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 SL2-S vs Nikon D3500

The Leica SL2-S and the Nikon D3500 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in December 2020 and August 2018. The Leica SL2-S is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D3500 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Leica SL2-S) and an APS-C (D3500) sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica SL2-S
versus
Nikon D3500
Leica SL2-S   Nikon D3500
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-50,000 (50 - 100,000) ISO 100-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
20 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
510 shots per battery charge1550 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 83 mm, 931 g 124 x 97 x 70 mm, 415 g
logo
Check Leica SL2-S price at
amazon.com
logo
Check D3500 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL2-S and the Nikon D3500? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica SL2-S and the Nikon D3500 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica SL2-S vs Nikon D3500
Compare Leica SL2-S versus D3500 top
Comparison Leica SL2-S or D3500 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D3500 is notably smaller (23 percent) than the Leica SL2-S. Moreover, the D3500 is substantially lighter (55 percent) than the Leica SL2-S. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Leica SL2-S is splash and dust resistant, while the D3500 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 Leica SL2-S gets 510 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL4 battery, while the D3500 can take 1550 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL14a power pack. The power pack in the Leica SL2-S can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 429ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R3 150 mm 143 mm 87 mm 1015 g 760 Y Sep 2021 5,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 Y Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 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 D3500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 91 percent) than the Leica SL2-S, 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 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. 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.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL2-S features a full frame sensor and the Nikon D3500 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D3500 is 58 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL2-S and Nikon D3500 sensor measures

Even though the Leica SL2-S has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 24 megapixels. This implies that the Leica SL2-S has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 3.91μm for the D3500), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. In addition, the Leica SL2-S is much more recent (by 2 years and 3 months) than the D3500, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time. 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.

Unlike the D3500, the Leica SL2-S has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Leica SL2-S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000, which can be extended to ISO 50-100000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D3500 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

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 SL2-S versus D3500 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"). 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
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
2.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
3.
 
Canon R3 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/60p25.014.7408696
4.
 
Canon R6 Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484k/60p24.214.3339490
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
7.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
8.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
9.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
10.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
11.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
12.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
13.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
14.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
15.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
16.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
17.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Leica SL2-S provides a higher video resolution than the D3500. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/60p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Leica SL2-S has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the D3500 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 Leica SL2-S offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D3500 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the Leica SL2-S has a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica SL2-S, the Nikon D3500, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon R35760 Y3.2 / 4150 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Canon R63690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the Leica SL2-S, but is missing on the D3500 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 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 SL2-S 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 SL2-S 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Leica SL2-S and the D3500 write their files to SDXC cards. The Leica SL2-S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3500 only has one slot. The Leica SL2-S supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the D3500 can use UHS-I 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 SL2-S and Nikon D3500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
3.
 
Canon R3Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
10.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
12.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
17.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY

It is notable that the Leica SL2-S has a microphone port, which is missing on the D3500. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The Leica SL2-S is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the D3500 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the D3500 from Nikon. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL2-S and D3500 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2-S Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D3500 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Leica SL2-S or the Nikon D3500 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Leica SL2-S:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • 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/60p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • 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 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.57x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 921k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • 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 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the D3500 launch.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3500:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x97mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 516g or 55 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1550 versus 510) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (91 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2018).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL2-S is the clear winner of the match-up (30 : 7 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.

Leica SL2-S 30:07 D3500

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2-S and the Nikon D3500 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the Leica SL2-S and the D3500 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 429ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R35/5o4.5/5..5/54.5/5 Sep 2021 5,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

logo
Check Leica SL2-S price at
amazon.com
logo
Check D3500 offers at
ebay.com

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.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Leica SL2-S vs Nikon D3500

    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 SL2-S Nikon D3500
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date December 2020 August 2018
    Launch Price USD 4,895 USD 429
    Sensor Specs Leica SL2-S Nikon D3500
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 100,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Maestro III EXPEED 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 95 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.2 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.1 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3504 ..
    Screen Specs Leica SL2-S Nikon D3500
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.57x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL2-S Nikon D3500
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 20 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL2-S Nikon D3500
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Leica SL2-S Nikon D3500
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Nikon EN-EL14a
    Battery Life (CIPA)510 shots per charge1550 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 146 x 107 x 83 mm
    (5.7 x 4.2 x 3.3 in)
    124 x 97 x 70 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 931 g (32.8 oz) 415 g (14.6 oz)
    logo
    Check Leica SL2-S price at
    amazon.com
    logo
    Check D3500 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 SL2-S vs Nikon D3500