Leica M8 vs Panasonic S1H

On this page, we will be evaluating the Leica M8 and Panasonic S1H, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by rivals Leica and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and S1H (24MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and S1H (Full frame) have different sensor dimensions.

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The M8 was manufactured 13 years prior to the S1H and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1H being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summation of how the M8 grades versus the S1H with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M8 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. The entire galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery & Panasonic S1H Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Leica M8 enjoys exterior dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S1H has dimensions of 151mm x 114mm x 110mm (5.9" x 4.5" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 1052 grams (2.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica M8 and Panasonic S1H in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the M8 against the S1H.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the M8 and S1H is 79 and 52 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and S1H.

All in all, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M8 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic S1H will render extra detail due to its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The older M8 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.