Leica M8 vs Leica SL

On this page, we are matching up the Leica M8 vs Leica SL, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras and they are both built by Leica. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and SL (24MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and SL (Full frame) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The M8 was unveiled 9 years earlier than the SL and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Leica SL being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief view of how the M8 scores versus the SL when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M8 & Leica SL. The full galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery & Leica SL Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and size. The Leica M8 has external dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Leica SL has specifications of 147mm x 104mm x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 847 grams (1.87 lbs).

Check out the Leica M8 vs Leica SL in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the M8 against the SL.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the M8 and SL is 79 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The visual here may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and SL.

All in all, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The M8 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Leica SL will deliver greater detail having an extra 14MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos more aggressively. The older M8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.