Canon EOS R5 vs Leica SL: A Deep Dive into Two Pro Mirrorless Titans

Choosing your next pro mirrorless camera can feel daunting, especially when faced with two powerhouses like the Canon EOS R5 and the Leica SL (Typ 601). Both cameras have earned respect in the enthusiast and professional ranks but come at very different price points and target slightly different workflows. After extensive hands-on testing with both cameras in a variety of disciplines and conditions, I’m eager to walk you through a detailed, no-fluff comparison that highlights their distinct personalities, strengths, and compromises.

This article covers all you need to know: from sensor performance to autofocus, build and ergonomics to lens ecosystems, and - from my experience shooting portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and beyond - the practical impacts you’ll notice day to day. For those considering either camera, this might be the most thorough side-by-side you’ll find, peppered with insights only gained by spending weeks testing these tools in the field.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, Controls

Let’s start with the physical aspects. Size and handling can make or break your experience, especially if you often shoot handheld or travel light. The Canon R5 and Leica SL both share an SLR-style mirrorless design, but they feel quite different in hand.

The Canon R5 measures a relatively compact 138x98x88 mm and weighs 738 g (body only). It has a more compact grip and a slightly lighter feel. Leica’s SL, comparatively, is larger at 147x104x39 mm with considerable heft - 847 g - and a chunkier presence. The SL’s body feels very sturdy and robust, though less pocketable or discreet. If you’re someone who values something relatively lightweight yet comfortable to hold for long sessions, the R5 nudges ahead here.

Moving to the top plate design and button layout:

Canon continues its evolution of intuitive, functional controls that prioritize quick access to exposure settings and AF modes. The R5’s buttons feel precise and solid, with a dedicated joystick for AF point selection. The Leica SL opts for minimalist controls, with a cleaner but less button-dense approach - good if you prefer fewer distractions, but sometimes slower to change settings on the fly.

In personal shooting sessions, especially fast-paced ones like events or wildlife, I much preferred Canon’s slightly more extensive control set. Leica’s elegance is appealing but sometimes requires more menu diving.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixels, Resolution, and Dynamic Range

Sensor tech is the beating heart of any camera. Both offer full-frame CMOS sensors, but with significantly different resolutions and characteristics.

The Canon EOS R5 boasts a 45MP CMOS sensor (8192x5464), with an anti-aliasing filter to balance sharpness and moiré control. Meanwhile, the Leica SL sports a 24MP sensor (6000x4000) without an AA filter, leaning more towards high acuity and micro-detail.

From my testing under controlled conditions and in the field, Canon’s 45MP sensor delivers exceptional detail, great for large prints, commercial portrait, and landscape work where pixel-level resolution counts. Its dynamic range is impressive, though not quite at the highest levels Sony sensors push - but easily sufficient for most pro use. The higher native ISO range (up to 51200 with expansion to 102400) lets you push in challenging low-light scenarios with relatively clean results.

The Leica SL, despite lower resolution, offers superb color depth and pleasing tonal rendition - a hallmark of Leica sensors and processing. Dynamic range impressed me with strong highlight retention and natural roll-off in shadows. High ISO performance was surprisingly good, thanks in part to the no-AA filter design, which keeps textures detailed even when pushing ISO.

Summed up: for sheer resolution and raw image flexibility, the Canon R5 leans in hard. For rich tonality and characterful imagery, the Leica SL still sings.

Viewing and User Interface: Screens and EVFs

Shooting experience depends heavily on viewfinder and screen quality. The R5 sports a 3.2" fully articulated touchscreen LCD with a high 2.1 million dot resolution, great for hot-shoe mounted accessories or shooting from awkward angles. The Leica SL has a more standard 3.0” fixed LCD at about half the resolution (1.04 million dots), which feels a tad dated today.

Both cameras use electronic viewfinders (EVFs), but here Canon again pushes the envelope: the R5’s EVF resolution is a mind-boggling 5.76M dots with 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification. The Leica SL’s EVF, while excellent and bright, maxes out at 4.4M dots, also offering 100% coverage but slightly higher magnification at 0.8x.

In real-world use, the R5’s EVF feels more detailed and crisper, easing manual focusing and review in bright environments. Leica's is very good, just less sharp compared to Canon’s cutting-edge EVF technology.

Touch responsiveness is present on both, but the R5’s articulating screen opens more creative framing possibilities while shooting video or macro.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking and Burst Performance

Neither you nor I want to be stuck with a camera that misses critical focus moments, especially in action or wildlife shooting. Both have continuous autofocus, face detection, eye detection, and tracking, but implementation and speed are quite different.

The Canon EOS R5 impresses profoundly here, with a hybrid autofocus system boasting 1053 focus points using phase detection and contrast detection. Eye and animal eye AF tracking is seamless and reliable, performing wonderfully with birds in flight or fast portraiture. Continuous shooting clocks in at 12 fps mechanical shutter speeds, which is excellent for sports and wildlife.

The Leica SL, with contrast-detection autofocus and 49 focus points, feels slower and less precise in comparison. Burst speed is 11 fps mechanically, which is respectable but we note slightly more lag in buffer clearing and focus tracking during sequences.

Personally, I depend on fast, consistently accurate autofocus for most of my work, especially when working with unpredictable subjects - here Canon’s R5 clearly holds the advantage.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both cameras are built for professionals, but their bodies have different design philosophies.

Canon’s R5 uses magnesium alloy with extensive weather sealing, dust resistance, and some splash protection (though not fully waterproof). The Leica SL likewise boasts a solid magnesium alloy frame with full weather sealing, a slightly heavier build that conveys rugged reliability.

Neither camera is shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof out-of-the-box, so extreme conditions still require extra care. The R5’s slightly lighter weight means carrying less fatigue on prolonged shoots, but Leica’s heft offers an impressive feeling of solidity.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens selection can make or break your system choice, and here the terrain is interesting.

The Canon R5 leverages the Canon RF mount, relatively new but growing fast with 17 native lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, with some spectacular optics like the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. Additionally, Canon offers full compatibility with its massive EF lens lineup via adapters with no loss in performance, making it versatile for various photography genres.

Leica’s SL mount incorporates L-mount lenses, which benefit from a collaborative alliance with Panasonic and Sigma. There are over 30 native lenses, many crafted with Leica’s famed optical standards - resulting in stunning image quality but at premium prices. Third-party lens options are fewer but growing.

If you already own Canon glass or want a wide selection spanning budget to pro-level, the R5’s ecosystem is a major plus. Leica’s ecosystem is for those who value craftsmanship and brand prestige, accepting higher costs.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

On paper, the Leica SL holds the edge on battery life at 400 shots per charge vs Canon R5’s 320. In field testing with both using similar shooting modes, the difference roughly holds up - but if you rely heavily on burst mode or video, plan for spares regardless.

Both cameras offer dual card slots, but different formats: Canon uses one fast CFexpress and a UHS-II SD slot, enabling high write speeds essential for 8K video. Leica uses dual SD cards, with UHS-II on the primary slot.

Wireless connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on Canon’s R5, facilitating rapid image transfers and remote control via Canon’s app. Leica features Wi-Fi as well but lacks Bluetooth, limiting some modern convenience features.

Video Capabilities: Resolutions and Formats

Videographers, pay attention: Canon’s R5 is a video powerhouse. It supports up to 8K 30p raw video, 4K up to 120p, and records in versatile MPEG-4, H.264, and H.265 formats. In-body 5-axis sensor stabilization results in smooth handheld clips. There are also mic/headphone jacks for professional audio workflows.

Leica SL is competent but less advanced on the video front - offering up to 4K 30p, with no 8K, no 4K 60p, and no in-body stabilization. It records only in MPEG-4, which is simpler but less flexible for post-production.

If video is a significant part of your workflow (documentary, weddings, hybrid shooting), the R5 stands head and shoulders above.

How They Perform Across Photography Disciplines

Bringing all these specs and impressions together, let’s look at how each camera fares in specific photography genres based on rigorous field testing.

Canon R5 front Canon R5 screen back Leica SL front Leica SL screen back

Portrait Photography

I tested both for skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and eye detection AF.

• Canon R5: Its 45MP sensor excels at capturing skin details with ultra-fine texture and creamy bokeh, especially combined with RF 85mm f/1.2 or 70-200mm lenses. Eye AF tracks flawlessly in group shots or moving subjects.
• Leica SL: Delivers smooth tonal gradation with a pleasing filmic quality. Its 24MP resolution is sufficient; however, autofocus is not as quick or reliable in catching eye movement. Leica lenses produce dreamlike background separation but at a high price.

Landscape Photography

• Canon R5: High-res sensor provides excellent resolution for large prints and cropping flexibility. Dynamic range is wide enough to preserve shadows and highlights in challenging light. Weather sealing offers confidence shooting outdoors in varied conditions.
• Leica SL: The sensor’s superior color depth and lack of AA filter provide stunning detail and subtle gradation. The L-mount lenses, particularly wide angles like the 21mm f/1.4, are superb. Very solid build backs up outdoor use, though heavier weight may tax on hikes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Canon R5: Superior autofocus speed, animal eye AF, and 12 fps burst make it ideal for fast action. The RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 offers reach and sharpness.
• Leica SL: Autofocus lags behind and burst speed, while good, is less suited for rapid sequences. Less ideal for serious wildlife or sports shooters.

Street and Travel Photography

• Canon R5: Compact, lighter, and with a silent electronic shutter, it’s easier to shoot discreetly. Articulating screen is handy for spontaneous angles.
• Leica SL: Larger and heavier, making it less discreet, but the minimalist controls are a draw for some. No silent shutter mode is a mild drawback.

Macro and Close-Up

Neither camera specializes in macro, but optical capabilities depend on lens choice. The articulated screen on the Canon makes close-up compositions easier.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon R5: High ISO capability, low noise, and in-camera stabilization shine.
• Leica SL: Performs well, but higher noise at ISO 6400 and above limits long-exposure noise control.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

• Canon R5: Supports all common file formats, offers fast tethering and compatibility with modern workflows. Dual card types for redundancy.
• Leica SL: Excellent DNG RAW files prized for color fidelity but proprietary ecosystem and higher price can be limiting.

Summing Up the Strengths and Weaknesses

Which Camera Suits Your Photography Style?

Let's break down recommendations based on genre and use case:

• Portraits and studio work: Canon R5 for resolution and autofocus speed; Leica SL for a more characterful, classic rendering if you can afford it.
• Landscape and fine art: Leica SL for color depth and lens quality; Canon R5 if you want more pixels and video capability.
• Wildlife and sports: Canon R5 is the clear leader with faster AF and burst shooting.
• Street and travel: Canon R5’s portability and silent shutter win. Leica suits those wanting a statement piece and slower, deliberate shooting.
• Video production: Canon R5 is a more versatile tool for hybrid shooters.
• Professional workflow: Canon’s ecosystem and compatibility edge out Leica for most working pros.

Final Thoughts

Having lived with both cameras extensively, I find the Canon EOS R5 offers a remarkably well-rounded package that advances the mirrorless game combining high resolution, state-of-the-art autofocus, video excellence, and excellent ergonomics. In contrast, the Leica SL delivers an exquisite, no-compromise imaging experience steeped in the brand’s heritage and optical magic but demands a much higher investment and willingness to accept slower operation and lower resolution.

If your budget allows and you cherish Leica’s design philosophy with classic color science, it’s a beautiful tool that inspires. If you want no-compromise performance and versatility at a more accessible price, the Canon R5 will give you more bang for your buck.

Ultimately, your choice comes down to what you prioritize - speed and innovation or elegance and tradition.

Happy shooting, whichever you choose! If you want more in-depth sample galleries or video breakdowns, check my linked reviews for each camera.

Article Images:

1. Size and ergonomics comparison:
2. Top view controls:
3. Sensor specs:
4. LCD screens:
5. Sample photos gallery:
   Canon R5 front Canon R5 screen back Leica SL front Leica SL screen back
6. Overall ratings:
7. Genre-specific scores: