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Leica S3 vs Samsung NX1

The Leica S3 and the Samsung NX1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2018 and September 2014. The S3 is a DSLR, while the NX1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a medium format (S3) and an APS-C (NX1) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 64 megapixels, whereas the Samsung provides 28 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
Samsung NX1
Leica S3   Samsung NX1
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Leica S mount lenses Samsung NX mount lenses
64 MP – Medium Format sensor 28 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/24p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-50,000 ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1036k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 15 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g 139 x 102 x 66 mm, 550 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S3 and the Samsung NX1? 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 Samsung NX1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. 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 S3 vs Samsung NX1
Compare S3 versus NX1 top
Comparison S3 or NX1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Samsung NX1 is notably smaller (26 percent) than the Leica S3. Moreover, the NX1 is substantially lighter (56 percent) than the S3. 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 power pack in the NX1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

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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 S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
2.
 
Samsung NX1 139 mm 102 mm 66 mm 550 g 500 Y Sep 2014 1,499ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2 141 mm 83 mm 46 mm 495 g 350 Y Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M10-P 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Aug 2018 7,995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.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 007 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
11.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
12.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
15.
 
Samsung NX500 120 mm 64 mm 43 mm 287 g 370 n Feb 2015 799ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX10 IV 133 mm 94 mm 145 mm 1095 g 400 Y Sep 2017 1,699 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 1,699ebay.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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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 NX1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 92 percent) than the S3, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the 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 S3 features a medium format sensor and the Samsung NX1 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the NX1 is 73 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.8 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica S3 and Samsung NX1 sensor measures

With 64MP, the S3 offers a higher resolution than the NX1 (28MP), but the S3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.59μm versus 3.63μm for the NX1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the S3 is a much more recent model (by 4 years) than the NX1, 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 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 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 Samsung NX1 are 32.4 x 21.6 inches or 82.3 x 54.9 cm for good quality, 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for very good quality, and 21.6 x 14.4 inches or 54.9 x 36.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The NX1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica S3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Samsung NX1 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

In terms of underlying technology, the S3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the NX1 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.

S3 versus NX1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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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 S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
2.
 
Samsung NX1 APS-C 28.0 6480 43204K/30p24.213.2136383
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.0160880
4.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
6.
 
Leica M10-P Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none25.114.1273993
7.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
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.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
12.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
13.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
14.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
15.
 
Samsung NX500 APS-C 28.0 6480 43204K/30p24.813.9137987
16.
 
Sony RX10 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.240863
17.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the NX1 provides a faster frame rate than the S3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Leica is limited to 4K/24p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the NX1 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k 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 NX1 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 0.69x), 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 S3 and Samsung NX1 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Samsung NX12360 Y3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/8000s 15.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro22360 n3.0 / 1620 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica M10-Poptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
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.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
12.
 
Leica S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
14.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
15.
 
Samsung NX500none n3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/6000s 9.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony RX10 IV2359 Y3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The NX1 has a touchscreen, while the S3 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 NX1 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 Samsung NX1 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 NX1 uses SDXC cards. The S3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NX1 only has one slot. Both the S3 and the NX1 support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s (the second slot of the NX1 only offers slower UHS-I transfer rates, though).

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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 Samsung NX1 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 S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
2.
 
Samsung NX1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.0YYY
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
6.
 
Leica M10-PY- / -----Y--
7.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica S Typ 007Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
11.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Samsung NX500Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony RX10 IVYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica S3 (unlike the NX1) 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 NX1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Leica and Samsung. Further information on the features and operation of the S3 and NX1 can be found, respectively, in the Leica S3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Samsung NX1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica S3 and the Samsung NX1? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Leica S3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (64 vs 28MP) with a 51% higher linear resolution.
  • 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.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.69x).
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • 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 modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the NX1 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Samsung NX1:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/30p versus 4K/24p).
  • 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 98%).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1036k vs 922k 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 (15 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 (139x102mm vs 160x120mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 710g or 56 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (92 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the NX1 is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 12 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 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 12:20 NX1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S3 and the Samsung NX1 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 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 S3 and the NX1 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
2.
 
Samsung NX15/5....87/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 1,499ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-Pro2..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 1,699ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M10-P....3/5....4/5 Aug 2018 7,995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
9.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
10.
 
Leica S Typ 0074/5.......... Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
11.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
12.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
15.
 
Samsung NX5004.5/5....81/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 799ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX10 IV5/5+3.5/584/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2017 1,699 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and 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.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Leica S3 vs Samsung NX1

    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 Samsung NX1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses Samsung NX mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2018 September 2014
    Launch Price USD 18,995 USD 1,499
    Sensor Specs Leica S3 Samsung NX1
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 1350 mm2 368.95 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 64 Megapixels 28 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9800 x 6533 pixels 6480 x 4320 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.59 μm 3.63 μm
    Pixel Density 4.74 MP/cm2 7.59 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/24p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro II DRIMe 5
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 83
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 24.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 13.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1363
    Screen Specs Leica S3 Samsung NX1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.87x 0.69x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1036k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica S3 Samsung NX1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 15 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    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 Single UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica S3 Samsung NX1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Leica S3 Samsung NX1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-PRO1 Samsung BP1900
    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)
    139 x 102 x 66 mm
    (5.5 x 4.0 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 1260 g (44.4 oz) 550 g (19.4 oz)
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    Check S3 offers at
    ebay.com
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    Check NX1 offers at
    ebay.com

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