Leica M Typ 240 vs Panasonic GX850: Two Mirrorless Worlds Apart - Which Fits Your Photography Style?

When stepping into the mirrorless camera arena, it’s rare to come across two cameras as philosophically - and spec-wise - divergent as Leica’s M Typ 240 and Panasonic’s GX850. On paper, these are not rivals but rather embodiments of entirely different photographic traditions and user priorities. Yet, both offer compelling reasons to own them and will appeal to markedly different audiences.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years of professional photography gear review, I find the Leica M Typ 240 and Panasonic GX850 comparison fascinating not because they’re neck-and-neck competitors, but because they represent two ends of the mirrorless camera spectrum: the refined, tactile, no-nonsense rangefinder heritage meeting the tech-savvy, budget-friendly, versatile interchangeables.

So let's unpack their features and performance, draw honest conclusions, and offer some practical guidance on which might best serve your photography ambitions. Buckle up for a 2500-word journey with plenty of tech tidbits, real-world insights, and side-by-side contrasts.

Hands-on First Impression: Design, Size & Handling

Before we dive into sensor specs and image quality, how these cameras feel in the hand can dramatically shape your daily shooting experience.

The Leica M Typ 240 is a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless with a solid heft and reassuring build. Weighing in at 680g and measuring 139x80x42mm, it’s substantial without being bulky - a camera that feels like it was crafted for permanence, with an emphasis on tactile feedback and deliberate shooting. No touchscreen distractions here; just a fixed 3" 920k-dot TFT LCD and that distinct optical rangefinder viewfinder with 0.68x magnification.

Contrast that with the Panasonic GX850, which is petite and lightweight - only 269g and 107x65x33mm, making it far more pocket-friendly and ready to accompany you anywhere. Its design is also rangefinder-inspired but decidedly modern, with a tilting 3" 1.04M-dot touchscreen LCD. No viewfinder but it’s selfie-friendly, an apparent nod to the social media generation.

If you’re shabby with small dials, or hand sizes that crave more heft and an intuitive manual focus ring, Leica’s build exudes class and grip confidence. The GX850 is nimble and agile - fantastic for street photographers or travelers who prize lightness over lingering heft.

The top controls reveal Leica’s purist approach with minimal but precision-tuned dials, while Panasonic goes all in on accessibility and functional modes geared for various shooting scenarios.

Sensor and Image Quality: Full Frame Elegance Vs. Micro Four Thirds Practicality

The Leica M Typ 240 hosts a full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor sized 36x24mm with an antialias filter - classic territory for strong image quality, superb skin tones, and excellent dynamic range. Its DxO Mark overall score of 84 reflects that - and its color depth of 24 bits is stellar. Dynamic range (13.3 EV at base ISO) is impressive, matching or surpassing many contemporary full-frame competitors. Low-light ISO performance is respectable with a DxOMark rating of 1860 equivalent.

The Panasonic GX850’s sensor is a smaller Micro Four Thirds (17.3x13mm) 16MP CMOS without an antialias filter but sporting a high max ISO capability up to 25600. Its DxO score of 73 is solid within entry-level mirrorless rankings but cannot match the Leica’s top-tier image quality. That said, it offers an identical dynamic range of 13.3 EV at base ISO - impressive for its sensor size.

In practical terms, Leica’s full-frame sensor delivers richer files with superior tonal gradation and cleaner high-ISO performance. The nuance in skin tones when shooting portraits with the Leica is palpable - rendered with subtle warmth and depth. Landscapes receive tremendous detail and highlight retention, especially at base ISO or slightly elevated settings.

Panasonic’s smaller sensor means more depth-of-field, less natural bokeh, and noisier high-ISO images - but the 16MP resolution is sufficient for casual prints and social sharing. Its advantage lies in cropping flexibility thanks to the 2.1x focal length multiplier.

Viewing and Focusing Experience: Rangefinder Legacy Meets Modern AF Tech

The Leica M Typ 240 famously rejects autofocus in favor of manual focus through its rangefinder window, rewarding slow, intentional composition and focusing. While this manual precision focuses enthusiasts, it can feel restrictive for fast-paced shooting styles demanding autofocus.

Meanwhile, Panasonic’s GX850 ticks all autofocus boxes with 49 focus points, contrast-detection AF, face detection, continuous AF, subject tracking, and multiple AF modes including focus bracketing and focus stacking. Its autofocus excels in live view thanks to the responsive tilting touchscreen.

In real-world shooting, I found Leica’s aperture coupling and wide selection of legendary Leica M lenses special for portraits and landscapes - but you’d better know your focal distances intimately. Panasonic’s autofocus system is a revelation at its price point and size - street photographers and video shooters will love its responsiveness and ease.

Shooting Performance: Burst Rates, Buffer, and Shutter Speeds

Leica’s M Typ 240 offers a graceful but slow 3fps continuous shooting speed capped at a 1/4000s mechanical shutter max, with no electronic shutter or silent shutter modes. It’s not built for action sequences but excels in deliberate exposure control with aperture priority and manual modes. The slow burst rate confirms its focus on craft more than speed.

Panasonic’s GX850 pushes 10fps continuous shooting with electronic shutter speeds reaching a remarkable 1/16000s silent shutter for quick captures. Its mechanical shutter tops at 1/500s. The GX850’s faster burst and silent shooting permits stealthy street work and filling sports action shots with respectable response.

Lens Ecosystem: Iconic M Mount Gems Vs. The Practical Micro Four Thirds World

Leica’s M Mount boasts 59 prime lenses, many revered for their exceptional optics but often very pricey and manual-focus only. No autofocus lenses natively. The craftsmanship and compactness of M lenses are remarkable but expect to invest heavily if you want to build a system.

Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds mount opens up a broader, more affordable array with 107 lenses from multiple manufacturers. Autofocus zooms, primes, super-telephotos for wildlife, macro lenses, and cost-effective options abound. The system is known for practical versatility rather than exclusive photog jewels.

If you prioritize manual control and own Leica M glass already, the Typ 240 is a worthy digital backend. For general-purpose photography that straddles portraiture, landscape, macro, and video, Panasonic’s MFT ecosystem wins hands down.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Built to Last or Not Built for Every Environment?

Here the Leica M Typ 240 shows some environmental sealing, enhancing its durability for outdoor use and occasional light weather challenges. While it’s not waterproof or shockproof, Leica’s build quality imparts a confidence it will endure professional-level use for years.

In contrast, Panasonic’s GX850 has no weather sealing or rugged features. It’s a more vulnerable tool, designed for casual to enthusiastic hobbyists shooting predominantly in benign conditions.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity versus Compact Convenience

Leica’s battery life impresses at around 500 shots per charge, befitting a professional-grade camera designed to sustain longer outings. The single SD card slot supports standard full-size SD cards.

The Panasonic GX850 offers about 210 shots per charge - fitting for a compact entry-level mirrorless - and uses microSD cards to save space and cost. For extended travel or intense shooting sessions, the Leica’s battery endurance is a significant advantage.

Connectivity and Video: Modest Leica Video vs. Versatile Panasonic 4K

When it comes to video, Leica’s M Typ 240 trundles out Full HD 1080p at 24 or 25 fps in Motion JPEG format, with no microphone or headphone jacks, no 4K, and no wireless connectivity. Video here is more a bonus feature than a serious tool.

The Panasonic GX850 shines with robust 4K UHD recording at up to 30p, slower motion Full HD, timelapse recording, and 4K photo extraction. The built-in flash and wireless built-in connectivity (though no Bluetooth or NFC) enhance usability for casual video and hybrid shooters.

Genre-by-Genre Performance: How These Cameras Fulfill Photographer Needs

Let’s synthesize how both cameras stack up across major photography disciplines:

Side-by-Side Sample Images: Does Price Justify Pixel?

Seeing is believing, so here are comparable sample images from both cameras (shot in similar conditions), illustrating skin tone rendition, noise at high ISO, sharpness, and color fidelity.

Leica M Typ 240 screen back Panasonic GX850 front Panasonic GX850 screen back

The Leica exhibits richer tonal gradation, smoother bokeh transitions, and cleaner shadows. The Panasonic previews a sharper yet more clinical look, with visible noise creeping in at ISO 1600 and above - but perfectly acceptable for casual use or web display.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Analysis

Considering DxOMark and real-world testing metrics:

Leica M Typ 240 scores near the top tier for image quality, color depth, and dynamic range but scores zero on autofocus capabilities. Panasonic GX850 holds its own well below but brings agility and versatility that justify its category-leading performance in entry-level mirrorless.

Leica’s price tag (~$5,500) is an order of magnitude above the Panasonic (~$550), reflecting decades of Leica’s heritage, build quality, and specialized lens market. But for sheer bang-for-buck, the GX850 is a no-brainer for most enthusiasts or beginners.

Who Should Choose What?

Choose Leica M Typ 240 if you:

• Are a serious enthusiast or professional who prizes image quality and the Leica shooting experience above all else.
• Prefer a manual rangefinder style and want to build a unique, high-end lens system.
• Work in controlled environments like portraits, weddings, or landscapes where slow, thoughtful shooting thrives.
• Need weather sealing and superior build for rugged or professional use.
• Value battery endurance and classic design heft.

Choose Panasonic GX850 if you:

• Want an affordable, lightweight, and versatile mirrorless camera for general photography, travel, and social media.
• Need autofocus, 4K video, and convenient touchscreen controls.
• Prefer silent shooting and quick burst rates for street and casual action photography.
• Are exploring photography and want room to experiment with focus stacking, bracketing, and timelapse.
• Will shoot mostly in benign conditions and prioritize portability.

Final Thoughts: Not Opponents but Complements in the Photographer’s Arsenal

In my experience - and after extensive hands-on comparison - the Leica M Typ 240 and Panasonic GX850 aren't just different cameras; they embody different philosophies. One is the unhurried painter’s brush, the other the snapshot-savvy Swiss Army knife.

For photographers chasing perfection, image depth, and that incomparably tactile Leica feel, the M Typ 240 deserves reverence. But for versatile, everyday capturing, mixing stills and video, and learning on a budget, Panasonic’s GX850 is a revelation.

The best camera is the one that makes you shoot, learn, and enjoy - so ask yourself, which style sparks your creativity more?

If you want to read more camera head-to-heads, workflow tips, or reviews of lenses for these mounts, I’m here to help you pick gear that lasts a lifetime.