Leica M-Monochrom vs Leica SL

Below is a in-depth assessment of the Leica M-Monochrom versus Leica SL, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras and both are manufactured by Leica. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and SL (24MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (Full frame).

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The M-Monochrom was announced 4 years before the SL and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Leica M-Monochrom being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Leica SL being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the M-Monochrom matches up against the SL in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M-Monochrom & Leica SL. The whole galleries are provided at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery & Leica SL Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Leica M-Monochrom provides exterior dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Leica SL has proportions of 147mm x 104mm x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 847 grams (1.87 lbs).

Analyze the Leica M-Monochrom versus Leica SL in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the M-Monochrom vs the SL.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M-Monochrom and SL is 78 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the M-Monochrom and SL.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Leica SL to give you greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older M-Monochrom is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.