Canon 1D MIII vs Leica S2

In this article, we are contrasting the Canon 1D MIII and Leica S2, both Pro DSLR cameras by rivals Canon and Leica. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the 1D MIII (10MP) and S2 (38MP) and the 1D MIII (APS-H) and S2 (Medium format) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1D MIII was brought out 19 months earlier than the S2 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Large SLR).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the 1D MIII grades against the S2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon EOS-1D Mark III & Leica S2. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon 1D MIII Gallery & Leica S2 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon 1D MIII provides exterior measurements of 156mm x 157mm x 80mm (6.1" x 6.2" x 3.1") and a weight of 1335 grams (2.94 lbs) and the Leica S2 has dimensions of 160mm x 120mm x 81mm (6.3" x 4.7" x 3.2") with a weight of 1410 grams (3.11 lbs).

Analyze the Canon 1D MIII and Leica S2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the 1D MIII versus the S2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1D MIII and S2 is 51 and 52 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through specifications. The visual underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1D MIII and S2.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1D MIII because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Leica S2 will render more detail having its extra 28MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The older 1D MIII will be behind in sensor technology.