Leica M8 vs Panasonic S5

Lets look more in depth at the Leica M8 vs Panasonic S5, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by rivals Leica and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and S5 (24MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and S5 (Full frame) posses different sensor size.

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The M8 was launched 14 years earlier than the S5 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the M8 grades vs the S5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M8 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery and Panasonic S5 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Leica M8 has got 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) whilst the Panasonic S5 has proportions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Check the Leica M8 vs Panasonic S5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the M8 compared to the S5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the M8 and S5 is 79 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions only by looking through technical specs. The picture below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and S5.

As you can tell, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The M8 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic S5 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged M8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.