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Leica SL vs Nikon Z8

The Leica SL (Typ 601) and the Nikon Z8 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2015 and May 2023. Both the Leica SL and the Z8 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 45.4 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
Nikon Z8
Leica SL   Nikon Z8
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 8K/30p Video
ISO 50-50,000 ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400)
Electronic viewfinder (4400k dots) Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.2" LCD – 2089k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fully flexible touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 30 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge340 shots per battery charge
147 x 104 x 39 mm, 847 g 144 x 119 x 83 mm, 910 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL (Typ 601) and the Nikon Z8? 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

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica SL and the Nikon Z8. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica SL vs Nikon Z8
Compare Leica SL versus Z8 top
Comparison Leica SL or Z8 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z8 is notably larger (12 percent) than the Leica SL. Moreover, the Z8 is markedly heavier (7 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 Z8 can take 340 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15c power pack. The power pack in the Z8 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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 SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 80D 139 mm 105 mm 79 mm 730 g 960 Y Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
6.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
9.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
15.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 US$ 3 699 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 obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Z8 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 46 percent) than the Leica SL, 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. 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the Z8 is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL and Nikon Z8 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Z8 offers a higher resolution of 45.4 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the Leica SL. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 6.00μm for the Leica SL). However, it should be noted that the Z8 is much more recent (by 7 years and 6 months) than the Leica SL, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. 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 Nikon Z8 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z8 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica SL are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z8 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica SL (Typ 601) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z8 are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the Leica SL is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z8 uses a Stacked 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.

Leica SL versus Z8 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the Z8 has a markedly higher DXO score than the Leica SL (overall score 10 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 0.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. 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
  empty 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.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
5.
 
Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.2113579
6.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
8.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
9.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
10.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
11.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
12.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
13.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
14.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
15.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
16.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
17.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
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 Z8 provides a better video resolution than the Leica SL. It can shoot movie footage at 8K/30p, while the Leica is limited to 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Leica SL offers a higher resolution than the one in the Z8 (4400k vs 3690k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica SL, the Nikon Z8, and comparable 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 SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 80Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
11.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
13.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
17.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the Z8 and the Leica SL is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The Z8 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the Leica SL offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 and the Nikon Z8 both have 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 Z8 uses CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s (the second slot of the Leica SL supports only UHS-I, 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 SL (Typ 601) and Nikon Z8 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 SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
2.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Canon 80DYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
8.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
9.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
12.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
13.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
14.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
15.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
17.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y

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 both cameras feature internal geolocalization sensors and can record GPS coordinates in their EXIF data.

The Z8 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the Leica SL has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the Leica SL was succeeded by the Leica SL2. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL and Z8 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z8 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Leica SL or the Nikon Z8 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica SL (Typ 601):

  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (4400k vs 3690k dots).
  • More compact: Is smaller (147x104mm vs 144x119mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (400 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2015).

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z8:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 24MP), which boosts linear resolution by 38%.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (10 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 4K/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • 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 (2089k vs 1040k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 11 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • 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.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (46 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 6 months of technical progress since the Leica SL launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z8 is the clear winner of the contest (17 : 5 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Leica SL 05:17 Z8

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL and the Nikon Z8 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing 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 Leica SL and the Z8 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 SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 80D4/5+ +4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
6.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 US$ 3 899 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
9.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
15.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 3 699 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, 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.

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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 make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Leica SL vs Nikon Z8

    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 Nikon Z8
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2015 May 2023
    Launch Price USD 7,449 USD 3,999
    Sensor Specs Leica SL Nikon Z8
    Sensor Technology CMOS Stacked BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 45.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 4.35 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 5.30 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 8K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 50 - 50,000 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 32 - 102,400 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro II EXPEED 7
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 98
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.0 26.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4 14.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1821 2548
    Screen Specs Leica SL Nikon Z8
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 4400k dots 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 2089k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fully flexible screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL Nikon Z8
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/32000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 30 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CFexB or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Single UHS-II UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL Nikon Z8
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port full HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in GPS built-in
    Body Specs Leica SL Nikon Z8
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Nikon EN-EL15c
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge340 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 147 x 104 x 39 mm
    (5.8 x 4.1 x 1.5 in)
    144 x 119 x 83 mm
    (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 847 g (29.9 oz) 910 g (32.1 oz)
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