Leica M8 vs Nikon 1 AW1

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Leica M8 vs Nikon 1 AW1, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Leica and Nikon. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and 1 AW1 (14MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and 1 AW1 (1") enjoy different sensor size.

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The M8 was unveiled 7 years before the 1 AW1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a short overview of how the M8 scores vs the 1 AW1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M8 & Nikon 1 AW1. The full galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery & Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Leica M8 features exterior dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Nikon 1 AW1 has measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs).

Look at the Leica M8 vs Nikon 1 AW1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the M8 versus the 1 AW1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the M8 and 1 AW1 is 79 and 86 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The visual here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and 1 AW1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M8 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Nikon 1 AW1 will give more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older M8 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.