Leica M9 vs Panasonic LF1

On this page, we will be evaluating the Leica M9 and Panasonic LF1, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Leica and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the M9 (18MP) and LF1 (12MP) and the M9 (Full frame) and LF1 (1/1.7") posses different sensor size.

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The M9 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the LF1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the M9 scores vs the LF1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The entire galleries are viewable at Leica M9 Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Leica M9 has got outside dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) and the Panasonic LF1 has specifications of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check out the Leica M9 and Panasonic LF1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the M9 vs the LF1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M9 and LF1 is 79 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing specifications. The photograph here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the M9 and LF1.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The M9 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Leica M9 will produce more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older M9 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.