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Leica SL2-S vs Olympus PEN-F

The Leica SL2-S and the Olympus PEN-F are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in December 2020 and January 2016. Both the Leica SL2-S and the PEN-F are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Leica SL2-S) and a Four Thirds (PEN-F) 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 PEN-F
Leica SL2-S   Olympus PEN-F
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 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-50,000 (50 - 100,000) ISO 80-25,600
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 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
510 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 83 mm, 931 g 125 x 72 x 37 mm, 427 g
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Check Leica SL2-S price at
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Check PEN-F offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL2-S and the Olympus PEN-F? 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 PEN-F. 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The PEN-F can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Leica SL2-S is only available in black.

Size Leica SL2-S vs Olympus PEN-F
Compare Leica SL2-S versus PEN-F top
Comparison Leica SL2-S or PEN-F rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus PEN-F is considerably smaller (42 percent) than the Leica SL2-S. Moreover, the PEN-F is substantially lighter (54 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 PEN-F 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 PEN-F can take 330 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-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 table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.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.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 649ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 649ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.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 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 PEN-F was launched at a markedly lower price (by 76 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. 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 Olympus PEN-F a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the PEN-F 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 PEN-F offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica SL2-S and Olympus PEN-F sensor measures

With 24MP, the Leica SL2-S offers a higher resolution than the PEN-F (20.2MP), but the Leica SL2-S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 3.34μm for the PEN-F) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL2-S is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 10 months) than the PEN-F, 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 PEN-F 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.

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 PEN-F are ISO 80 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 PEN-F 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 review, the Leica SL2-S provides substantially higher image quality than the PEN-F, with an overall score that is 21 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.1 bits higher color depth, 1.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2 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.

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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 PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
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.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
8.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
9.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
11.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
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 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 video resolution than the PEN-F. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range 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 PEN-F (5760k vs 2360k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica SL2-S and Olympus PEN-F along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
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.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
11.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
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 PEN-F 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 PEN-F 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 PEN-F 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 PEN-F 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 PEN-F only has one slot. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s.

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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 SL2-S and Olympus PEN-F 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-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon R3Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
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 PEN-F. 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 PEN-F has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the PEN-F from Olympus. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL2-S and PEN-F can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2-S Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus PEN-F Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica SL2-S better than the Olympus PEN-F or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages 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 (21 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.1 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2 stops ISO advantage).
  • 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 detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (5760k vs 2360k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.62x).
  • 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).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (510 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • 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.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 10 months of technical progress since the PEN-F launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN-F:

  • 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 (125x72mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 504g or 54 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (76 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in January 2016).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL2-S is the clear winner of the match-up (23 : 6 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 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 SL2-S 23:06 PEN-F

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2-S and the Olympus PEN-F 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Leica SL2-S or the PEN-F perform in practice. 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 expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  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.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.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.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 649ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 649ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.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 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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Leica SL2-S vs Olympus PEN-F

    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 PEN-F
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date December 2020 January 2016
    Launch Price USD 4,895 USD 1,199
    Sensor Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus PEN-F
    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 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 80 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 100,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Maestro III TruePic VII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 95 74
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.2 23.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.1 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3504 894
    Screen Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus PEN-F
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.62x
    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 PEN-F
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 20 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/16000s
    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 Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus PEN-F
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica SL2-S Olympus PEN-F
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Olympus BLN-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)510 shots per charge330 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)
    125 x 72 x 37 mm
    (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 931 g (32.8 oz) 427 g (15.1 oz)
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