Leica M9 vs Panasonic S5 II X

Here, we will be contrasting the Leica M9 and Panasonic S5 II X, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Leica and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the M9 (18MP) and S5 II X (24MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (Full frame).

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The M9 was launched 14 years before the S5 II X and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S5 II X being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the M9 scores versus the S5 II X in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M9 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mark II X. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica M9 Gallery and Panasonic S5 II X Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Leica M9 comes with physical measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) and the Panasonic S5 II X has dimensions of 134mm x 102mm x 90mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 3.5") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check the Leica M9 and Panasonic S5 II X in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the M9 versus the S5 II X.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the M9 and S5 II X is 79 and 59 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specifications. The graphic below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the M9 and S5 II X.

To sum up, both cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Panasonic S5 II X to offer you more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older M9 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.