Leica SL2 vs Pentax X-5

The following is a extended comparison of the Leica SL2 versus Pentax X-5, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Leica and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the SL2 (47MP) and X-5 (16MP) and the SL2 (Full frame) and X-5 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SL2 was revealed 7 years after the X-5 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Leica SL2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SL2 scores versus the X-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Leica SL2 and Pentax X-5. The full galleries are provided at Leica SL2 Gallery and Pentax X-5 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Leica SL2 enjoys outer dimensions of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") with a weight of 835 grams (1.84 lbs) and the Pentax X-5 has sizing of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") having a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).

Look at the Leica SL2 versus Pentax X-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the SL2 vs the X-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SL2 and X-5 is 57 and 65 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading through technical specs. The image here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SL2 and X-5.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SL2 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Leica SL2 will give you extra detail because of its extra 31 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger SL2 will have an edge in sensor technology.