Leica SL vs Nikon Z5
67 Imaging
71 Features
78 Overall
73
62 Imaging
75 Features
86 Overall
79
Leica SL vs Nikon Z5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 50 - 50000
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 4096 x 2160 video
- Leica L Mount
- 847g - 147 x 104 x 39mm
- Announced October 2015
- Additionally referred to as Typ 601
- New Model is Leica SL2
(Full Review)
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Bump to 102400)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon Z Mount
- 675g - 134 x 101 x 70mm
- Introduced July 2020
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images Leica SL vs Nikon Z5 Overview
Let's take a more detailed look at the Leica SL and Nikon Z5, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Leica and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SL (24MP) and the Z5 (24MP) is very well matched and they come with the same exact sensor size (Full frame).
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesThe SL was revealed 5 years earlier than the Z5 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).
Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SL grades versus the Z5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
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The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica SL & Nikon Z5. The full galleries are available at Leica SL Gallery & Nikon Z5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica SL over the Nikon Z5
| SL | Z5 |
|---|
Reasons to pick Nikon Z5 over the Leica SL
| Z5 | SL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | July 2020 | October 2015 | Newer by 57 months | |
| Display type | Tilting | Fixed | Tilting display | |
| Display sizing | 3.2" | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Common features in the Leica SL and Nikon Z5
| SL | Z5 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Dial exact focus | |||
| Display resolution | 1040k | 1040k | Identical display resolution | |
| Selfie screen | Neither includes selfie screen | |||
| Touch display | Easily navigate |
Leica SL vs Nikon Z5 Physical Comparison
When you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Leica SL features exterior measurements of 147mm x 104mm x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 847 grams (1.87 lbs) whilst the Nikon Z5 has specifications of 134mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 675 grams (1.49 lbs).
Look at the Leica SL and Nikon Z5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the SL compared to the Z5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SL and Z5 is 67 and 62 respectively.
Leica SL vs Nikon Z5 Sensor Comparison
Often, its tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The pic below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SL and Z5.
As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact resolution so you can expect similar quality of images although you should always factor the age of the products into consideration. The more aged SL is going to be behind in sensor innovation.
Leica SL vs Nikon Z5 Screen and ViewFinder
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Leica SL vs Nikon Z5 Specifications
| Leica SL | Nikon Z5 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand Name | Leica | Nikon |
| Model | Leica SL | Nikon Z5 |
| Also called as | Typ 601 | - |
| Type | Pro Mirrorless | Advanced Mirrorless |
| Announced | 2015-10-21 | 2020-07-20 |
| Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | Maestro II | Expeed 6 |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor dimensions | 36 x 24mm | 35.9 x 23.9mm |
| Sensor area | 864.0mm² | 858.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 24 megapixel |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6016 x 4016 |
| Highest native ISO | 50000 | 51200 |
| Highest boosted ISO | - | 102400 |
| Min native ISO | 50 | 100 |
| RAW pictures | ||
| Min boosted ISO | - | 50 |
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focus | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Number of focus points | 49 | 273 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mounting type | Leica L | Nikon Z |
| Number of lenses | 30 | 15 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1 | 1 |
| Screen | ||
| Type of screen | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3 inches | 3.2 inches |
| Screen resolution | 1,040 thousand dots | 1,040 thousand dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch display | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder resolution | 4,400 thousand dots | 3,690 thousand dots |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Features | ||
| Lowest shutter speed | 60 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Highest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
| Continuous shooting rate | 11.0 frames per second | 4.5 frames per second |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual mode | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Set white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash range | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
| Flash settings | no built-in flash | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Highest flash synchronize | - | 1/200 seconds |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 4096 x 2160 (24p), 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (120p, 60p, 30p, 24p) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Highest video resolution | 4096x2160 | 3840x2160 |
| Video format | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Mic port | ||
| Headphone port | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | Yes |
| GPS | BuiltIn | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 847g (1.87 lbs) | 675g (1.49 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 147 x 104 x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") | 134 x 101 x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around score | 88 | not tested |
| DXO Color Depth score | 25.0 | not tested |
| DXO Dynamic range score | 13.4 | not tested |
| DXO Low light score | 1821 | not tested |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 400 images | 470 images |
| Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | BP-SCL4 | EN-EL15c |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 secs) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) |
| Card slots | Dual | Dual |
| Launch cost | $7,450 | $1,399 |