Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8
55 Imaging
77 Features
84 Overall
79
![Leica SL2-S front Leica SL2-S front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Leica-SL2-S/Leica-SL2-S-front.jpg)
![Nikon Z8 front Nikon Z8 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-Z8/Nikon-Z8-front.jpg)
55 Imaging
83 Features
83 Overall
83
Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 50000
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 4096 x 2160 video
- Leica L Mount
- 931g - 146 x 107 x 83mm
- Released December 2020
(Full Review)
- 46MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.20" Tilting Display
- ISO 64 - 25600 (Bump to 102400)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 7680 x 4320 video
- Nikon Z Mount
- 910g - 144 x 119 x 83mm
- Announced May 2023
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Overview
In this write-up, we are reviewing the Leica SL2-S versus Nikon Z8, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Leica and Nikon. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the SL2-S (24MP) and Z8 (46MP) but they possess the same exact sensor measurements (Full frame).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
The SL2-S was brought out 3 years prior to the Z8 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).
Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SL2-S matches up vs the Z8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica SL2-S & Nikon Z8. The entire galleries are provided at Leica SL2-S Gallery & Nikon Z8 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica SL2-S over the Nikon Z8
SL2-S | Z8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 2100k | ![]() | 2089k | Crisper display (+11k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon Z8 over the Leica SL2-S
Z8 | SL2-S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | May 2023 | ![]() | December 2020 | Newer by 29 months |
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Common features in the Leica SL2-S and Nikon Z8
SL2-S | Z8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very exact focusing | ||
Display sizing | 3.2" | ![]() | 3.20" | Equivalent display measurements |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is going to travel with your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Leica SL2-S features outside measurements of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 931 grams (2.05 lbs) and the Nikon Z8 has measurements of 144mm x 119mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 910 grams (2.01 lbs).
Analyze the Leica SL2-S versus Nikon Z8 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SL2-S and the Z8.
![Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 size comparison Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Leica-SL2-S-vs-Nikon-Z8-size-comparison.jpg)
Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SL2-S and Z8 is 55 and 55 respectively.
![Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 top view buttons comparison Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Leica-SL2-S-vs-Nikon-Z8-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, its difficult to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over specs. The image underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SL2-S and Z8.
All in all, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Nikon Z8 to deliver greater detail having its extra 22 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged SL2-S is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.
![Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 sensor size comparison Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Leica-SL2-S-vs-Nikon-Z8-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Screen and ViewFinder
![Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Leica-SL2-S-vs-Nikon-Z8-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Leica SL2-S vs Nikon Z8 Specifications
Leica SL2-S | Nikon Z8 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Leica | Nikon |
Model type | Leica SL2-S | Nikon Z8 |
Class | Pro Mirrorless | Pro Mirrorless |
Released | 2020-12-10 | 2023-05-10 |
Body design | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 36 x 24mm | 35.9 x 23.9mm |
Sensor surface area | 864.0mm² | 858.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 46 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 8256 x 5504 |
Maximum native ISO | 50000 | 25600 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | - | 102400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 64 |
RAW images | ||
Minimum enhanced ISO | 50 | 32 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 225 | 493 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Leica L | Nikon Z |
Number of lenses | 36 | 46 |
Focal length multiplier | 1 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3.2 inches | 3.20 inches |
Resolution of display | 2,100k dot | 2,089k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | 5,760k dot | 3,686k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.78x | 0.8x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 1800 secs | 900 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | - |
Max quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | 1/32000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 20.0 frames/s | 30.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash options | no built-in flash | Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Off |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/250 secs | 1/200 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM | 7680 x 4320 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, L |
Maximum video resolution | 4096x2160 | 7680x4320 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | H.264, H.265 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 931g (2.05 lbs) | 910g (2.01 lbs) |
Dimensions | 146 x 107 x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") | 144 x 119 x 83mm (5.7" x 4.7" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | 98 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 26.3 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 14.2 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 2548 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 510 pictures | 330 pictures |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BP-SCL4 | EN-EL15c |
Self timer | Yes (12 or 2 sec) | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) | one CFexpress Type B slot and one UHS-II SD slot |
Storage slots | 2 | 2 |
Retail cost | $4,895 | $3,999 |