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Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV

Portability
78
Imaging
65
Features
23
Overall
48
Leica M-Monochrom front
 
Sony Alpha A7 IV front
Portability
61
Imaging
81
Features
92
Overall
85

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV Key Specs

Leica M-Monochrom
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 160 - 10000
  • No Video
  • Leica M Mount
  • 600g - 139 x 80 x 37mm
  • Introduced May 2012
Sony A7 IV
(Full Review)
  • 33MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Raise to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 699g - 129 x 97 x 81mm
  • Announced October 2021
  • Succeeded the Sony A7 III
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Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV Overview

Let's look a little more in depth at the Leica M-Monochrom and Sony A7 IV, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by brands Leica and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and A7 IV (33MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizes (Full frame).

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The M-Monochrom was launched 10 years earlier than the A7 IV which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Leica M-Monochrom being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A7 IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the M-Monochrom grades versus the A7 IV when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica M-Monochrom over the Sony A7 IV

 M-Monochrom A7 IV 

Reasons to pick Sony A7 IV over the Leica M-Monochrom

 A7 IV M-Monochrom 
AnnouncedOctober 2021May 2012Newer by 115 months
Display typeFully articulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display dimension3"2.5"Larger display (+0.5")
Display resolution1440k230kCrisper display (+1210k dot)
Selfie screen Easy selfies
Touch display Easily navigate

Common features in the Leica M-Monochrom and Sony A7 IV

 M-Monochrom A7 IV 
Manual focus Very exact focusing

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV Physical Comparison

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Leica M-Monochrom features exterior measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sony A7 IV has specifications of 129mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 699 grams (1.54 lbs).

Look at the Leica M-Monochrom and Sony A7 IV in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the M-Monochrom versus the A7 IV.

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV size comparison

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the M-Monochrom and A7 IV is 78 and 61 respectively.

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV top view buttons comparison

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV Sensor Comparison

Usually, it is very hard to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions purely by looking through specifications. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the M-Monochrom and A7 IV.

To sum up, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Sony A7 IV to result in extra detail utilizing its extra 15MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged M-Monochrom will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV sensor size comparison

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV Screen and ViewFinder

Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Leica M-Monochrom
Portrait photography with Sony A7 IV
71
you can focus manually
good resolution (18MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW files
does not have liveview
81
you can focus manually
fantastic megapixels (33MP)
great sensor size (Full frame)
has face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
does not have liveview
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Leica M-Monochrom
Street photography with Sony A7 IV
65
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW files
no articulating screen
does not have image stabilization
79
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
great sensor size (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
includes touch to focus
weather sealing
good high ISO (51,200)
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Sports Comparison

Leica M-Monochrom Sports photography details
Sony A7 IV Sports photography details
45
good resolution (18MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
does not have liveview
low fps (2.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
not so great battery (350 shots)
lacks phase detect AF
84
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
fantastic megapixels (33MP)
great sensor size (Full frame)
has tracking autofocus
weather sealing
good battery pack (600 per charge)
has phase detect autofocus
does not have liveview
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Leica M-Monochrom
Travel photography with Sony A7 IV
54
good resolution (18 megapixels)
no Time Lapse mode
not so great battery (350 per charge)
display isn't selfie friendly
80
good battery pack (600 per charge)
weather sealing
connects via bluetooth
includes touch to focus
fantastic megapixels (33MP)
selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Leica M-Monochrom Landscape photography details
Sony A7 IV Landscape photography details
58
you can focus manually
interchangeable lenses (Leica M mount)
good resolution (18MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
saves RAW files
small screen (2.5")
does not have liveview
does not have image stabilization
not so great battery (350 per charge)
no Time Lapse mode
84
you can focus manually
swap lenses (Sony E mount)
decent sized screen (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
fantastic megapixels (33 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
good high ISO (51,200)
supports RAW formats
weather sealing
good battery pack (600 per charge)
has dual storage slots
does not have liveview
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica M-Monochrom as a Vlogging camera
Sony A7 IV as a Vlogging camera
9
no video recording
80
selfie friendly screen
has touchscreen
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
has face detection autofocus
high video quality (3840 x 2160 resolution)
has external mic jack
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Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony A7 IV Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica M-Monochrom and Sony A7 IV
 Leica M-MonochromSony Alpha A7 IV
General Information
Manufacturer Leica Sony
Model type Leica M-Monochrom Sony Alpha A7 IV
Type Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Introduced 2012-05-10 2021-10-21
Body design Rangefinder-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor dimensions 36 x 24mm 35.8 x 23.8mm
Sensor surface area 864.0mm² 852.0mm²
Sensor resolution 18 megapixels 33 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 5212 x 3472 7008 x 4672
Maximum native ISO 10000 51200
Maximum enhanced ISO - 204800
Minimum native ISO 160 100
RAW images
Minimum enhanced ISO - 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points - 759
Lens
Lens support Leica M Sony E
Number of lenses 59 172
Crop factor 1 1
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fully articulated
Screen sizing 2.5 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 230 thousand dot 1,440 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology TFT color LCD with a sapphire glass LCD cover -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (rangefinder) Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 3,690 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.68x 0.78x
Features
Min shutter speed 32 secs 30 secs
Max shutter speed 1/4000 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shutter speed 2.0fps 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash modes Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync no built-in flash
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Max flash sync 1/180 secs 1/200 secs
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions - 3843840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 140 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 140 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 600 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 500 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 300 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 250 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 240 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p /
Maximum video resolution None 3840x2160
Video file format - MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) Yes (USB PD supported)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 600 gr (1.32 pounds) 699 gr (1.54 pounds)
Dimensions 139 x 80 x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") 129 x 97 x 81mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.2")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 350 images 600 images
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - NP-FZ100
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC card Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots
Storage slots One 2
Price at release $7,950 $2,500