top
Comparison S3 or G6 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G6 is considerably smaller (46 percent) than the Leica S3. Moreover, the G6 is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the S3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the S3 is splash and dust resistant, while the G6 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.

Concerning battery life, the S3 gets .. shots out of its Leica BP-PRO1 battery, while the G6 can take 340 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

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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 S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 US$ 18 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M10-P 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 US$ 22 999ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 US$ 21 949ebay.com
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 US$ 16 599ebay.com
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 US$ 24 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G7 125 mm 86 mm 77 mm 410 g 350 n May 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF6 111 mm 65 mm 38 mm 323 g 340 n Apr 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV 133 mm 94 mm 145 mm 1095 g 400 Y Sep 2017 US$ 1 699 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 naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G6 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 97 percent) than the S3, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica S3 features a medium format sensor and the Panasonic G6 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G6 is 83 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.8 and 2.0. The sensor in the S3 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G6 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica S3 and Panasonic G6 sensor measures

With 64MP, the S3 offers a higher resolution than the G6 (15.9MP), but the S3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.59μm versus 3.76μm for the G6) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the S3 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 5 months) than the G6, 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 S3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica S3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 49 x 32.7 inches or 124.5 x 83 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 39.2 x 26.1 inches or 99.6 x 66.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 32.7 x 21.8 inches or 83 x 55.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G6 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica S3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 160-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) 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.

S3 versus G6 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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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 S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
2.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
4.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
5.
 
Leica M10-P Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none25.114.1273993
6.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
7.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
8.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none25.113.7276393
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007 Medium Format 37.5 7500 50004K/24p25.113.7276393
11.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
12.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
13.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
14.
 
Panasonic G7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.490471
15.
 
Panasonic GF6 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i20.710.662254
16.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.240863
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the S3 provides a higher video resolution than the G6. It can shoot video footage at 4K/24p, while the Panasonic is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G6 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the S3 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 G6 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the S3 (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the S3 has a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica S3 and Panasonic G6 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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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 S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica M10-Poptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
8.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/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 007optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
12.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic G72360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GF6none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV2359 Y3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the S3, but is missing on the G6 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 G6 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the S3 does not have a selfie-screen.

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 G6 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 Panasonic G6 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 S3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the G6 uses SDXC cards. The S3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G6 only has one slot. The S3 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the G6 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 S3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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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 S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
2.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
4.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
5.
 
Leica M10-PY- / -----Y--
6.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
7.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
12.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic G7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Panasonic GF6-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
16.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony RX10 IVYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-

It is notable that the S3 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the G6 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica S3 (unlike the G6) 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 S3 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the S3 and the G6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G6 was replaced by the Panasonic G7, while the S3 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the S3 and G6 can be found, respectively, in the Leica S3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic G6 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica S3 and the Panasonic G6? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Leica S3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (64 vs 15.9MP) with a 104% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/24p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.70x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • 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).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 5 months of technical progress since the G6 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • 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 98%).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1036k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 3 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 (122x85mm vs 160x120mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 870g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (97 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in April 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the S3 emerges as the winner of the contest (19 : 17 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.

S3 19:17 G6

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S3 and the Panasonic G6 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S3 and the G6 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 US$ 18 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M10-P....3/5....4/5 Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 US$ 22 999ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 US$ 21 949ebay.com
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 US$ 16 599ebay.com
10.
 
Leica S Typ 0074/5.......... Sep 2014 US$ 24 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G74/5+ +3.5/580/1005/54.5/5 May 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF6..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX10 IV5/5+3.5/584/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2017 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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 would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. 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 S3 vs Panasonic G6

    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 S3 Panasonic G6
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date September 2018 April 2013
    Launch Price USD 18,999 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Leica S3 Panasonic G6
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 1350 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 64 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9800 x 6533 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.59 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 4.74 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/24p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 160 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 160 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro II Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 61
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 21.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 11.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 639
    Screen Specs Leica S3 Panasonic G6
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.87x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1036k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica S3 Panasonic G6
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 7 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/4000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica S3 Panasonic G6
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Leica S3 Panasonic G6
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-PRO1 Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Body Dimensions 160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    122 x 85 x 71 mm
    (4.8 x 3.3 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 1260 g (44.4 oz) 390 g (13.8 oz)
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    Check G6 offers at
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