Leica CL vs Nikon D5500

Below, we will be evaluating the Leica CL vs Nikon D5500, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Leica and Nikon. The resolution of the CL (24MP) and the D5500 (24MP) is relatively close and they use the exact same sensor measurements (APS-C).

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The CL was launched 2 years later than the D5500 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Leica CL being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Nikon D5500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the CL grades against the D5500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica CL & Nikon D5500. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica CL Gallery & Nikon D5500 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Leica CL features outer dimensions of 131mm x 78mm x 45mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 1.8") and a weight of 403 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Nikon D5500 has dimensions of 124mm x 97mm x 70mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs).

Check the Leica CL vs Nikon D5500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the CL vs the D5500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the CL and D5500 is 82 and 71 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through technical specs. The visual here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the CL and D5500.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the exact same MP and you can expect comparable quality of files though you will need to factor the age of the cameras into account. The more modern CL is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.