Leica M-Monochrom vs Samsung NX1

Let's take a closer look at the Leica M-Monochrom and Samsung NX1, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Leica and Samsung. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and NX1 (28MP) and the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and NX1 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The M-Monochrom was manufactured 3 years earlier than the NX1 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Leica M-Monochrom being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the M-Monochrom scores versus the NX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M-Monochrom & Samsung NX1. The entire galleries are provided at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery & Samsung NX1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica M-Monochrom enjoys outer dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX1 has measurements of 139mm x 102mm x 66mm (5.5" x 4.0" x 2.6") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Leica M-Monochrom and Samsung NX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the M-Monochrom versus the NX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the M-Monochrom and NX1 is 78 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading specifications. The image below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M-Monochrom and NX1.

To sum up, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The M-Monochrom featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Samsung NX1 will offer more detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics more aggressively. The more aged M-Monochrom is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.