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Leica SL2 vs Nikon 1 J4

The Leica SL2 and the Nikon 1 J4 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in November 2019 and April 2014. Both the Leica SL2 and the J4 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Leica SL2) and an one-inch (J4) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 46.7 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 18.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica SL2
versus
Nikon 1 J4
Leica SL2   Nikon 1 J4
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses Nikon 1 mount lenses
46.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 18.2 MP – 1" sensor
4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-50,000 ISO 160-12,800
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen no rear screen
10 shutter flaps per second 60 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
370 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 42 mm, 953 g 100 x 60 x 29 mm, 232 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL2 and the Nikon 1 J4? 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 physical size and weight of the Leica SL2 and the Nikon 1 J4 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The J4 can be obtained in four different colors (black, silver, orange, white), while the Leica SL2 is only available in black.

Size Leica SL2 vs Nikon 1 J4
Compare Leica SL2 versus J4 top
Comparison Leica SL2 or J4 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon 1 J4 is considerably smaller (62 percent) than the Leica SL2. Moreover, the J4 is substantially lighter (76 percent) than the Leica SL2. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Leica SL2 is splash and dust resistant, while the J4 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.

The power pack in the Leica SL2 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 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.

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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 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon 1 J4 100 mm 60 mm 29 mm 232 g 300 n Apr 2014 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G9 X 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 209 g 220 n Oct 2015 529ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
7.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 769 g 320 Y Mar 2024 6,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon 1 J5 98 mm 60 mm 32 mm 231 g 250 n Apr 2015 399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon 1 V2 109 mm 82 mm 46 mm 278 g 310 n Oct 2012 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3 111 mm 65 mm 33 mm 381 g 310 n Mar 2014 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The J4 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 91 percent) than the Leica SL2, 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 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 features a full frame sensor and the Nikon 1 J4 an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the J4 is 87 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL2 and Nikon 1 J4 sensor measures

With 46.7MP, the Leica SL2 offers a higher resolution than the J4 (18.2MP), but the Leica SL2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 2.52μm for the J4) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL2 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 6 months) than the J4, 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 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.8 x 27.9 inches or 106.3 x 70.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33.5 x 22.3 inches or 85 x 56.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 70.8 x 47.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon 1 J4 are 26.2 x 17.4 inches or 66.4 x 44.3 cm for good quality, 20.9 x 14 inches or 53.2 x 35.4 cm for very good quality, and 17.4 x 11.6 inches or 44.3 x 29.5 cm for excellent quality prints.

The J4 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the J4, the Leica SL2 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (187MP) 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 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000, which can be extended to ISO 50-50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon 1 J4 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800 (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 versus J4 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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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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 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
2.
 
Nikon 1 J4 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.742653
3.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
4.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
5.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
6.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
7.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
8.
 
Leica SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
9.
 
Nikon 1 J5 1-inch 20.7 5568 37124K/15p21.112.047965
10.
 
Nikon 1 V2 1-inch 14.2 4608 30721080/60p20.210.840350
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.738452
12.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
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.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
17.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
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. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Leica SL2 provides a higher video resolution than the J4. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Leica SL2 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the J4 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica SL2 and Nikon 1 J4 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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 SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon 1 J4none n3.0 / 1037 Fixed Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
5.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
8.
 
Leica SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon 1 J5none n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon 1 V21440 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 15.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
16.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/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, but is missing on the J4 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, 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 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Leica SL2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the J4 uses micro SDXC cards. The Leica SL2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the J4 only has one slot. The Leica SL2 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the J4 can use UHS-I cards.

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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 and Nikon 1 J4 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 SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Nikon 1 J4-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
5.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
6.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
7.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Leica SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon 1 J5-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Nikon 1 V2-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon 1 V3-stereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
12.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
17.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY

It is notable that the Leica SL2 has a hotshoe, while the J4 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica SL2 (unlike the J4) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Leica SL2 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the J4 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the J4 was succeeded by the Nikon 1 J5. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL2 and J4 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon 1 J4 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica SL2 and the Nikon 1 J4? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Leica SL2:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (46.7 vs 18.2MP) with a 60% higher linear resolution.
  • 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.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • 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 shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (370 versus 300) 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.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 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.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • 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 5 years and 6 months of technical progress since the J4 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon 1 J4:

  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (60 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (100x60mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 721g or 76 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • 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 April 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL2 is the clear winner of the match-up (28 : 7 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Leica SL2 28:07 J4

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2 and the Nikon 1 J4 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 partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Leica SL2 or the J4. 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 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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon 1 J43/5......4.5/54/5 Apr 2014 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G9 X3.5/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 529ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
7.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 6,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon 1 J5........4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2015 399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon 1 V23/5......4.5/54/5 Oct 2012 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon 1 V33/5....76/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2014 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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 SL2 vs Nikon 1 J4

    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 Nikon 1 J4
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Nikon 1 mount lenses
    Launch Date November 2019 April 2014
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 549
    Sensor Specs Leica SL2 Nikon 1 J4
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 46.7 Megapixels 18.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8368 x 5584 pixels 5232 x 3488 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 2.52 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2 15.71 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 160 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 50,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Maestro III EXPEED 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 53
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 20.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 10.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 426
    Screen Specs Leica SL2 Nikon 1 J4
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x
    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 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL2 Nikon 1 J4
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 60 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/40000sup to 1/16000s
    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 mSDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL2 Nikon 1 J4
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 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 Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica SL2 Nikon 1 J4
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Nikon EN-EL22
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 146 x 107 x 42 mm
    (5.7 x 4.2 x 1.7 in)
    100 x 60 x 29 mm
    (3.9 x 2.4 x 1.1 in)
    Camera Weight 953 g (33.6 oz) 232 g (8.2 oz)
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