Leica M9 vs Panasonic GH5

Below, we are contrasting the Leica M9 and Panasonic GH5, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the M9 (18MP) and the GH5 (20MP) is fairly similar but the M9 (Full frame) and GH5 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The M9 was unveiled 8 years earlier than the GH5 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the M9 matches up against the GH5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica M9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5. The full galleries are viewable at Leica M9 Gallery and Panasonic GH5 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Leica M9 features outer dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") along with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) and the Panasonic GH5 has sizing of 139mm x 98mm x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") having a weight of 725 grams (1.60 lbs).

See the Leica M9 and Panasonic GH5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the M9 and the GH5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the M9 and GH5 is 79 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M9 and GH5.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M9 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic GH5 will offer more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older M9 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.