A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Leica T vs Nikon L840

The Leica T (Typ 701) and the Nikon Coolpix L840 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in April 2014 and February 2015. The T Typ 701 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the L840 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (T Typ 701) and a 1/2.3-inch (L840) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 15.9 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica T
versus
Nikon L840
Leica T   Nikon L840
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Leica T mount lenses 22.5-855mm f/3.0-6.5
16.2 MP – APS-C sensor 15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 100-6,400
Viewfinder optional No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.7" LCD – 1230k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
5 shutter flaps per second 7.4 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge590 shots per battery charge
134 x 69 x 33 mm, 384 g 113 x 78 x 96 mm, 538 g
logo
Check T Typ 701 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check L840 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica T (Typ 701) and the Nikon Coolpix L840? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica T and the Nikon L840 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. 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 T Typ 701 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the L840 is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, red).

Size Leica T vs Nikon L840
Compare T Typ 701 versus L840 top
Comparison T Typ 701 or L840 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon L840 is somewhat smaller (5 percent) than the Leica T. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the T Typ 701 nor the L840 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the L840 has a lens built in, whereas the T Typ 701 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

The power pack in the T Typ 701 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.

scroll hint
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 T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon L840 113 mm 78 mm 96 mm 538 g 590 n Feb 2015 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX530 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 442 g 210 n Jan 2015 429ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX60 128 mm 93 mm 114 mm 650 g 340 n Sep 2014 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 n Mar 2013 549ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 350 g 410 n Jan 2015 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 381 g 350 n May 2015 799ebay.com
8.
 
Leica CL 131 mm 78 mm 45 mm 403 g 220 n Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
9.
 
Leica TL2 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 399 g 250 n Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
10.
 
Leica TL 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon B600 122 mm 82 mm 99 mm 500 g 280 n Jan 2019 349ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon B500 114 mm 78 mm 95 mm 541 g 600 n Jan 2016 299ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon P900 140 mm 103 mm 137 mm 899 g 360 n Mar 2015 599ebay.com
16.
 
Ricoh GR II 117 mm 63 mm 35 mm 251 g 320 n Jun 2015 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A6000 120 mm 67 mm 45 mm 344 g 360 n Feb 2014 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The L840 was launched at a lower price than the T Typ 701, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

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. 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 T features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon L840 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the L840 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 5.6. The sensor in the T Typ 701 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the L840 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica T and Nikon L840 sensor measures

With 16.2MP, the T Typ 701 offers a slightly higher resolution than the L840 (15.9MP), but the T Typ 701 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.79μm versus 1.33μm for the L840) due to its larger sensor. However, the L840 is a somewhat more recent model (by 9 months) than the T Typ 701, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that 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 Leica T (Typ 701) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Coolpix L840 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (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.

T Typ 701 versus L840 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.

scroll hint
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 T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
2.
 
Nikon L840 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.211.672147
3.
 
Canon SX530 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.211.671247
4.
 
Canon SX60 1/2.3 14.2 4608 30721080/60p19.210.812739
5.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A2 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/30p23.612.8151579
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T10 APS-C 16.0 4896 32641080/60p23.712.9154679
8.
 
Leica CL APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p24.013.3178882
9.
 
Leica TL2 APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p23.913.3175382
10.
 
Leica TL APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.913.2169081
11.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
12.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
13.
 
Nikon B600 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.712.2109552
14.
 
Nikon B500 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.311.781048
15.
 
Nikon P900 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.211.672747
16.
 
Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880
17.
 
Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.1134782
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the L840 provides a faster frame rate than the T Typ 701. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Leica is limited to 1080/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The T Typ 701 and the L840 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the T Typ 701 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the Visoflex (Typ 020). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica T and Nikon L840 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
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 Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Nikon L840none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX530none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX60922 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 6.4/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SL1optical n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.9/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A2none n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.6/s Y n
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T102360 n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
8.
 
Leica CL2360 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica TL2optional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
10.
 
Leica TLoptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
12.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon B600none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
14.
 
Nikon B500none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
15.
 
Nikon P900921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Ricoh GR IIoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
17.
 
Sony A60001440 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.
padding

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The T Typ 701 has a touchscreen, while the L840 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the T Typ 701 and the L840 write their files to SDXC cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica T (Typ 701) and Nikon Coolpix L840 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
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 TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
2.
 
Nikon L840-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon SX530-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon SX60Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon SL1Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T10Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Leica CLYstereo / mono----Y--
9.
 
Leica TL2Ystereo / mono--micro3.0Y--
10.
 
Leica TLYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon B600-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
14.
 
Nikon B500-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
15.
 
Nikon P900-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Ricoh GR IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
padding

It is notable that the T Typ 701 has a hotshoe, while the L840 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Both the T Typ 701 and the L840 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The T Typ 701 was replaced by the Leica TL, while the L840 was followed by the Nikon B500. Further information on the features and operation of the T Typ 701 and L840 can be found, respectively, in the Leica T Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon L840 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica T and the Nikon L840? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Leica T (Typ 701):

  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.7" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 921k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2014).

ilogo

Advantages of the Nikon Coolpix L840:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7.4 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the T Typ 701 necessitates an extra lens.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (590 versus 400) out of a single battery charge.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (9 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the T Typ 701 is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional 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.

T Typ 701 13:09 L840

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica T and the Nikon L840 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the T Typ 701 and the L840 in practical situations. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon L840..+ +....3.5/54/5 Feb 2015 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX530..+ +....4/54/5 Jan 2015 429ebay.com
4.
 
Canon SX603/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 549ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-A24/5......4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 399ebay.com
7.
 
Fujifilm X-T104.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 May 2015 799ebay.com
8.
 
Leica CL....4.2/5....4/5 Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
9.
 
Leica TL23.5/5..3/5..4/54/5 Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
10.
 
Leica TL..........4/5 Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
12.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon B600..+....3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 349ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon B500..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon P900......77/1004/54/5 Mar 2015 599ebay.com
16.
 
Ricoh GR II........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A60005/5+4.5/580/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2014 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

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. 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, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

logo
Check T Typ 701 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check L840 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just 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.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Leica T vs Nikon L840

    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 T Nikon L840
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Leica T mount lenses 22.5-855mm f/3.0-6.5
    Launch Date April 2014 February 2015
    Launch Price USD 1,850 USD 299
    Sensor Specs Leica T Nikon L840
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4944 x 3278 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.79 μm 1.33 μm
    Pixel Density 4.37 MP/cm2 56.73 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 75 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.0 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.7 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1082 ..
    Screen Specs Leica T Nikon L840
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1230k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica T Nikon L840
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 7.4 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Leica T Nikon L840
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Leica T Nikon L840
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC13 Nikon 4xAA
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge590 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 134 x 69 x 33 mm
    (5.3 x 2.7 x 1.3 in)
    113 x 78 x 96 mm
    (4.4 x 3.1 x 3.8 in)
    Camera Weight 384 g (13.5 oz) 538 g (19.0 oz)
    logo
    Check T Typ 701 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check L840 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Leica T vs Nikon L840