Leica M11 vs Sony NEX-5R

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Leica M11 vs Sony NEX-5R, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Leica and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the M11 (60MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the M11 (Full frame) and NEX-5R (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The M11 was unveiled 9 years later than the NEX-5R and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the M11 matches up against the NEX-5R when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M11 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are viewable at Leica M11 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Leica M11 provides outer dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 39mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 640 grams (1.41 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Leica M11 vs Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the M11 and the NEX-5R.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the M11 and NEX-5R is 76 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by reading through technical specs. The graphic below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the M11 and NEX-5R.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The M11 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Leica M11 will resolve more detail having an extra 44MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher M11 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.