Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV
67 Imaging
71 Features
78 Overall
73


61 Imaging
80 Features
92 Overall
84
Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 50 - 50000
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 4096 x 2160 video
- Leica L Mount
- 847g - 147 x 104 x 39mm
- Released October 2015
- Additionally referred to as Typ 601
- Later Model is Leica SL2
(Full Review)
- 33MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Bump to 204800)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Sony E Mount
- 699g - 129 x 97 x 81mm
- Announced October 2021
- Replaced the Sony A7 III

Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV Overview
Following is a extended analysis of the Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by rivals Leica and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the SL (24MP) and A7 IV (33MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (Full frame).

The SL was revealed 7 years earlier than the A7 IV which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).
Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SL scores vs the A7 IV with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica SL & Sony Alpha A7 IV. The full galleries are viewable at Leica SL Gallery & Sony A7 IV Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica SL over the Sony A7 IV
SL | A7 IV |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony A7 IV over the Leica SL
A7 IV | SL | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | October 2021 | ![]() | October 2015 | More modern by 73 months |
Display type | Fully articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Display resolution | 1440k | ![]() | 1040k | Sharper display (+400k dot) |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Common features in the Leica SL and Sony A7 IV
SL | A7 IV | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display dimensions |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV Physical Comparison
In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Leica SL enjoys outside measurements 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 Sony A7 IV has sizing of 129mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 699 grams (1.54 lbs).
Take a look at the Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SL vs the A7 IV.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SL and A7 IV is 67 and 61 respectively.

Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The pic underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SL and A7 IV.
As you can tell, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You can anticipate the Sony A7 IV to provide you with greater detail because of its extra 9 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SL will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.

Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Leica SL vs Sony A7 IV Specifications
Leica SL | Sony Alpha A7 IV | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Leica | Sony |
Model | Leica SL | Sony Alpha A7 IV |
Also referred to as | Typ 601 | - |
Class | Pro Mirrorless | Pro Mirrorless |
Released | 2015-10-21 | 2021-10-21 |
Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Maestro II | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
Sensor dimensions | 36 x 24mm | 35.8 x 23.8mm |
Sensor area | 864.0mm² | 852.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 33 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 7008 x 4672 |
Highest native ISO | 50000 | 51200 |
Highest enhanced ISO | - | 204800 |
Minimum native ISO | 50 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Minimum enhanced ISO | - | 50 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 49 | 759 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Leica L | Sony E |
Total lenses | 30 | 172 |
Focal length multiplier | 1 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fully articulated |
Screen diagonal | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 1,040k dots | 1,440k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | 4,400k dots | 3,690k dots |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.8x | 0.78x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 60 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 11.0fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | - | 1/200 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 4096 x 2160 (24p), 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (120p, 60p, 30p, 24p) | 3843840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 140 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 140 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 600 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 500 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 300 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 250 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 240 Mbps, XAVC S-I, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / |
Highest video resolution | 4096x2160 | 3840x2160 |
Video data format | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | Yes (USB PD supported) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 847g (1.87 lbs) | 699g (1.54 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 147 x 104 x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") | 129 x 97 x 81mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall 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 photographs | 600 photographs |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | BP-SCL4 | NP-FZ100 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures)) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) | Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots |
Card slots | 2 | 2 |
Pricing at release | $7,450 | $2,500 |