Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9
55 Imaging
76 Features
84 Overall
79


65 Imaging
73 Features
93 Overall
81
Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9 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
- Launched December 2020
(Full Review)
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Expand to 204800)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Sony E Mount
- 673g - 127 x 96 x 63mm
- Introduced April 2017
- Refreshed by Sony A9 II

Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9 Overview
In this article, we will be contrasting the Leica SL2-S and Sony A9, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by brands Leica and Sony. The resolution of the SL2-S (24MP) and the A9 (24MP) is relatively close and they come with the same exact sensor sizing (Full frame).

The SL2-S was announced 3 years later than the A9 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).
Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SL2-S grades vs the A9 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica SL2-S and Sony Alpha A9. The whole galleries are provided at Leica SL2-S Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica SL2-S over the Sony A9
SL2-S | A9 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | December 2020 | ![]() | April 2017 | Fresher by 45 months |
Screen sizing | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 2100k | ![]() | 1440k | Crisper screen (+660k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony A9 over the Leica SL2-S
A9 | SL2-S | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Leica SL2-S and Sony A9
SL2-S | A9 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9 Physical Comparison
If you're looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica SL2-S features physical measurements of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") having a weight of 931 grams (2.05 lbs) and the Sony A9 has measurements of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).
Look at the Leica SL2-S and Sony A9 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the SL2-S compared to the A9.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SL2-S and A9 is 55 and 65 respectively.

Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, its tough to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing specifications. The photograph below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SL2-S and A9.
Plainly, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels therefore you should expect comparable quality of photos but you would want to take the production date of the cameras into account. The more recent SL2-S will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.

Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Leica SL2-S vs Sony A9 Specifications
Leica SL2-S | Sony Alpha A9 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Leica | Sony |
Model type | Leica SL2-S | Sony Alpha A9 |
Class | Pro Mirrorless | Pro Mirrorless |
Launched | 2020-12-10 | 2017-04-19 |
Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | BIONZ X |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 36 x 24mm | 35.6 x 23.8mm |
Sensor area | 864.0mm² | 847.3mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixels | 24 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Max native ISO | 50000 | 51200 |
Max boosted ISO | - | 204800 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Lowest boosted ISO | 50 | 50 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 225 | 693 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Leica L | Sony E |
Total lenses | 36 | 121 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display size | 3.2 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 2,100 thousand dots | 1,440 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | 5,760 thousand dots | 3,686 thousand dots |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.78x | 0.78x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 1800s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Maximum quiet shutter speed | 1/16000s | 1/32000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 20.0 frames per second | 20.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | no built-in flash | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/250s | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
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 | - |
Max video resolution | 4096x2160 | 3840x2160 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 931 gr (2.05 lbs) | 673 gr (1.48 lbs) |
Dimensions | 146 x 107 x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") | 127 x 96 x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 92 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 24.9 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 13.3 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 3517 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 510 photographs | 650 photographs |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BP-SCL4 | NP-FZ100 |
Self timer | Yes (12 or 2 sec) | Yes (2, 5, 10 secs + continuous) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) |
Card slots | Two | Two |
Retail price | $4,895 | $4,498 |