Leica M8 vs Nikon 1 S2

Following is a thorough review of the Leica M8 vs Nikon 1 S2, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Leica and Nikon. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and 1 S2 (1") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The M8 was revealed 7 years prior to the 1 S2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short introduction of how the M8 matches up against the 1 S2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M8 and Nikon 1 S2. The full galleries are available at Leica M8 Gallery and Nikon 1 S2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Leica M8 has outer measurements 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 Nikon 1 S2 has proportions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica M8 vs Nikon 1 S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the M8 compared to the 1 S2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the M8 and 1 S2 is 79 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The pic below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the M8 and 1 S2.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The M8 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Nikon 1 S2 will result in extra detail because of its extra 4.2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged M8 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.