Leica M8 vs Panasonic S5 II X

Here, we are evaluating the Leica M8 and Panasonic S5 II X, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Leica and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and S5 II X (24MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and S5 II X (Full frame) offer totally different sensor size.

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The M8 was announced 16 years prior to the S5 II X and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S5 II X being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the M8 matches up vs the S5 II X in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M8 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II X. The whole galleries are provided at Leica M8 Gallery & Panasonic S5 II X Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Leica M8 comes with physical dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Panasonic S5 II X has dimensions of 134mm x 102mm x 90mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check the Leica M8 and Panasonic S5 II X in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the M8 against the S5 II X.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the M8 and S5 II X is 79 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the M8 and S5 II X.

Plainly, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The M8 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic S5 II X will give greater detail with its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older M8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.