Clicky

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80

Portability
79
Imaging
50
Features
31
Overall
42
Leica M8 front
 
Nikon D80 front
Portability
62
Imaging
49
Features
36
Overall
43

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 Key Specs

Leica M8
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - APS-H Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 160 - 2500
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • No Video
  • Leica M Mount
  • 591g - 139 x 80 x 37mm
  • Released July 2007
Nikon D80
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Increase to 3200)
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 668g - 132 x 103 x 77mm
  • Announced September 2006
  • Earlier Model is Nikon D70
  • Later Model is Nikon D90
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 Overview

On this page, we will be comparing the Leica M8 vs Nikon D80, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Leica and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the M8 (10MP) and the D80 (10MP) is relatively similar but the M8 (APS-H) and D80 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

The M8 was unveiled 11 months later than the D80 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Nikon D80 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the M8 scores vs the D80 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability
	
	

Reasons to pick Leica M8 over the Nikon D80

 M8 D80 
AnnouncedJuly 2007September 2006More recent by 11 months

Reasons to pick Nikon D80 over the Leica M8

 D80 M8 

Common features in the Leica M8 and Nikon D80

 M8 D80 
Focus manually Very precise focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimensions2.5"2.5"Equal screen measurements
Screen resolution230k230kIdentical screen resolution
Selfie screen Lack of selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Lack of Touch friendly screen

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 Physical Comparison

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Leica M8 has physical dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") along with a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Nikon D80 has specifications of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") and a weight of 668 grams (1.47 lbs).

Check the Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the M8 against the D80.

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the M8 and D80 is 79 and 62 respectively.

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 top view buttons comparison

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it is tough to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading specs. The visual below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the M8 and D80.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The M8 includes the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The more recent M8 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 sensor size comparison

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 Screen and ViewFinder

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Leica M8
Portrait photography with Nikon D80
54
has manual focus
sensor size is good (APS-H)
supports RAW formats
doesn't have liveview
low resolution sensor (10MP)
53
has manual focus
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
does not have liveview
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Street Comparison

Leica M8 as a Street photography camera
Nikon D80 as a Street photography camera
62
sensor size is good (APS-H)
supports RAW formats
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
54
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
screen does not articulate
no image stabilization
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Sports Comparison

Leica M8 Sports photography information
Nikon D80 Sports photography information
43
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
sensor size is good (APS-H)
great battery pack (550 CIPA)
doesn't have liveview
no shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
low resolution sensor (10 megapixels)
lack of phase detect auto focus
41
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
supports phase detect AF
does not have liveview
slow continuous shooting (3.0 fps)
no image stabilization
sensor resolution low (10MP)
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Travel Comparison

Leica M8 Travel photography factors
Nikon D80 Travel photography factors
51
great battery pack (550 per charge)
missing Timelapse mode
low resolution sensor (10 megapixels)
screen is not selfie friendly
44
built-in flash
missing Time Lapse function
sensor resolution low (10MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Landscape Comparison

Leica M8 Landscape photography features
Nikon D80 Landscape photography features
55
has manual focus
change lenses (Leica M mount)
sensor size is good (APS-H)
no anti aliasing filter
supports RAW formats
great battery pack (550 CIPA)
screen is somewhat small (2.5 inch)
doesn't have liveview
does not have image stabilization
low resolution sensor (10 megapixels)
missing Timelapse mode
48
has manual focus
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
tiny screen (2.5")
does not have liveview
no image stabilization
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
missing Time Lapse function
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Leica M8
Vlogging with Nikon D80
9
no video recording
9
can't record video
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Leica M8 vs Nikon D80 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica M8 and Nikon D80
 Leica M8Nikon D80
General Information
Make Leica Nikon
Model Leica M8 Nikon D80
Category Pro Mirrorless Advanced DSLR
Released 2007-07-31 2006-09-23
Physical type Rangefinder-style mirrorless Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size APS-H APS-C
Sensor dimensions 27 x 18mm 23.6 x 15.8mm
Sensor surface area 486.0mm² 372.9mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixel 10 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Max resolution 3936 x 2630 3872 x 2592
Max native ISO 2500 1600
Max enhanced ISO - 3200
Minimum native ISO 160 100
RAW images
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Lens
Lens mount Leica M Nikon F
Total lenses 59 309
Crop factor 1.3 1.5
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 2.5 inch 2.5 inch
Screen resolution 230 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (rangefinder) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage - 95%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.64x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 8s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/8000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter rate - 3.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range no built-in flash 13.00 m
Flash settings Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync Auto, On, Off, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Wireless
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/250s 1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Max video resolution None None
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 591 grams (1.30 lb) 668 grams (1.47 lb)
Physical dimensions 139 x 80 x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score 59 61
DXO Color Depth score 21.1 22.1
DXO Dynamic range score 11.3 11.2
DXO Low light score 663 524
Other
Battery life 550 photographs -
Battery type Battery Pack -
Battery model - EN-EL3e
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type SD/SDHC card SD/SDHC card
Card slots 1 1
Cost at release $4,400 $800