Leica M8 vs OM System OM-1

Its time to take a closer look at the Leica M8 and OM System OM-1, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Leica and Olympus. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and OM System OM-1 (20MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and OM System OM-1 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor sizing.

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The M8 was revealed 15 years earlier than the OM System OM-1 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the OM System OM-1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the M8 grades vs the OM System OM-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M8 & OM System OM-1. The full galleries are provided at Leica M8 Gallery & OM System OM-1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and size. The Leica M8 comes with physical dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the OM System OM-1 has specifications of 135mm x 92mm x 73mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica M8 and OM System OM-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the M8 compared to the OM System OM-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the M8 and OM System OM-1 is 79 and 65 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at technical specs. The visual underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M8 and OM System OM-1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M8 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the OM System OM-1 will give you extra detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The older M8 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.