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Leica SL2-S vs Olympus E-M1 II

The Leica SL2-S and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in December 2020 and September 2016. Both the Leica SL2-S and the E-M1 II are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Leica SL2-S) and a Four Thirds (E-M1 II) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 20.2 MP.

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
Olympus E-M1 II
Leica SL2-S   Olympus E-M1 II
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-50,000 (50 - 100,000) ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
20 shutter flaps per second 18 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
510 shots per battery charge440 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 83 mm, 931 g 134 x 91 x 67 mm, 574 g
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Check Leica SL2-S price at
amazon.com
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Check E-M1 II offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL2-S and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II? 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 SL2-S and the Olympus E-M1 II. 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 SL2-S vs Olympus E-M1 II
Compare Leica SL2-S versus E-M1 II top
Comparison Leica SL2-S or E-M1 II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M1 II is notably smaller (22 percent) than the Leica SL2-S. Moreover, the E-M1 II is substantially lighter (38 percent) than the Leica SL2-S. 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 SL2-S gets 510 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL4 battery, while the E-M1 II can take 440 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLH-1 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 following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 i Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 i Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R3 150 mm 143 mm 87 mm 1015 g 760 i Sep 2021 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 i Jul 2020 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 i Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 i Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL3-S 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 852 g 315 i Jan 2025 US$ 5 299 amazon.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 i Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 III 134 mm 91 mm 69 mm 580 g 420 i Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 i Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 i Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 i Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 i Feb 2019 US$ 2 499ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 i May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 i Feb 2019 US$ 3 699ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 i Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 i Oct 2019 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-M1 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 59 percent) than the Leica SL2-S, 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL2-S features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-M1 II a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M1 II is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the Leica SL2-S has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M1 II offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica SL2-S and Olympus E-M1 II sensor measures

With 24MP, the Leica SL2-S offers a higher resolution than the E-M1 II (20.2MP), but the Leica SL2-S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 3.34μm for the E-M1 II) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL2-S is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 2 months) than the E-M1 II, 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 SL2-S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL2-S 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 Olympus E-M1 II are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The E-M1 II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Both cameras have the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting the 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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Leica SL2-S versus E-M1 II MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the Leica SL2-S provides substantially higher image quality than the E-M1 II, with an overall score that is 15 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.5 bits higher color depth, 1.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.4 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 SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
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.
 
Leica SL3-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8338397
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1135676
10.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
11.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
12.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
13.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
14.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
15.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
16.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
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.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Leica SL2-S provides a higher frame rate than the E-M1 II. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Olympus is limited to 4K/30p.

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 SL2-S offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the E-M1 II (5760k vs 2360k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica SL2-S, the Olympus E-M1 II, 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 SL2-S5760 i3.2 / 2100 fixed i 1/8000s 20.0/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon R35760 i3.2 / 4150 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon R63690 i3.0 / 1620 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
5.
 
Leica SL4400 i3.0 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
6.
 
Leica SL25760 i3.2 / 2100 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
7.
 
Leica SL3-S5760 i3.2 / 2333 tilting i 1/8000s 30.0/s i i
8.
 
Olympus E-M12360 i3.0 / 1037 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 III2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
10.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
11.
 
Panasonic G852360 i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 9.0/s i i
12.
 
Panasonic GH53680 i3.2 / 1620 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
13.
 
Panasonic S15760 i3.2 / 2100 full-flex i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
14.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 i3.2 / 2330 swivel i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
15.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 i3.2 / 2100 full-flex i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
16.
 
Panasonic S52360 i3.0 / 1840 swivel i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony A9 II3686 i3.0 / 1440 tilting i 1/8000s 20.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  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
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that is present on the Leica SL2-S, but is missing on the E-M1 II 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 E-M1 II has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the Leica SL2-S does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, 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 SL2-S and the Olympus E-M1 II 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Leica SL2-S and the E-M1 II write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. However, while the Leica SL2-S supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s) on both slots, the E-M1 II supports UHS-II only on its first slot and UHS-I (data transfer speed up to 104 MB/s) on the second one.

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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II 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 SL2-Sistereo / monoiifull3.2iii
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.0iii
3.
 
Canon R3istereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
4.
 
Canon R6imono / monoiimicro3.2iii
5.
 
Leica SListereo / monoiifull3.0iii
6.
 
Leica SL2istereo / monoiifull3.1iii
7.
 
Leica SL3-Sistereo / monoiifull3.2iii
8.
 
Olympus E-M1istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIIistereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
10.
 
Olympus PEN-Fistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
11.
 
Panasonic G85istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
12.
 
Panasonic GH5istereo / monoiifull3.1iii
13.
 
Panasonic S1istereo / monoiifull3.1iii
14.
 
Panasonic S1Histereo / monoiifull3.1iii
15.
 
Panasonic S1Ristereo / monoiifull3.1iii
16.
 
Panasonic S5istereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
17.
 
Sony A9 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-M1 II (unlike the Leica SL2-S) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Leica SL2-S is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the E-M1 II has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-M1 II was succeeded by the Olympus E-M1 III. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL2-S and E-M1 II can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2-S Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M1 II Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Leica SL2-S better than the Olympus E-M1 II or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Leica SL2-S:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 20.2MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (15 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.5 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (5760k vs 2360k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.74x).
  • 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 1037k dots).
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (510 versus 440) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 2 months of technical progress since the E-M1 II launch.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (134x91mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 357g or 38 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (59 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2016).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Leica SL2-S is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 8 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.

Leica SL2-S 17:08 E-M1 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2-S and the Olympus E-M1 II 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Leica SL2-S or the E-M1 II. 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 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.

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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 SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 US$ 4 899 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R35/5o4.5/5..5/54.5/5 Sep 2021 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 US$ 2 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL3-S............ Jan 2025 US$ 5 299 amazon.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 III5/5..5/583/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 US$ 2 499ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 US$ 3 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 US$ 3 699ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 US$ 4 499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, 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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  • Sony WX800
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  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
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  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Leica SL2-S vs Olympus E-M1 II

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 Olympus E-M1 II
Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date December 2020 September 2016
Launch Price USD 4,899 USD 1,999
Sensor Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus E-M1 II
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 864 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 3.34 μm
Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
ISO Boost 50 - 100,000 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
Image Processor Maestro III TruePic VIII
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 95 80
DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.2 23.7
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.1 12.8
DXO Low Light (ISO) 3504 1312
Screen Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus E-M1 II
Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.74x
Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots 2360k 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 1037k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus E-M1 II
Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 20 shutter flaps/s 18 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations200 000 actuations
Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/32000s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
UHS card support Dual UHS-II Single UHS-II
Connectivity Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus E-M1 II
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 3.0
HDMI Port full 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
Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
Body Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus E-M1 II
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Olympus BLH-1
Battery Life (CIPA)510 shots per charge440 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)
134 x 91 x 67 mm
(5.3 x 3.6 x 2.6 in)
Camera Weight 931 g (32.8 oz) 574 g (20.2 oz)
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