Leica M-Monochrom vs Olympus E-M1 II

Let's take a deeper look at the Leica M-Monochrom and Olympus E-M1 II, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Leica and Olympus. The resolution of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and the E-M1 II (20MP) is relatively well matched but the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and E-M1 II (Four Thirds) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The M-Monochrom was announced 5 years before the E-M1 II and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Leica M-Monochrom being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-M1 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the M-Monochrom scores against the E-M1 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M-Monochrom & Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. The whole galleries are provided at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery & Olympus E-M1 II Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Leica M-Monochrom has got 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) whilst the Olympus E-M1 II has dimensions of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") having a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs).

Analyze the Leica M-Monochrom and Olympus E-M1 II in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the M-Monochrom vs the E-M1 II.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the M-Monochrom and E-M1 II is 78 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the M-Monochrom and E-M1 II.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The M-Monochrom using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 II will give you more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older M-Monochrom is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.