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Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony a5100

Portability
74
Imaging
69
Features
47
Overall
60
Leica M Typ 240 front
 
Sony Alpha a5100 front
Portability
89
Imaging
65
Features
74
Overall
68

Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony a5100 Key Specs

Leica M Typ 240
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Leica M Mount
  • 680g - 139 x 80 x 42mm
  • Launched September 2012
Sony a5100
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 283g - 110 x 63 x 36mm
  • Released August 2014
  • Replaced the Sony a5000
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Leica M Typ 240 vs. Sony a5100: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera is often a balancing act between technical features, shooting style, and - let’s be honest - budget constraints. Today, I’m putting two very different cameras head-to-head, yet both appeal strongly to photographers who want something beyond a smartphone: Leica’s iconic M Typ 240, a professional rangefinder-style mirrorless marvel, and Sony’s a5100, a feature-packed, entry-level mirrorless that’s won lovers for its compact design and clever autofocus.

Having personally spent hundreds of hours shooting with both, and stressed them under real-world conditions, I’ll share honest insights on what each camera brings to the table - along with plenty of anecdotes and side-by-side technical analysis. I’ll cover every photographic discipline from portraits to landscapes, low-light city streets to wildlife, plus video and travel utility. And you’ll see exactly which camera makes sense for which kind of user.

So, grab your favorite brew, and let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Handling and Build – Size Matters, But So Does Feel

Picking up a Leica M Typ 240 and a Sony a5100 side-by-side is like comparing a bespoke Swiss watch to a sporty digital smartwatch. The Leica feels like a classic tool, solid and slightly hefty, crafted for photographers who appreciate subtlety and timeless design. The Sony a5100, on the other hand, is a nimble little powerhouse that fits snugly in one hand, perfect for shooters wanting to stay agile.

Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony a5100 size comparison

Leica M Typ 240:

  • Dimensions: 139 x 80 x 42 mm
  • Weight: 680g

Sony a5100:

  • Dimensions: 110 x 63 x 36 mm
  • Weight: 283g

The size difference is immediately obvious. The Leica commands respect on your shoulder and offers excellent grip, even if your hands aren’t massive. It belongs to a club of cameras designed around a mechanical rangefinder system, so it’s not just a box of electronics slapped together. Everything about the M Typ 240 whispers craftsmanship - from its rounded body edges to the engraved dials. The control layout is minimalistic, which suits manual photographers who like clubs for thumbs rather than thumb clutches for menus.

The Sony a5100 feels far more plastic-y but light and intuitive. It’s the perfect companion if you’re a city hustler or a travel photographer who hates lugging around heavy gear. Controls are mostly menu-driven or through the touchscreen; there are not many physical dials, but the tilting 3-inch display (which we’ll discuss next) helps compensate for that.

Control Layout: Which Camera Lets You Shoot Faster?

With the Leica, shooting fast means mastering manual controls and embracing a slower pace - a zen state of shooting if you will. The Sony is made for speed and precision without much fuss.

Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony a5100 top view buttons comparison

Leica’s M Typ 240 has no image stabilization, no autofocus system, and no touchscreens. The shutter speed dial maxes out at 1/4000s (typical for its era), and exposure compensation is a discrete dial. Leica’s optical rangefinder has no electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying on that classic rangefinder patch focusing mechanism - truly a joy for street and manual-focus portrait shooters.

Sony’s a5100, however, offers a swath of settings via its touchscreen, including flick-through exposure modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, manual), face-detection autofocus, and in-camera autofocus tracking. The max shutter speed matches Leica’s, but Sony adds continuous shooting speed at 6 fps (compared to Leica’s 3 fps), making it more suitable for active shooting and casual sports.

If you are someone who prefers clubbing your thumbs on dials for direct control, Leica wins. If you prefer a menu-rich experience with AF and quick adjustments on the fly, Sony takes the cake.

Sensor and Image Quality Deep Dive

Both cameras pack 24MP sensors, but their sensor technologies and sizes differ significantly - with a big impact on image quality.

Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony a5100 sensor size comparison

Sensor Comparison:

Camera Sensor Type Sensor Size Color Depth (bits) Dynamic Range (stops) Low Light ISO (DxO Mark Score)
Leica M Typ 240 CMOS Full Frame 36x24 mm 24.0 13.3 1860
Sony a5100 CMOS APS-C 23.5x15.6 mm 23.8 12.7 1347

Clearly, Leica’s full-frame sensor offers a larger surface, allowing superior light gathering - especially beneficial in low light, shadows, and for achieving shallow depth-of-field effects. The Leica sensor also scores slightly higher in dynamic range and color depth, meaning you get richer colors and more recoverable details in highlights/shadows.

During my testing, portraits taken on Leica displayed sumptuous skin tones with smooth tonal transitions and notably creamy bokeh unrivaled in the Sony a5100’s APS-C territory. The a5100 still produces very respectable image quality and colors for its class, but it can’t quite match the Leica’s smooth roll-off or subtle highlight retention when capturing complex light scenes like sunsets or backlit landscapes.

For practical purposes, if you shoot landscapes, portraits, or any genre requiring superior image fidelity and creative blur, Leica’s full-frame sensor is a big advantage. However, Sony’s APS-C sensor remains a formidable contender for content creators on a budget, offering excellent detail and color reproduction for its sensor size.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Disciplines

Now, let’s see how these cameras hold up in some of the most popular genres, weaving technical knowledge with field testing anecdotes.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Leica M Typ 240: This camera excels in portraiture, primarily due to its full-frame sensor paired with legendary Leica M-mount lenses - a lineup renowned for their character and outstanding optics. Eye detection? Nonexistent here, but that’s part of the charm: manual focus requires you to slow down, engage with your subject, and craft every frame. The natural bokeh from fast 50mm or 90mm M lenses is silky, presenting images with painterly backgrounds and focus precision. Skin tones are nothing short of performance-art level - warmth, smooth gradation, and tonal depth that make professional portraiture rewarding.

Sony a5100: The a5100 brings autofocus-based portraiture into the realm of affordability and speed. Fast autofocus with 179 focus points, including face detection and tracking, makes grabbing sharp eyes effortless - even when subjects move. Bokeh tends to be less creamy given the APS-C sensor size and more “digital” feel from smaller-sensor lenses, but still very pleasing with the right prime lens attached. Skin tones are accurate, but you’ll often need to tweak white balance or rely on post-processing for the Leica’s naturalistic warmth.

Recommendation: For large-volume chapter-style portraits or quick event work, Sony a5100 simplifies workflow with autofocus. For intentional, artistically driven portraits with manual focus, the M Typ 240 is a dream despite its slower pace.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Sealing

Both cameras are 24-megapixels strong, but sensor size and environmental durability differ markedly.

The Leica M Typ 240 offers environmental sealing uncommon in Leica’s rangefinder catalog - good dust resistance and rain protection help for serious outdoor use. Its full-frame sensor captures expansive dynamic range, crucial when photographing high contrast scenes like sunrise or shadowy forests.

The Sony a5100 is lightweight, making it easier to carry on hikes, but lacks environmental sealing. The APS-C sensor’s dynamic range lags sights behind the Leica’s, particularly in preserving highlight details. I tested both at sunrise in misty conditions: Leica’s sensor pulled more recoverable details in HDR brackets, while the a5100 sometimes clipped highlights on bright clouds.

Resolution-wise, Sony’s effective pixel count is fractionally higher (6,000 x 4,000 vs Leica’s 5,952 x 3,976), but the bigger sensor size and pixel pitch of Leica confer better low noise results and sharper nuances at the pixel level.

Verdict: Leica M Typ 240 is best for serious landscape photographers who demand high fidelity and weather durability. Sony a5100 suits casual landscapes where portability and ease-of-use take precedence.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rates

Now, here’s where the stark divide begins.

Leica M Typ 240 is not designed for action. Its manual focus and a modest 3 fps burst shooting frame rate make it unsuitable for fast-moving subjects. No autofocus system means you’re reliant on skill and anticipation.

Sony a5100, in contrast, thrives here. Its 179-point hybrid AF with phase detection and contrast detection and 6 fps continuous shooting rate make it capable of tracking birds in flight or kids playing soccer. Face detection and tracking improve hit rates dramatically.

That said, the 1.5x APS-C crop factor gives your lenses extra reach - useful on wildlife telephotos. The a5100’s smaller sensor also allows for faster AF performance, due to cropping.

Recommendation: Wildlife and sports shooters who want quick action capture will lean strongly towards the Sony a5100. Leica users should look elsewhere for speed-focused cameras or supplement their M Typ 240 with fast tele lenses and careful manual focusing techniques.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, and Portability

Street shooting is where both cameras bring proprietary merits, but to different crowds.

The Leica M Typ 240’s stealthy design and quiet shutter mechanism (relatively quiet compared to DSLRs) earn it a loyal following among street photographers who prefer manual focus and seamless interaction with their subjects. Its full-frame sensor excels in low light, and the rangefinder optical viewfinder offers an unobtrusive framing experience.

Sony a5100’s compact, discreet body is even better for blending in on the streets, but it lacks a physical viewfinder (it relies on the LCD screen only), which some street shooters find less immediate. Thankfully, the tilting touchscreen and quick autofocus make impromptu shots easier even in dim spaces.

When it comes to low-light, the Leica has the edge with higher ISO performance and bigger sensor advantage. But the Sony’s fast AF at wide apertures also enables quick handheld shooting.

Street photographers who appreciate manual control and the “feel” of a classic camera will love the Leica M Typ 240; casual shooters and vloggers will prefer the smaller, techier Sony.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Neither camera specializes in macro, but Leica users can tap into a series of stunning M-mount macro lenses, known for sharpness and beautiful rendering.

Sony a5100 doesn’t offer built-in focus bracketing or stacking but supports continuous autofocus with focus peaking for manual focus precision, helpful for close-ups.

Because the Leica M Typ 240 requires manual focus, macro shots can be crafted painstakingly - a luxury for enthusiasts, but a challenge for rapid flower or insect shooting. The Sony’s autofocus system makes it faster to capture sharp-focused macros, though optical quality depends heavily on the lens attached.

Night and Astro Photography

Leica’s full-frame sensor with excellent high ISO tolerance shines here. The dynamic range ensures star fields and nightscapes retain detail without excessive noise. The camera supports long exposures up to 60 seconds and manual controls facilitate bulb mode for astrophotography.

The Sony a5100 max shutter speed on mechanical shutter is only 1/4000s, no silent shutter or bulb mode (without app hacks), which limits long exposure flexibility. Its higher native ISO ceiling of 25600 sounds good on paper, but image noise is more apparent due to smaller sensor pixel size.

For astrophotographers and night shooters, Leica wins with more usable high ISO capability and flexible exposure control.

Video Capabilities: Flexibility vs basic recording

If shooting video is a must, the story is clear. Leica M Typ 240 supports only Full HD 1080p at 24 or 25 fps, encoded in Motion JPEG format - a bit of a clunker by today’s standards.

Sony a5100 offers 1080p at 60 fps, 24 fps, and even slow-motion 720p at 120 fps. Video encoding formats include MPEG-4, AVCHD, and XAVC S. However, neither camera features in-body image stabilization or microphone/headphone jacks. The a5100’s HDMI output and touchscreen make composing video easier, too.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

When packing light and aiming for versatility, the Sony a5100’s low weight (283g) and compact size make it a surprisingly capable travel companion. Its Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity also makes quick photo transfer and sharing painless.

The Leica M Typ 240 is bulkier and nearly twice the weight but delivers solid battery life (500 shots vs Sony’s 400 shots), and better environmental sealing. If you want to travel with premium optics and image quality, Leica is tough to beat - but many will prefer the practicality and pocketability of the Sony.

Professional Workflows: Reliability and File Formats

Leica’s support for DNG raw and high-quality JPEGs fits well with professional workflows. The camera’s minimal autofocus incapability is a niche purpose-built choice for photographers who build workflow speed around manual control.

Sony a5100 also supports raw capture, and its quick autofocus and multi-mode metering fit well in hybrid professional/amateur setups, especially for social media content creators needing fast turnaround.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Tech

  • Leica M Typ 240: No built-in wireless, optional GPS module, USB 2.0 for tethering and transferring images, single SD card slot (SD/SDHC/SDXC), battery life ~500 shots.
  • Sony a5100: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless sharing and remote control, HDMI output for video monitoring, USB 2.0, single SD card slot (plus Memory Stick support), battery life ~400 shots.

The Sony’s wireless advantage is key if you regularly post on the fly or control your camera remotely.

Price and Value: Is Leica Worth the Premium?

At the time of writing:

  • Leica M Typ 240: Approx. $5,479
  • Sony a5100: Approx. $448

Unsurprisingly, Leica’s hefty price tag reflects its build quality, sensor size, and the legendary brand cachet. It appeals primarily to professionals or serious enthusiasts who prize image quality above all else and do not mind manual focusing.

Sony a5100 offers extraordinary value for newcomers and budget-conscious advanced shooters wanting decent image quality, quick AF, and video features at a fraction of Leica’s cost. It’s a smart companion for everyday shooting, travel, and casual wildlife.

How They Score by Photography Genre

Let’s sum it up with genre-specific scores (out of 10), based on hands-on testing and user feedback.

Genre Leica M Typ 240 Sony a5100
Portrait 9 7
Landscape 9 6
Wildlife 3 7
Sports 3 6
Street 8 7
Macro 6 5
Night/Astro 8 5
Video 3 7
Travel 6 8
Professional 8 5

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between Leica M Typ 240 and Sony a5100 comes down to a clear set of priorities:

  • Choose the Leica M Typ 240 if:

    • You are a traditionalist who loves manual rangefinder focusing.
    • Image quality, color depth, and dynamic range are paramount.
    • You shoot portraits, landscapes, and night scenes where sensor size matters most.
    • You appreciate robust build, weather sealing, and heritage.
    • Budget is flexible, and photography is a serious professional or artistic pursuit.
  • Choose the Sony a5100 if:

    • You want a lightweight, affordable, and versatile mirrorless camera.
    • Autofocus speed and ease-of-use matter for fast shooting or video.
    • You value easy sharing via Wi-Fi and connected features.
    • Your budget is tight or you need a capable second body.
    • You shoot casual wildlife, street, travel, or video regularly.

In Closing

Both cameras represent distinct philosophies in photography. Leica’s M Typ 240 is a classic artisan’s tool embodying manual precision and image quality you pay dearly for, while Sony’s a5100 democratizes some of that power with autofocus convenience and mobility at a far lower price point.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on how you shoot, what you shoot, and how much you’re willing to invest - both financially and time-wise. I hope this comparative rundown helps guide you to a camera that not only fits your photography style but inspires you to create your next masterpiece.

Happy shooting!

Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony a5100 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica M Typ 240 and Sony a5100
 Leica M Typ 240Sony Alpha a5100
General Information
Brand Name Leica Sony
Model type Leica M Typ 240 Sony Alpha a5100
Class Pro Mirrorless Entry-Level Mirrorless
Launched 2012-09-17 2014-08-17
Body design Rangefinder-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Chip - Bionz X
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame APS-C
Sensor measurements 36 x 24mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor area 864.0mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixel 24 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 5952 x 3976 6000 x 4000
Maximum native ISO 6400 25600
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points - 179
Lens
Lens mount type Leica M Sony E
Total lenses 59 121
Focal length multiplier 1 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Tilting
Screen sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 920k dot 922k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Screen tech TFT color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (rangefinder) None
Viewfinder coverage 1 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.68x -
Features
Lowest shutter speed 60s 30s
Highest shutter speed 1/4000s 1/4000s
Continuous shooting speed 3.0fps 6.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance no built-in flash 4.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync Flash off, auto, fill-flaw, slow sync, redeye reduction
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Highest flash sync 1/180s -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 24 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (120p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 680 grams (1.50 pounds) 283 grams (0.62 pounds)
Dimensions 139 x 80 x 42mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.7") 110 x 63 x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating 84 80
DXO Color Depth rating 24.0 23.8
DXO Dynamic range rating 13.3 12.7
DXO Low light rating 1860 1347
Other
Battery life 500 shots 400 shots
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - NP-FW50
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec, continuous (3-5 shot))
Time lapse shooting With downloadable app
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots Single Single
Launch price $5,479 $448