Leica M9 vs Sony NEX-5R

Following is a complete review of the Leica M9 vs Sony NEX-5R, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Leica and Sony. The sensor resolution of the M9 (18MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty similar but the M9 (Full frame) and NEX-5R (APS-C) boast different sensor measurements.

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The M9 was released 4 years before the NEX-5R which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise overview of how the M9 matches up against the NEX-5R in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M9 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are viewable at Leica M9 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Leica M9 has external dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Analyze the Leica M9 vs Sony NEX-5R in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the M9 versus the NEX-5R.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M9 and NEX-5R is 79 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes only by going over a spec sheet. The picture below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the M9 and NEX-5R.

As you can see, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The M9 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Leica M9 will offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged M9 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.