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Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9

Portability
57 Imaging
80 Features
83 Overall
81
Leica SL2 front
 
Nikon Z9 front
Portability
51 Imaging
81 Features
90 Overall
84

Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 Key Specs

Leica SL2
(Full Review)
  • 47MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 50000
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Leica L Mount
  • 835g - 146 x 107 x 83mm
  • Launched November 2019
  • Succeeded the Leica SL
Nikon Z9
(Full Review)
  • 46MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Display
  • ISO 64 - 25600 (Raise to 102400)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 7680 x 4320 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 1340g - 149 x 150 x 91mm
  • Released October 2021
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Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 Overview

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Leica SL2 and Nikon Z9, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by competitors Leica and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SL2 (47MP) and the Z9 (46MP) is very comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (Full frame).

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The SL2 was manufactured 24 months earlier than the Z9 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SL2 grades against the Z9 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica SL2 over the Nikon Z9

		

		

			
 SL2 Z9 
Display resolution2100k2089kClearer display (+11k dot)
		

	

	
	

		

		
Reasons to pick Nikon Z9 over the Leica SL2

		

		

			
 Z9 SL2 
ReleasedOctober 2021November 2019Newer by 24 months
Display typeTiltingFixed Tilting display
		

	

	
	

		

		
Common features in the Leica SL2 and Nikon Z9

		

		

			
 SL2 Z9 
Manual focus  Very precise focusing
Display size3.2"3.2"Same display measurement
Selfie screen  Lacking selfie screen
Touch display  Easily navigate
		

	

	

	
	
	
	

	

		

		
Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 Physical Comparison

		

		

			
For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Leica SL2 features outside measurements of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") along with a weight of 835 grams (1.84 lbs) whilst the Nikon Z9 has proportions of 149mm x 150mm x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") along with a weight of 1340 grams (2.95 lbs).
Check the Leica SL2 and Nikon Z9 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses
Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the SL2 versus the Z9.
Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 size comparison
Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SL2 and Z9 is 57 and 51 respectively.
Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 top view buttons comparison		

	

	
	

		

		
Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 Sensor Comparison

		

		

			
Oftentimes, its difficult to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions just by checking out technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SL2 and Z9.
As you can tell, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Leica SL2 to provide greater detail due to its extra 1MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged SL2 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.
	
			Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 sensor size comparison			
		

	

	
	

		

		
Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 Screen and ViewFinder

		

		

					

		Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 Screen and Viewfinder comparison	

	
			Photography Glossary	

	
	
	
	

	

		
Photography Type Scores

		

	

	
Portrait Comparison
Leica SL2 Portrait photography factors
Nikon Z9 Portrait photography factors
88
 you can focus manually
 resolution is fantastic (47 megapixels)
 big sensor size (Full frame)
 comes with face detection focus
 saves RAW formats
88
 you can focus manually
 excellent megapixels (46MP)
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 has face detection focusing
 saves RAW files
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Street Comparison
Street photography with Leica SL2
Street photography with Nikon Z9
72
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 big sensor size (Full frame)
 saves RAW formats
 offers focus by touch
 weather sealing
 good high ISO (50,000)
 screen does not articulate
70
 has a tilting screen
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 saves RAW files
 boasts touch focus
 environment proofing
 good high ISO (25,600)
 more heavy than competitors in class (1,340 grams)
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Sports Comparison
Leica SL2 Sports photography advice
Nikon Z9 Sports photography advice
80
 maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
 quiet shooting (1/40,000s)
 high max frames per second (20.0 fps)
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 resolution is fantastic (47MP)
 big sensor size (Full frame)
 comes with tracking autofocus
 weather sealing
 low battery (370 per charge)
 does not have phase detect auto focus
90
 silent mode (1/32,000 seconds)
 fast continuous shooting (30.0 frames per second)
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 excellent megapixels (46 megapixels)
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 has tracking autofocus
 environment proofing
 better than average battery (740 per charge)
 sensor has phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison
Leica SL2 Travel photography factors
Nikon Z9 Travel photography factors
65
 weather sealing
 has bluetooth
 offers focus by touch
 resolution is fantastic (47 megapixels)
 low battery (370 shots)
 doesn't contain selfie friendly display
65
 better than average battery (740 shots)
 environment proofing
 has bluetooth
 boasts touch focus
 excellent megapixels (46MP)
 more heavy than competitors in class (1,340 grams)
 doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison
Landscape photography with Leica SL2
Landscape photography with Nikon Z9
83
 you can focus manually
 interchangeable lenses (Leica L mount)
 screen is a good size (3.2 inch)
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 resolution is fantastic (47 megapixels)
 big sensor size (Full frame)
 does not have low pass filter
 good high ISO (50,000)
 saves RAW formats
 weather sealing
 has dual storage slots
 low battery (370 shots)
87
 you can focus manually
 change lenses (Nikon Z mount)
 screen size is decent (3.2 inch)
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 excellent megapixels (46MP)
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 good high ISO (25,600)
 saves RAW files
 environment proofing
 better than average battery (740 CIPA)
 has dual storage slots
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Vlogging Comparison
Leica SL2 Vlogging info
Nikon Z9 Vlogging info
36
 touchscreen capability
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
 comes with face detection focus
 video res high (4096 x 2160 pxls)
 includes external microphone jack
 doesn't contain selfie friendly display
32
 touchscreen capability
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 has face detection focusing
 great video quality (7680 x 4320 resolution)
 includes external microphone jack
 doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
 more heavy than competitors in class (1,340g)
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Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z9 Specifications

		

		

					

		
		

			Detailed spec comparison table for Leica SL2 and Nikon Z9
 Leica SL2Nikon Z9
General Information
Brand Leica Nikon
Model Leica SL2 Nikon Z9
Class Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Launched 2019-11-06 2021-10-28
Body design SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Powered by Maestro III -
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 47MP 46MP
Anti aliasing filter    
Aspect ratio 3:2 1:1, 3:2 and  16:9
Maximum resolution 8368 x 5584 8256 x 5504
Maximum native ISO 50000 25600
Maximum boosted ISO - 102400
Min native ISO 100 64
RAW photos    
Min boosted ISO 50 32
Autofocusing
Focus manually    
AF touch    
Continuous AF    
AF single    
AF tracking    
AF selectice    
AF center weighted    
AF multi area    
Live view AF    
Face detection focusing    
Contract detection focusing    
Phase detection focusing    
Number of focus points 225 493
Lens
Lens mount Leica L Nikon Z
Number of lenses 30 29
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Tilting
Screen size 3.2" 3.2"
Screen resolution 2,100k dot 2,089k dot
Selfie friendly    
Liveview    
Touch operation    
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 5,760k dot 3,686k dot
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.78x 0.8x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 1800s 900s
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000s -
Maximum silent shutter speed 1/40000s 1/32000s
Continuous shooting speed 20.0 frames/s 30.0 frames/s
Shutter priority    
Aperture priority    
Manually set exposure    
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB    
Image stabilization    
Inbuilt flash    
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash modes no built-in flash Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Off
Hot shoe    
Auto exposure bracketing    
White balance bracketing    
Maximum flash sync - 1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment metering    
Average metering    
Spot metering    
Partial metering    
AF area metering    
Center weighted metering    
Video features
Video resolutions 4096 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p, 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 data format MPEG-4, H.264 H.264, H.265
Microphone input    
Headphone input    
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth    
NFC    
HDMI    
USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS None Built-in
Physical
Environmental seal    
Water proof    
Dust proof    
Shock proof    
Crush proof    
Freeze proof    
Weight 835g (1.84 pounds) 1340g (2.95 pounds)
Physical dimensions 146 x 107 x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") 149 x 150 x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 370 images 740 images
Battery format Built-in Battery Pack
Battery model BP-SCL4 EN-EL18d
Self timer Yes Yes
Time lapse shooting    
Type of storage Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) Dual CFexpress Type B slots
Storage slots Dual Dual
Cost at launch $5,995 $5,500