Leica M9 vs Panasonic GH5S

Let's take a deeper look at the Leica M9 and Panasonic GH5S, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by companies Leica and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the M9 (18MP) and GH5S (10MP) and the M9 (Full frame) and GH5S (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The M9 was introduced 9 years before the GH5S and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH5S being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the M9 grades versus the GH5S in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M9 and Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica M9 Gallery and Panasonic GH5S Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Leica M9 has outer dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH5S has dimensions of 139mm x 98mm x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") and a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Contrast the Leica M9 and Panasonic GH5S in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the M9 against the GH5S.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the M9 and GH5S is 79 and 62 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing specs. The photograph below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the M9 and GH5S.

All in all, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The M9 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Leica M9 will result in greater detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The older M9 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.