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Leica SL2 vs Sony A6500

The Leica SL2 and the Sony Alpha A6500 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2019 and October 2016. Both the Leica SL2 and the A6500 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Leica SL2) and an APS-C (A6500) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 46.7 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 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
Sony A6500
Leica SL2   Sony A6500
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
46.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-50,000 ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
370 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 42 mm, 953 g 120 x 67 x 53 mm, 453 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL2 and the Sony Alpha A6500? 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 and the Sony A6500. 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 vs Sony A6500
Compare Leica SL2 versus A6500 top
Comparison Leica SL2 or A6500 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A6500 is considerably smaller (49 percent) than the Leica SL2. Moreover, the A6500 is substantially lighter (52 percent) than the Leica SL2. 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 gets 370 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL4 battery, while the A6500 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image 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.
 
Sony A6500 120 mm 67 mm 53 mm 453 g 350 Y Oct 2016 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Leica SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 769 g 320 Y Mar 2024 6,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.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.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A6700 122 mm 69 mm 64 mm 493 g 570 Y Jul 2023 1,399 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A6600 120 mm 67 mm 69 mm 503 g 810 Y Aug 2019 1,399 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A6300 120 mm 67 mm 49 mm 404 g 400 Y Feb 2016 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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 A6500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 77 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL2 features a full frame sensor and the Sony A6500 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the A6500 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 and Sony A6500 sensor measures

With 46.7MP, the Leica SL2 offers a higher resolution than the A6500 (24MP), but the Leica SL2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 3.91μm for the A6500) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL2 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 1 month) than the A6500, 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 the Leica SL2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its 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 Sony A6500 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A6500 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the A6500, 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 Sony Alpha A6500 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

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 A6500 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). 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
# image 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.
 
Sony A6500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.513.7140585
3.
 
Leica SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
4.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
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.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
8.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
9.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
10.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
11.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
13.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
14.
 
Sony A6700 APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/120p24.314.0232986
15.
 
Sony A6600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.813.4149782
16.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
17.
 
Sony A6300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.413.7143785
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. 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 frame rate than the A6500. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Sony is limited to 4K/30p.

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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 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the A6500 (5760k vs 2359k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica SL2, the Sony A6500, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Sony A65002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Leica SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
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.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A67002360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A66002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A63002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the Leica SL2, but is missing on the A6500 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 A6500 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The Leica SL2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A6500 only has one slot. The Leica SL2 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the A6500 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 Sony Alpha A6500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image 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.
 
Sony A6500Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Leica SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
6.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
12.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
14.
 
Sony A6700Ystereo / monoYYYES3.2YYY
15.
 
Sony A6600Ystereo / monoYYYES2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
17.
 
Sony A6300Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the Leica SL2 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the A6500 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica SL2 (unlike the A6500) 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 A6500 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A6500 was succeeded by the Sony A6600. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL2 and A6500 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A6500 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica SL2 better than the Sony A6500 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica SL2:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (46.7 vs 24MP) with a 40% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • 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 movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (5760k vs 2359k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x).
  • 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 922k 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.
  • 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 3 years and 1 month of technical progress since the A6500 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A6500:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • More compact: Is smaller (120x67mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 500g or 52 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (77 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2016).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL2 is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional 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 24:09 A6500

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2 and the Sony A6500 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 or the A6500. 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 expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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
# image  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.
 
Sony A65005/5+ +3.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2016 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Leica SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 6,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.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.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A67004.5/5+4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2023 1,399 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A66004/5+4/583/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2019 1,399 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A63004.5/5+..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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 use the search menu 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 Sony A6500

    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 Sony A6500
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date November 2019 October 2016
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 1,399
    Sensor Specs Leica SL2 Sony A6500
    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 46.7 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8368 x 5584 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 50,000 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro III BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 85
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 24.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 13.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1405
    Screen Specs Leica SL2 Sony A6500
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots 2359k 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 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL2 Sony A6500
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/40000sYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or 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 Sony A6500
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica SL2 Sony A6500
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 146 x 107 x 42 mm
    (5.7 x 4.2 x 1.7 in)
    120 x 67 x 53 mm
    (4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1 in)
    Camera Weight 953 g (33.6 oz) 453 g (16.0 oz)
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