Leica M Edition 60 vs Panasonic S3

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Leica M Edition 60 and Panasonic S3, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Leica and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the M Edition 60 (24MP) and S3 (14MP) and the M Edition 60 (Full frame) and S3 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The M Edition 60 was brought out 3 years after the S3 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Leica M Edition 60 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a brief overview of how the M Edition 60 grades versus the S3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M Edition 60 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are available at Leica M Edition 60 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Leica M Edition 60 offers outside dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 42mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.7") with a weight of 680 grams (1.50 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Leica M Edition 60 and Panasonic S3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the M Edition 60 versus the S3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M Edition 60 and S3 is 74 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading specs. The picture here might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the M Edition 60 and S3.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The M Edition 60 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Leica M Edition 60 will offer extra detail having its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern M Edition 60 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.