Leica SL vs Olympus E-M1

Below, we will be comparing the Leica SL and Olympus E-M1, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Leica and Olympus. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the SL (24MP) and E-M1 (16MP) and the SL (Full frame) and E-M1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The SL was launched 2 years later than the E-M1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SL scores against the E-M1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Leica SL and Olympus OM-D E-M1. The complete galleries are available at Leica SL Gallery and Olympus E-M1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Leica SL offers physical dimensions of 147mm x 104mm x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 847 grams (1.87 lbs) while the Olympus E-M1 has dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Leica SL and Olympus E-M1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SL compared to the E-M1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SL and E-M1 is 67 and 71 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SL and E-M1.

As you can see, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SL featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Leica SL will offer more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer SL will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.