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Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S

Portability
79 Imaging
63 Features
30 Overall
49
Leica M9 front
 
Leica SL2-S front
Portability
55 Imaging
77 Features
84 Overall
79

Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S Key Specs

Leica M9
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 2500
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • No Video
  • Leica M Mount
  • 585g - 139 x 80 x 37mm
  • Introduced September 2009
  • New Model is Leica M9-P
Leica SL2-S
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 50000
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Leica L Mount
  • 931g - 146 x 107 x 83mm
  • Launched December 2020
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Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S Overview

Below, we will be analyzing the Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras and both are produced by Leica. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the M9 (18MP) and SL2-S (24MP) but they possess the exact same sensor dimensions (Full frame).

Photography Glossary

The M9 was brought out 12 years prior to the SL2-S which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Leica SL2-S being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the M9 scores against the SL2-S with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica M9 over the Leica SL2-S

		

		

			
 M9 SL2-S 
		

	

	
	

		

		
Reasons to pick Leica SL2-S over the Leica M9

		

		

			
 SL2-S M9 
LaunchedDecember 2020September 2009Newer by 137 months
Screen dimension3.2"2.5"Bigger screen (+0.7")
Screen resolution2100k230kSharper screen (+1870k dot)
Touch screen  Quickly navigate
		

	

	
	

		

		
Common features in the Leica M9 and Leica SL2-S

		

		

			
 M9 SL2-S 
Manual focus  Dial precise focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen  Neither contains selfie screen
		

	

	

	
	
	
	

	

		

		
Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S Physical Comparison

		

		

			
If you are planning to travel with your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Leica M9 has got physical measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) and the Leica SL2-S has sizing of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") having a weight of 931 grams (2.05 lbs).
Look at the Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the M9 compared to the SL2-S.
Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S size comparison
Using size and weight, the portability grade of the M9 and SL2-S is 79 and 55 respectively.
Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S top view buttons comparison		

	

	
	

		

		
Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S Sensor Comparison

		

		

			
In many cases, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through specifications. The picture here will offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the M9 and SL2-S.
To sum up, the 2 cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different MP. You can count on the Leica SL2-S to give extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged M9 is going to be behind in sensor tech.
	
			Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S sensor size comparison			
		

	

	
	

		

		
Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S Screen and ViewFinder

		

		

					

		Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S Screen and Viewfinder comparison	

	
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Photography Type Scores

		

	

	
Portrait Comparison
Portrait photography with Leica M9
Portrait photography with Leica SL2-S
69
 manual focus
 good MP (18MP)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 supports RAW formats
 no liveview feature
86
 has manual focus
 good MP (24 megapixels)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 has face detect autofocus
 saves RAW files
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Street Comparison
Street photography with Leica M9
Street photography with Leica SL2-S
65
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 supports RAW formats
 fixed screen
 lack of image stabilization
66
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 saves RAW files
 provides focus via touch
 environment proof
 great high ISO (50,000)
 no moving screen
 more heavy than competition (931 grams)
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Sports Comparison
Leica M9 Sports photography information
Leica SL2-S Sports photography information
44
 good MP (18 megapixels)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 no liveview feature
 low fps (2.0 fps)
 no shutter priority
 lack of image stabilization
 bad battery pack (350 shots)
 does not have phase detect AF
83
 max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
 quiet shooting (1/16,000 seconds)
 fast continuous shooting (20.0 frames/s)
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 good MP (24MP)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 has tracking focus
 environment proof
 better than average battery (510 CIPA)
 no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison
 Leica M9 as a Travel photography camera
 Leica SL2-S as a Travel photography camera
54
 good MP (18MP)
 does not have Time Lapse mode
 bad battery pack (350 CIPA)
 does not have a selfie friendly display
65
 better than average battery (510 CIPA)
 environment proof
 supports bluetooth
 provides focus via touch
 good MP (24 megapixels)
 more heavy than competition (931g)
 doesn't posses selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison
 Leica M9 as a Landscape photography camera
 Leica SL2-S as a Landscape photography camera
60
 manual focus
 switch lenses (Leica M mount)
 good MP (18MP)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 does not have anti-alias filter
 supports RAW formats
 screen is small (2.5 inches)
 no liveview feature
 lack of image stabilization
 bad battery pack (350 CIPA)
 does not have Time Lapse mode
86
 has manual focus
 switch lenses (Leica L mount)
 screen size is good (3.2 inch)
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 good MP (24 megapixels)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 no low pass filter
 great high ISO (50,000)
 saves RAW files
 environment proof
 better than average battery (510 CIPA)
 2 card slots
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Vlogging Comparison
Leica M9 Vlogging highlights
Leica SL2-S Vlogging highlights
9
 lack of video recording
32
 touch screen
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 has face detect autofocus
 great video quality (4096 x 2160 pxls)
 does have microphone support
 doesn't posses selfie friendly display
 more heavy than competition (931 grams)
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Leica M9 vs Leica SL2-S Specifications

		

		

					

		
		

			Detailed spec comparison table for Leica M9 and Leica SL2-S
 Leica M9Leica SL2-S
General Information
Company Leica Leica
Model Leica M9 Leica SL2-S
Type Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Introduced 2009-09-09 2020-12-10
Physical type Rangefinder-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 36 x 24mm 36 x 24mm
Sensor surface area 864.0mm² 864.0mm²
Sensor resolution 18MP 24MP
Anti aliasing filter    
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Highest resolution 5212 x 3472 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 2500 50000
Lowest native ISO 80 100
RAW support    
Lowest boosted ISO - 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually    
Autofocus touch    
Continuous autofocus    
Autofocus single    
Autofocus tracking    
Selective autofocus    
Autofocus center weighted    
Autofocus multi area    
Autofocus live view    
Face detect autofocus    
Contract detect autofocus    
Phase detect autofocus    
Number of focus points - 225
Lens
Lens mounting type Leica M Leica L
Available lenses 59 36
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 2.5 inch 3.2 inch
Resolution of display 230 thousand dots 2,100 thousand dots
Selfie friendly    
Liveview    
Touch functionality    
Display tech TFT color LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (rangefinder) Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 5,760 thousand dots
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.68x 0.78x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4 seconds 1800 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Maximum quiet shutter speed - 1/16000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 2.0fps 20.0fps
Shutter priority    
Aperture priority    
Expose Manually    
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance    
Image stabilization    
Built-in flash    
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash modes Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync no built-in flash
Hot shoe    
AEB    
WB bracketing    
Maximum flash synchronize 1/180 seconds 1/250 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment exposure    
Average exposure    
Spot exposure    
Partial exposure    
AF area exposure    
Center weighted exposure    
Video features
Supported video resolutions - 4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Highest video resolution None 4096x2160
Video data format - MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone support    
Headphone support    
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth    
NFC    
HDMI    
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing    
Water proof    
Dust proof    
Shock proof    
Crush proof    
Freeze proof    
Weight 585g (1.29 lb) 931g (2.05 lb)
Dimensions 139 x 80 x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") 146 x 107 x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 69 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 22.5 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 11.7 not tested
DXO Low light score 884 not tested
Other
Battery life 350 photographs 510 photographs
Battery style Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model - BP-SCL4
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (12 or 2 sec)
Time lapse recording    
Storage type SD/SDHC card Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1)
Card slots 1 Two
Retail cost $2,750 $4,895