Leica M9 vs Sony W730

Here is a in depth analysis of the Leica M9 vs Sony W730, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Leica and Sony. The image resolution of the M9 (18MP) and the W730 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the M9 (Full frame) and W730 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The M9 was launched 4 years earlier than the W730 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W730 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the M9 scores against the W730 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M9 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730. The complete galleries are provided at Leica M9 Gallery & Sony W730 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Leica M9 has got outside 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) while the Sony W730 has sizing of 93mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.9") having a weight of 122 grams (0.27 lbs).

Check the Leica M9 vs Sony W730 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the M9 vs the W730.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M9 and W730 is 79 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The visual underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the M9 and W730.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M9 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Leica M9 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older M9 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.