Leica M Typ 262 vs Panasonic GH5 II: A Deep Dive into Two Pro Mirrorless Giants

When it comes to choosing a professional mirrorless camera, the sheer variety can feel overwhelming. In this detailed comparison, I put the Leica M Typ 262 and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II head-to-head through the lens of extensive hands-on experience. Both cameras serve distinct niches, yet both claim pro-level credentials. Which one fits your photography style? Let’s unpack their capabilities, strengths, and limitations to help you decide.

First Impressions and Design Philosophy

The Leica M Typ 262 adopts a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body that has remained largely unchanged for decades, reflecting Leica’s heritage-driven approach focused on tactile craftmanship. It boasts a compact and lightweight design at 600g and 139 x 80 x 42 mm, pleasing those who value discreet sophistication. The build quality is premium with an emphasis on metal heft and minimalist controls.

Contrast this with Panasonic’s GH5 II, a SLR-style mirrorless featuring modern ergonomics geared toward versatility. It is more substantial and robust with dimensions of 139 x 98 x 87 mm, weighing 727g. Its weather-sealed body is durable and designed for on-the-go professionals who demand resilience alongside functionality.

The differences in form truly represent distinct shooting philosophies: Leica prioritizes simplicity and rangefinder precision; Panasonic delivers a feature-rich, rugged workhorse for demanding conditions.

Handling and User Interface

Both cameras offer manual focus, but the Leica is entirely manual, with no autofocus system, true to its rangefinder lineage. The controls are stripped down - no touchscreen, no live view, no touchscreen interface. This means the photographer relies on optical rangefinder focusing and a single fixed LCD screen with moderate resolution (921k dots). In practical use, this minimalist interface demands skill and patience but rewards with an analog shooting experience unmatched by digital counterparts.

The GH5 II is the opposite: fully articulated 3” touchscreen LCD with 1,840k dots and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (3,680 dots) providing 100% frame coverage. Its interface includes extensive customization options, menu depth for video and photo modes, and familiar autofocus controls with 225 focus points enabling quick, accurate subject tracking. The articulated screen also enhances versatility for vlogging, macro, and awkward angle shooting.

Ergonomically, the GH5 II feels more substantial with deep grips, customizable buttons and dials, and easier one-handed operation - ideal for users who prioritize speed and accessibility.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tradition Meets Innovation

At the heart of any camera system lies the sensor, defining resolution, dynamic range, and ISO performance.

• Leica M Typ 262: Features a full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9 mm) with a traditional anti-aliasing filter. The full-frame sensor delivers excellent depth of field control, exquisite tonal gradation, and natural color rendition. However, it only supports native sensitivity down to ISO 200 and tops out at ISO 6400. The lack of built-in image stabilization means careful technique or stabilized lenses are crucial.

• Panasonic GH5 II: Employs a smaller Four Thirds 20MP CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) that sacrifices some resolution and shallow depth of field capability relative to full-frame but brings advantages in compact lens design and greater telephoto reach (2.1x crop factor). Its extended ISO range reaches up to ISO 25,600, with superior noise management for low-light photography. Moreover, the absence of an anti-aliasing filter improves sharpness.

In real-world testing, the Leica sensor’s image quality shone in controlled lighting, showing exceptional color reproduction and wide dynamic range, ideal for portrait and fine art photography. The GH5 II’s sensor excelled in versatility, maintaining usable image quality across diverse lighting conditions while benefiting from the Micro Four Thirds system’s lighter, faster lenses.

Autofocus: Manual Mastery vs. Speed and Precision

The Leica M Typ 262 adheres to pure manual focus tradition - there is no autofocus capability here. This means your focus skills, your choice of optics, and rigour in manual focus are fundamental. The Leica’s legacy lenses, totaling 59 M-mount options, are exceptional, but they require practice to master. Its lack of face and eye detection autofocus limits portrait convenience but rewards embrace of deliberate composition and focus technique.

Conversely, the Panasonic GH5 II features an industry-leading contrast-detection autofocus with 225 focus points, combined with Panasonic’s proprietary Depth-from-Defocus technology. It supports continuous autofocus, face and eye detection (including animal eye autofocus), and impressive subject tracking reliability - even in challenging lighting or rapid motion scenarios. This makes the GH5 II a strong candidate for event, wildlife, and sports photographers needing fast, adaptable AF.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

Burst shooting capability reflects a camera’s suitability for action and wildlife shooters.

• Leica M Typ 262 shoots at a modest 3 fps, limited by its mechanical shutter designed primarily for single-shot precision rather than speed. The max shutter speed is 1/4000s, offering decent flexibility for daylight conditions but no electronic shutter option.

• Panasonic GH5 II significantly outperforms with continuous shooting up to 12 fps (mechanical shutter) and an electronic shutter capable of incredibly fast speeds up to 1/16,000s for silent shooting. This enables effective capture of fast-moving subjects and shooting in bright environments without ND filters.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Leica’s M Typ 262 has no official weather sealing. Although the body is sturdy, it isn’t designed for harsh outdoor conditions like dust or rain exposure. This makes it better suited to studio, street, or casual outdoor use in controlled weather.

The GH5 II, however, is robustly built with partial weather resistance (dust and splash proof). For photographers working in rugged environments - landscape, wildlife, outdoor events - the GH5 II is likely more reliable. Its dual card slots and better battery life (~400 shots) further support professional workflow demands.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Technologies

A camera’s LCD and viewfinder determine how you visualize and confirm your shot.

• Leica’s fixed 3.0" LCD is a basic display serving primarily to review captures. It lacks any touchscreen functionality or live view focusing aids.

• Panasonic’s GH5 II boasts a fully articulating 3" touchscreen, perfect for composing unconventional angles, video monitoring, and quick focus adjustments. Its high-resolution EVF provides 0.76x magnification and 100% frame coverage, offering real-time exposure previews.

The LGHT of the Leica is the optical rangefinder - lacking an electronic viewfinder altogether. While it appeals to purists who prefer optical composition and manual focus, it offers practically none of the on-the-fly exposure and focus assist enjoyed by modern shooters.

Video Performance: Leica vs GH5 II

Leica M Typ 262 does not support video recording, reflecting its film-like minimalist ethos focusing solely on stills.

Panasonic GH5 II rises as a champion for hybrid shooters:

• Supports up to 4K UHD video at 60p, 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording, and professional codecs like H.264 and H.265.
• Sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilization is a game-changer, especially handheld.
• Microphone and headphone jacks enable full audio monitoring and recording control.
• Time-lapse and 6K/4K photo modes add creative flexibility.

For creators who require strong video integration alongside still capability, Panasonic clearly dominates.

Leica M Typ 262 front Leica M Typ 262 screen back Panasonic GH5 II front Panasonic GH5 II screen back

Practical Photography Use Cases

Portrait Photography

• Leica M Typ 262 delivers classical, creamy bokeh thanks to its full-frame sensor and premium M lenses. Skin tones are rendered beautifully and naturally, perfect for studio and environmental portraits when you have time to nail manual focus. No autofocus and rangefinder focusing challenge beginners but reward those who relish a traditional approach.
• Panasonic GH5 II offers face and eye detection AF with solid subject tracking, ideal for fast-paced portrait sessions. While the smaller sensor limits depth-of-field control, the variety of MFT portrait lenses compensates well.

Landscape Photography

• Leica’s robust sensor and excellent dynamic range deliver superb tonal gradations in highlights and shadows; however it lacks weather sealing critical for harsh outdoor shoots.
• Panasonic’s GH5 II advantages include weather sealing, excellent dynamic range, high resolution, and compact lens options. Its electronic viewfinder and articulated screen simplify composing in tough terrain.

Wildlife and Sports

• Leica’s 3 fps continuous shooting and manual focus drastically reduce suitability - wildlife and sports photographers demand fast, reliable autofocus and higher burst rates.
• Panasonic excels here with blazing AF focus, 12 fps speed, and long telephoto lens support thanks to crop factor and extensive MFT lens lineup.

Street Photography

• Leica’s stealthy, compact form factor and silent shutter option offer unparalleled discretion and classic rangefinder feel, favored by street photographers who prioritize quiet operation and minimal intrusiveness.
• Panasonic is bulkier with more conspicuous shooting modes but has great low-light performance, fast AF, and variable shooting angles with its articulating screen.

Macro Photography

• Leica’s manual focus precision is a plus for macro work, but lack of stabilization and no live-focus aids may slow workflow.
• Panasonic supports focus stacking, focus bracketing, and has stabilization, making it very efficient for macro shooters demanding precision and speed.

Night and Astro

• Leica’s full-frame sensor excels in controlling noise and capturing deep shadows, though limited ISO range and no in-camera stabilization present challenges.
• Panasonic’s smaller sensor is noisier at high ISOs but higher maximum ISO and 5-axis stabilization provide versatile low-light shooting options.

Travel Photography

Size, weight, and battery life are critical here.

• Leica’s lightweight, discreet design is travel-friendly for those who don’t mind manual focus and slower operation.
• Panasonic’s weather-sealed body, versatile autofocus, longer battery life, and video capabilities make it a well-rounded travel companion, albeit heavier and larger.

Professional Work

Leica appeals strongly to professionals focused on stills with a preference for classic manual operation and direct optical viewing. The Leica ecosystem offers stellar glass, but neglects modern AF and connectivity conveniences.

Panasonic, however, fits a broader professional profile - offering dual card slots, external mic and headphone ports, professional video codecs, wireless control, and extensive customization suited to multimedia workflows.

Technical Summary and Scores

Who Should Buy the Leica M Typ 262?

• Enthusiasts and professionals who love classic Leica rangefinder photography and manual control.
• Those who prioritize image quality and lens craftsmanship over features.
• Photographers who shoot mainly portraits, street, and fine art stills under controlled conditions.
• Buyers for whom minimalism and build quality outweigh versatility and modern conveniences.
• If you want a camera to "slow down" your shooting with deliberate composition.

Who Should Opt for the Panasonic GH5 II?

• Hybrid shooters needing top-tier video alongside stills.
• Photographers working in wildlife, sports, events demanding autofocus speed and burst shooting.
• Creators requiring robust weather sealing and professional workflow features.
• Those who want a fully articulating touchscreen and electronic viewfinder for versatility.
• Anyone who values value-for-money in a pro-level mirrorless system.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Wins?

There is no definitive “better” camera here - only tools designed for distinct needs.

I found the Leica M Typ 262 to be a joy for photographers committed to manual focus craft, emphasizing quality optics and timeless imaging with a pared-down interface. It demands patience and skill, rewarding those who seek a photographic experience rooted in tradition.

Conversely, the Panasonic GH5 II impresses with its blend of advanced technology, versatility, and robust video features - ideal for creatives balancing photo and video workflows, shooting in dynamic, uncontrolled environments.

Before you decide, weigh your shooting style: Are you pursuing the tactile, deliberate art of classic photography? Leica holds the edge. Do you demand fast autofocus, weather resistance, 4K video, and flexible shooting? Panasonic delivers.

If budget is a factor, Panasonic’s competitive price and extensive lens ecosystem also make it the safer investment for many.

Thanks for reading this comprehensive comparison. I tested both cameras under a range of conditions, from studio portraits to fast-action scenarios, and have aimed to present a clear picture of practical performance - not jargon or hype. If you want to dive deeper into any category, let me know. I’m here to guide you to the camera that truly fits your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

[Want more details? Check out our full Leica M Typ 262 and Panasonic GH5 II reviews.]