Leica M Edition 60 vs Sony NEX-5

Following is a in depth review of the Leica M Edition 60 and Sony NEX-5, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Leica and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the M Edition 60 (24MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the M Edition 60 (Full frame) and NEX-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The M Edition 60 was announced 4 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the M Edition 60 scores against the NEX-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M Edition 60 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Leica M Edition 60 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Leica M Edition 60 features outer dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 42mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.7") and a weight of 680 grams (1.50 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Leica M Edition 60 and Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the M Edition 60 versus the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the M Edition 60 and NEX-5 is 74 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing technical specs. The pic here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the M Edition 60 and NEX-5.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The M Edition 60 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Leica M Edition 60 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more recent M Edition 60 will have an advantage in sensor technology.