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 SL vs Canon 1D Mark IV

The Leica SL (Typ 601) and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2015 and October 2009. The Leica SL is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the 1D Mark IV is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Leica SL) and an APS-H (1D Mark IV) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 16 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica SL
versus
Canon 1D Mark IV
Leica SL   Canon 1D Mark IV
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 16 MP – APS-H sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 50-50,000 ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (4400k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge1500 shots per battery charge
147 x 104 x 39 mm, 847 g 156 x 157 x 80 mm, 1230 g
logo
Check Leica SL offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check 1D Mark IV offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL (Typ 601) and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV? 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 SL and the Canon 1D Mark IV are illustrated 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 width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica SL vs Canon 1D Mark IV
Compare Leica SL versus 1D Mark IV top
Comparison Leica SL or 1D Mark IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 1D Mark IV is considerably larger (60 percent) than the Leica SL. Moreover, the 1D Mark IV is substantially heavier (45 percent) than the Leica SL. 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 Leica SL gets 400 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL4 battery, while the 1D Mark IV can take 1500 images on a single charge of its Canon LP-E4 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the 1D Mark IV has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the Leica SL, Leica provides the HG-SCL4 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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 SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 Y Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 80D 139 mm 105 mm 79 mm 730 g 960 Y Feb 2016 1,199ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1D Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1535 g 1200 Y Jan 2004 4,499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II 156 mm 158 mm 80 mm 1215 g 1200 Y Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
13.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The 1D Mark IV was launched at a markedly lower price (by 33 percent) than the Leica SL, 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. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL features a full frame sensor and the Canon 1D Mark IV an APS-H sensor. The sensor area in the 1D Mark IV is 40 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.3. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL and Canon 1D Mark IV sensor measures

With 24MP, the Leica SL offers a higher resolution than the 1D Mark IV (16MP), but the Leica SL nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 5.70μm for the 1D Mark IV) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL is a much more recent model (by 6 years) than the 1D Mark IV, 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 Leica SL has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica SL implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 1D Mark IV are 24.5 x 16.3 inches or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inches or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica SL (Typ 601) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

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.

Leica SL versus 1D Mark IV 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"). Of the two cameras under review, the Leica SL provides substantially higher image quality than the 1D Mark IV, with an overall score that is 14 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 1.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. 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 SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.2113579
5.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
8.
 
Canon 1D Mark II APS-H 8.2 3504 2336none22.311.1100366
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II Full Frame 16.6 4992 3328none23.311.3148074
10.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
11.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
12.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
13.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
14.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
15.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
16.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Leica SL provides a higher video resolution than the 1D Mark IV. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Leica SL has an electronic viewfinder (4400k dots), while the 1D Mark IV 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Leica SL has a higher magnification than the one of the 1D Mark IV (0.80x vs 0.58x), 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 SL and Canon 1D Mark IV along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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 SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 80Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n n
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIoptical Y2.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
10.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
11.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
13.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
16.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Leica SL has a touchscreen, while the 1D Mark IV 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 Leica SL 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 Leica SL 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 Leica SL writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the 1D Mark IV uses Compact Flash or SDHC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The Leica SL supports UHS-II cards on its first slot and UHS-I on its second one, while the 1D Mark IV cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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 SL (Typ 601) and Canon EOS-1D Mark IV 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 SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 80DYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIY- / ----1.1---
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
12.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
13.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
15.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
16.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
padding

It is notable that the Leica SL has a headphone jack, which is not present on the 1D Mark IV This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Leica SL has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the Leica SL and the 1D Mark IV have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The Leica SL was replaced by the Leica SL2, while the 1D Mark IV does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL and 1D Mark IV can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 1D Mark IV Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica SL better than the Canon 1D Mark IV or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Advantages of the Leica SL (Typ 601):

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 16MP) with a 23% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (14 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.4 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.58x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • 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 (147x104mm vs 156x157mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 383g or 31 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II and UHS-I) SDXC cards.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years of technical progress since the 1D Mark IV launch.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1500 versus 400) out of a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (33 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2009).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 6 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Leica SL 24:06 1D Mark IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL and the Canon 1D Mark IV place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR 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 Leica SL or the 1D Mark IV perform in practice. 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 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.

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 SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 80D4/5+ +4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 1,199ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 1D Mark II......+ +.... Jan 2004 4,499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark II......+ +.... Sep 2004 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
11.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
13.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check Leica SL offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check 1D Mark IV offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Leica SL vs Canon 1D Mark IV

    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 SL Canon 1D Mark IV
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2015 October 2009
    Launch Price USD 7,450 USD 4,999
    Sensor Specs Leica SL Canon 1D Mark IV
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-H Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 27.9 x 18.6 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 518.94 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 33.5 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.3x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 16 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 4896 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 5.70 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 3.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 50 - 50,000 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro II DIGIC IV
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 74
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.0 22.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4 12.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1821 1320
    Screen Specs Leica SL Canon 1D Mark IV
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.58x
    Viewfinder Resolution 4400k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL Canon 1D Mark IV
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF or SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Single UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL Canon 1D Mark IV
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Leica SL Canon 1D Mark IV
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Canon LP-E4
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge1500 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 147 x 104 x 39 mm
    (5.8 x 4.1 x 1.5 in)
    156 x 157 x 80 mm
    (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 847 g (29.9 oz) 1230 g (43.4 oz)
    logo
    Check Leica SL offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check 1D Mark IV 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 SL vs Canon 1D Mark IV