Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7

Below is a extended analysis of the Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Leica and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and A7 (24MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (Full frame).

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The M-Monochrom was revealed 20 months earlier than the A7 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Leica M-Monochrom being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A7 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the M-Monochrom scores versus the A7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M-Monochrom and Sony Alpha A7. The full galleries are available at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery and Sony A7 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Leica M-Monochrom enjoys physical measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sony A7 has specifications of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") having a weight of 474 grams (1.04 lbs).

See the Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the M-Monochrom versus the A7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the M-Monochrom and A7 is 78 and 78 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reviewing technical specs. The graphic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the M-Monochrom and A7.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Sony A7 to deliver more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older M-Monochrom is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.