Leica S2 vs Nikon D1
52 Imaging
73 Features
43 Overall
61


51 Imaging
39 Features
36 Overall
37
Leica S2 vs Nikon D1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 38MP - Medium format Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1250
- No Video
- Leica L Mount
- 1410g - 160 x 120 x 81mm
- Introduced September 2008
(Full Review)
- 3MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 1600
- 1/16000s Max Shutter
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 1200g - 157 x 153 x 85mm
- Launched November 2000
- New Model is Nikon D1X

Leica S2 vs Nikon D1 Overview
The following is a extensive analysis of the Leica S2 versus Nikon D1, both Pro DSLR cameras by companies Leica and Nikon. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the S2 (38MP) and D1 (3MP) and the S2 (Medium format) and D1 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

The S2 was announced 7 years after the D1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Large SLR).
Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the S2 scores versus the D1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Leica S2 vs Nikon D1 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica S2 and Nikon D1. The whole galleries are viewable at Leica S2 Gallery and Nikon D1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica S2 over the Nikon D1
S2 | D1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | September 2008 | ![]() | November 2000 | Newer by 96 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2" | Larger display (+1") |
Display resolution | 460k | ![]() | 130k | Crisper display (+330k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon D1 over the Leica S2
D1 | S2 |
---|
Common features in the Leica S2 and Nikon D1
S2 | D1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | No Touch friendly display |
Leica S2 vs Nikon D1 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Leica S2 comes with physical measurements of 160mm x 120mm x 81mm (6.3" x 4.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 1410 grams (3.11 lbs) and the Nikon D1 has sizing of 157mm x 153mm x 85mm (6.2" x 6.0" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 1200 grams (2.65 lbs).
Take a look at the Leica S2 versus Nikon D1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the S2 against the D1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S2 and D1 is 52 and 51 respectively.

Leica S2 vs Nikon D1 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by looking through a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the S2 and D1.
As you can see, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S2 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Leica S2 will render extra detail with its extra 35MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent S2 should have a benefit in sensor tech.

Leica S2 vs Nikon D1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Leica S2 vs Nikon D1 Specifications
Leica S2 | Nikon D1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Leica | Nikon |
Model | Leica S2 | Nikon D1 |
Category | Pro DSLR | Pro DSLR |
Introduced | 2008-09-23 | 2000-11-27 |
Body design | Large SLR | Large SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | Medium format | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 45 x 30mm | 23.7 x 15.5mm |
Sensor surface area | 1,350.0mm² | 367.4mm² |
Sensor resolution | 38MP | 3MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 7500 x 5000 | 2000 x 1312 |
Maximum native ISO | 1250 | 1600 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 200 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Leica L | Nikon F |
Number of lenses | 30 | 309 |
Crop factor | 0.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 2" |
Screen resolution | 460 thousand dot | 130 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 96% | 96% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.86x | 0.53x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 32 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/16000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 2.0 frames per second | 5.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | no built-in flash | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | - | 1/500 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Maximum video resolution | None | None |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | none |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 1410 gr (3.11 lb) | 1200 gr (2.65 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 160 x 120 x 81mm (6.3" x 4.7" x 3.2") | 157 x 153 x 85mm (6.2" x 6.0" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 76 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.9 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.2 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 824 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1000 shots | - |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 to 20 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | - | Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
Storage slots | One | One |
Cost at release | $0 | $5,130 |