Leica M8 vs Leica SL2-S

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Leica M8 vs Leica SL2-S, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras and both of them are built by Leica. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and SL2-S (24MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and SL2-S (Full frame) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The M8 was revealed 14 years earlier than the SL2-S and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Leica SL2-S being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the M8 grades versus the SL2-S in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M8 and Leica SL2-S. The full galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery and Leica SL2-S Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Leica M8 comes with outside dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Leica SL2-S has sizing of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 931 grams (2.05 lbs).

Compare the Leica M8 vs Leica SL2-S in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the M8 compared to the SL2-S.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the M8 and SL2-S is 79 and 55 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and SL2-S.

All in all, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The M8 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Leica SL2-S will give extra detail because of its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older M8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.