Leica M-Monochrom vs Panasonic GX9

Below is a complete review of the Leica M-Monochrom and Panasonic GX9, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and the GX9 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and GX9 (Four Thirds) have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The M-Monochrom was launched 6 years before the GX9 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the M-Monochrom scores against the GX9 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M-Monochrom & Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. The complete galleries are provided at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery & Panasonic GX9 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Leica M-Monochrom comes with outside dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") along with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX9 has proportions of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs).

Check out the Leica M-Monochrom and Panasonic GX9 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the M-Monochrom and the GX9.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M-Monochrom and GX9 is 78 and 82 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to visualize the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking specifications. The graphic here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the M-Monochrom and GX9.

Plainly, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The M-Monochrom featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic GX9 will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older M-Monochrom is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.