Leica M-Monochrom vs Panasonic GM1

On this page, we will be contrasting the Leica M-Monochrom and Panasonic GM1, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Leica and Panasonic. The image resolution of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and the GM1 (16MP) is pretty close but the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and GM1 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The M-Monochrom was announced 19 months prior to the GM1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a quick view of how the M-Monochrom scores versus the GM1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M-Monochrom & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The whole galleries are provided at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery & Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Leica M-Monochrom comes with outside measurements 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 Panasonic GM1 has specifications of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Leica M-Monochrom and Panasonic GM1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the M-Monochrom versus the GM1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M-Monochrom and GM1 is 78 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the M-Monochrom and GM1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The M-Monochrom using its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Leica M-Monochrom will render greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older M-Monochrom will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.