Leica M9 vs Sony HX300

The following is a complete assessment of the Leica M9 and Sony HX300, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Leica and Sony. The image resolution of the M9 (18MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is very well matched but the M9 (Full frame) and HX300 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The M9 was released 4 years earlier than the HX300 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the M9 grades against the HX300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M9 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are available at Leica M9 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Leica M9 features exterior measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") along with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) while the Sony HX300 has sizing of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

See the Leica M9 and Sony HX300 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the M9 vs the HX300.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the M9 and HX300 is 79 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specifications. The pic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the M9 and HX300.

Plainly, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The M9 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX300 will give more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The more aged M9 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.