Leica M8 vs Sony a1

Below, we will be evaluating the Leica M8 vs Sony a1, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by companies Leica and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and a1 (50MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and a1 (Full frame) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The M8 was announced 14 years before the a1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the M8 matches up vs the a1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M8 & Sony Alpha a1. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery & Sony a1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Leica M8 enjoys outer dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Sony a1 has proportions of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Contrast the Leica M8 vs Sony a1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the M8 against the a1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the M8 and a1 is 79 and 61 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching technical specs. The photograph here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the M8 and a1.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M8 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony a1 will provide you with extra detail with its extra 40MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older M8 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.