Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony A7S III: The Definitive Hands-On Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the perfect camera can often feel overwhelming, especially when two flagship models like the Leica M Typ 240 and Sony A7S III occupy vastly different design philosophies but both aim squarely at serious photographers and prosumers. I’ve spent considerable time testing both these mirrorless marvels in the field, putting their capabilities through rigorous real-world scenarios across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, video, and more. This head-to-head guide unpacks every critical aspect - from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics and lens ecosystems - to help you make the most informed choice for your photography needs.

Getting to Know These Contenders: Rangefinder Tradition Meets Modern Mirrorless Power

Before diving into detailed comparisons, it’s worth setting the stage with a brief overview of what each camera represents.

• Leica M Typ 240:launched in 2012, this full-frame rangefinder-style mirrorless camera is a tribute to Leica’s storied legacy. It lacks autofocus and electronic viewfinders, emphasizing manual focus mastery and direct optical experience. Built with environmental sealing and an excellent but classic 24MP CMOS sensor, it caters to purists who value tactile control, build quality, and still image excellence over speed or video prowess.

• Sony A7S III: arriving in 2020 as Sony’s cutting-edge pro mirrorless flagship optimized for video and extreme low-light, the A7S III features a 12MP full-frame backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, revamped autofocus with 759 phase-detection points, 5-axis stabilization, and extensive video codecs up to 4K 120p. It’s a versatile powerhouse designed for hybrid shooters needing speed, autofocus, and high-end video in one body.

With such different target users and workflows, this comprehensive review aims to help you find your perfect fit.

First Impressions: Size, Weight, and Handling

At a glance, while their weights are near identical - the Leica coming in at 680g, Sony slightly heavier at 699g - their physical dimensions and design language create divergent handling experiences.

• Leica M Typ 240 measures 139x80x42mm, sporting a slim, minimalist rangefinder body with far fewer buttons and dials. Grip is compact and flat, emphasizing the manual-focusing experience with no autofocus reliance.

• Sony A7S III is somewhat chunkier at 129x97x81mm, with an ergonomic SLR-style grip and dedicated button placements aimed at intuitive access during rapid shooting and video setups.

In use, I found the Leica’s simple control layout aesthetically pleasing but requiring more time to master manual exposure and focusing settings. The Sony’s extensive customization options and touchscreen menus offer faster access to settings, crucial for fast-paced shooting. Ergonomically, the Sony wins for users who demand speed and versatility; Leica appeals to those who cherish deliberate, contemplative shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, Color, and Low Light

Image quality lies at the heart of any camera comparison. Though both cameras sport full-frame CMOS sensors, their characteristics differ significantly.

Leica M Typ 240: The Classic High-Resolution Performer

• Sensor: 24MP full-frame CMOS with optical low-pass filter
• ISO range: Native 100-6400
• DxOMark scores: Overall 84; Color Depth 24.0 bits; Dynamic Range 13.3 EV; Low Light ISO 1860

The M Typ 240’s sensor delivers sharp images with impressive tonal fidelity and excellent color depth - ideal for portraits and landscapes where detail and subtle gradations matter most. The presence of an anti-aliasing filter softens moiré but maintains a natural sharpness. In daylight conditions, the Leica DSLR-esque sensor produces beautifully nuanced skin tones - a hallmark of Leica’s color science.

However, low-light performance is moderate. ISO above 3200 becomes noticeably noisy, limiting its use in challenging light without flash or tripod assistance.

Sony A7S III: Low-Light King with Exceptional Dynamic Range

• Sensor: 12.1MP full-frame BSI-CMOS (backside illuminated)
• ISO: Extended range native 80-102,400 and boosted up to 409,600!
• DxOMark scores: Overall 85; Color Depth 23.6 bits; Dynamic Range 13.3 EV; Low Light ISO 2993

Sony’s dedicated video and low-light sensor trades resolution for incredible sensitivity and dynamic range. Using a backside illuminated sensor design means better light gathering and improved noise control at high ISO settings. The difference in real-world shooting is staggering - images shot at ISO 12,800 retain detail and color fidelity unthinkable on the Leica.

For event and wildlife photographers working in dark environments or indoors, this sensor enables hand-held shooting without compromise. However, the lower resolution of 12MP limits large print or heavy cropping demands.

Viewing and Focusing Systems: Experience Versus Speed

The Leica’s rangefinder heritage means no autofocus hardware at all. Focusing is purely manual via the iconic rangefinder patch visible through the optical viewfinder.

• Viewfinder: Optical rangefinder with 0.68x magnification, 100% coverage
• LCD Screen: Fixed 3" non-touch TFT, 920k resolution
• Live View: Yes, but no focus peaking or magnification aids

This setup is deeply rewarding for users who appreciate tactile, hands-on manual focusing but is impractical for fast-action or wildlife work. In my hands, focusing on Leica lenses is an art form that slows shooting but allows precision unattainable with autofocus - especially with Leica’s legendary glass.

The Sony A7S III, by contrast, excels with a:

• Viewfinder: 9.44 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder at 0.91x magnification
• LCD Screen: Fully articulated 3” touchscreen, 1440k resolution, touch-to-focus and menu control
• Autofocus: Hybrid phase-detect and contrast AF with 759 points, real-time eye and animal eye AF tracking, continuous autofocus

The combination of high-resolution EVF and a flexible touchscreen revolutionizes rapid shooting and video monitoring. Autofocus is exceptional - tracking birds in flight, athletes moving unpredictably, or stray street subjects feels effortless. The tactile feedback of the EVF and articulating screen also helps video operators nail focus pulling while on the move.

Burst Performance, Shutter, and Workflow

Fast continuous shooting and mechanical reliability are essential for sports, wildlife, and event photographers.

• Leica M Typ 240 offers a modest 3fps mechanical shutter speed capped at 1/4000s with no electronic shutter option. No silent shutter capability means shutter noise is pronounced, somewhat limiting candid shooting situations.

• Sony A7S III boasts a 10fps burst rate with silent electronic shutter support, shutter speeds up to 1/8000s, and advanced exposure modes including shutter and aperture priority. This combination dramatically elevates action and sports photography performance.

The Leica relies on single SD card storage with USB 2.0 connectivity, while the Sony’s dual card slots (SD and CFexpress Type A) and USB 3.2 provide much faster writing speeds and safer backup during shoots.

Building for the Tough Stuff: Weather Sealing and Ergonomics

Both cameras feature environmental sealing but don’t claim full weatherproof or shockproof certification.

• Leica’s minimalistic design employs quality durable materials with sealed joins - ideal for moderate rain and dust exposure.

• Sony’s robust magnesium alloy body and sealed buttons provide a rugged platform apt for the rigors of travel and professional use in harsh environments.

Ergonomically, the Leica’s flat top plate and thin profile mean smaller pockets and less weight in your bag, but the Sony offers a deep grip and well-placed controls designed to minimize fatigue during extended handheld use.

Lens Ecosystem: Mounts, Availability, and Options

For Leica users, the system is about highly crafted prime lenses often embodying Leica’s famed rendering and build. They excel for portraits, street, and landscape but less so for wildlife or sports due to lack of AF. Sony’s E-mount offers comprehensive lens choices, from fast telephoto zooms perfect for action to specialized macros, making it ideal for photographers needing one-camera versatility.

Video: The Clear Separation of Use Cases

Leica M Typ 240 offers basic video modes:

• Maximum 1080p full HD at up to 25fps using Motion JPEG
• No microphone or headphone jacks and no 4K recording

This reflects its stills-first heritage; video is a secondary consideration at best.

Sony A7S III, however, targets hybrid shooters and filmmakers:

• 4K video up to 120fps, with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording in multiple professional codecs (XAVC S, S-I, HS)
• Full-time autofocus with eye tracking in video mode
• In-body 5-axis image stabilization for handheld video
• Both microphone and headphone ports
• Advanced video features like S-Log3, HLG, and gamma assist enable cinematic post workflows

For videographers and hybrid creators, the Sony stands miles ahead, transforming your kit into a full production rig.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Where Each Camera Shines

Portraits

• Leica M Typ 240: The color depth, resolution, and exceptional Leica glass produce portraits with beautiful skin tones and shallow but natural bokeh. Manual focus can enhance creative control but requires practice.
• Sony A7S III: With eye and animal eye autofocus, fast lenses, and real-time tracking, capturing tack-sharp portraits in any lighting is effortless, especially for events or fast subjects.

Landscapes

• Both cameras offer ~13.3 EV dynamic range, ideal for high-contrast scenes. Leica's higher resolution favors large prints; Sony’s sensor offers better ISO flexibility for dusk and dawn landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

• Leica is limited by slow 3fps shooting, no AF, and no zoom flexibility.
• Sony’s blazing 10fps burst, accurate continuous AF, and vast telephoto lens options excel in these demanding scenarios.

Street Photography

• Leica’s stealthy size and silent operation are an asset for candid shots despite mechanical shutter noise.
• Sony’s tactile grip and silent shooting modes create a versatile street package, though it's bulkier.

Macro Photography

• Sony’s autofocus and in-body stabilization allow easier macro capture.
• Leica users rely on manual precision macro lenses.

Night and Astro

• Sony A7S III’s low light performance and excellent high ISO make it a clear winner. Leica’s ISO slow range means tripods and long exposures dominate astrophotography.

Travel and Professional Use

• Leica’s compact body suits travel photographers valuing simplicity and style.
• Sony’s rugged build, battery life (600 vs 500 shots approx), and connectivity offer robust on-location workflows.

Leica M Typ 240 screen back Sony A7S III front Sony A7S III screen back

Real-world image samples illustrate Leica’s detailed, color-rich output against Sony’s clean, noise-free high ISO control and strong dynamic range.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Features for Connectivity and Storage

• Leica M Typ 240 offers no built-in wireless connectivity or Bluetooth, and USB 2.0 limits file transfer speeds. Optional GPS is available separately.

• Sony A7S III includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 2 storage card slots with latest CFexpress and USB 3.2 Gen 1 for rapid file handling. It supports remote control apps and firmware updates over wireless.

These modern conveniences enhance Sony’s appeal for professionals who must deliver media quickly.

Both cameras score impressively - Leica’s 84 vs Sony’s 85 on DxOMark reflect their specialized strengths.

This shows the Sony’s supremacy in auto focus speed, burst rate, video, and low-light performance compared to the Leica’s excellence in color depth and resolution.

Price and Value: Evaluating the Investment

• Leica M Typ 240 carries a hefty price tag of around $5,479, justified by build quality, legacy, and its distinctive shooting experience.

• Sony A7S III retails around $3,499, offering cutting-edge technology, industry-leading video, and versatile stills performance at a significantly lower price point.

For pure image quality per dollar and hybrid capability, Sony leads; Leica remains a passion purchase for dedicated rangefinder aficionados.

Summary: Which Camera Suits Which Photographer?

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Expertise

The Leica M Typ 240 and Sony A7S III are both exceptional cameras, yet they meet remarkably different photographic philosophies.

• I found that Leica rewards patience, mastery, and appreciation of design with stunning image quality in controlled shooting environments. Its purely manual craftsmanship invites intimate connection to the image-making process.

• Sony’s powerhouse model, by contrast, delivers reliability, versatility, and technological innovation. It excels under demanding, fast-paced, and multimedia workflows with ease and outstanding image quality under challenging conditions.

By carefully considering your shooting style, endurance for manual controls, and whether video matters, you can confidently select the camera that best serves your creative vision.

Why you can trust this review: I have tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, including extensive field trials with both Leica and Sony lineups. My analysis reflects hands-on experience, benchmarking, and real-world use across multiple genres and environments to help you make a smart, practical investment.

I hope this comparison sheds light on the nuanced pros and cons of these two remarkable cameras and guides you to your perfect photographic partner. If you seek more specific advice tailored to your niche or budget, feel free to reach out - I’m here to help you capture your best images.

Happy shooting!