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Leica SL2 vs Sony A9

Portability
57
Imaging
80
Features
83
Overall
81
Leica SL2 front
 
Sony Alpha A9 front
Portability
65
Imaging
74
Features
93
Overall
81

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 Key Specs

Leica SL2
(Full Review)
  • 47MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Display
  • 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
  • Previous Model is Leica SL
Sony A9
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Expand to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 673g - 127 x 96 x 63mm
  • Announced April 2017
  • New Model is Sony A9 II
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Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 Overview

In this article, we will be evaluating the Leica SL2 and Sony A9, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by rivals Leica and Sony. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the SL2 (47MP) and A9 (24MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (Full frame).

Photography Glossary

The SL2 was released 2 years later than the A9 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SL2 matches up against the A9 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Leica SL2 over the Sony A9

 SL2 A9 
AnnouncedNovember 2019April 2017More recent by 32 months
Screen sizing3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")
Screen resolution2100k1440kCrisper screen (+660k dot)

Reasons to pick Sony A9 over the Leica SL2

 A9 SL2 
Screen typeTiltingFixed Tilting screen

Common features in the Leica SL2 and Sony A9

 SL2 A9 
Manually focus More accurate focusing
Selfie screen Neither offers selfie screen
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 Physical Comparison

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Leica SL2 offers outer measurements of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") having a weight of 835 grams (1.84 lbs) whilst the Sony A9 has specifications of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") along with a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Compare the Leica SL2 and Sony A9 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SL2 vs the A9.

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 size comparison

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SL2 and A9 is 57 and 65 respectively.

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 top view buttons comparison

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 Sensor Comparison

Generally, its tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing technical specs. The visual here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SL2 and A9.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Leica SL2 to result in more detail as a result of its extra 23 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger SL2 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 sensor size comparison

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 Screen and ViewFinder

Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Leica SL2
Portrait photography with Sony A9
88
you can focus manually
amazing MP (47 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
includes face detect focusing
exports RAW formats
84
manual focus
good MP (24MP)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
provides face detection autofocus
exports RAW files
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Street Comparison

Leica SL2 as a Street photography camera
Sony A9 as a Street photography camera
72
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
exports RAW formats
provides touch to focus
weather proofing
very good high ISO (50,000)
no moving screen
79
has a tilting screen
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
exports RAW files
offers touch focus
weather proof
good ISO range (51,200)
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Sports Comparison

Leica SL2 Sports photography details
Sony A9 Sports photography details
80
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
silent mode (1/40,000s)
high fps (20.0 frames/s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
amazing MP (47 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
includes tracking focus
weather proofing
low battery power (370 CIPA)
doesn't have phase detect AF
87
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
quiet mode (1/32,000 seconds)
fast shooting (20.0 frames per second)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
good MP (24 megapixels)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
provides tracking autofocus
weather proof
great battery power (650 CIPA)
sensor has phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Leica SL2 Travel photography details
Sony A9 Travel photography details
65
weather proofing
has bluetooth
provides touch to focus
amazing MP (47 megapixels)
low battery power (370 CIPA)
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
74
great battery power (650 CIPA)
weather proof
supports bluetooth
offers touch focus
good MP (24 megapixels)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Leica SL2 as a Landscape photography camera
Sony A9 as a Landscape photography camera
83
you can focus manually
change lenses (Leica L mount)
pretty good screen size (3.2 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
amazing MP (47 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
doesnt have anti aliasing filter
very good high ISO (50,000)
exports RAW formats
weather proofing
has double storage slots
low battery power (370 CIPA)
86
manual focus
switch lenses (Sony E mount)
good sized screen (3 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
good MP (24MP)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
good ISO range (51,200)
exports RAW files
weather proof
great battery power (650 per charge)
has dual storage slots
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Leica SL2
Vlogging with Sony A9
36
touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes face detect focusing
high video quality (4096 x 2160 pxls)
does have microphone port
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
37
touchscreen enabled
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
provides face detection autofocus
high quality video (3840 x 2160 pxls)
includes external mic jack
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
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Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica SL2 and Sony A9
 Leica SL2Sony Alpha A9
General Information
Brand Leica Sony
Model Leica SL2 Sony Alpha A9
Type Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Launched 2019-11-06 2017-04-19
Body design SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Powered by Maestro III BIONZ X
Sensor type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor dimensions 36 x 24mm 35.6 x 23.8mm
Sensor surface area 864.0mm² 847.3mm²
Sensor resolution 47 megapixel 24 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 8368 x 5584 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 50000 51200
Highest boosted ISO - 204800
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW files
Minimum boosted ISO 50 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points 225 693
Lens
Lens mount Leica L Sony E
Number of lenses 30 121
Crop factor 1 1
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Tilting
Display diagonal 3.2" 3"
Resolution of display 2,100k dot 1,440k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 5,760k dot 3,686k dot
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.78x 0.78x
Features
Lowest shutter speed 1800s 30s
Highest shutter speed 1/8000s 1/8000s
Highest quiet shutter speed 1/40000s 1/32000s
Continuous shooting speed 20.0 frames per sec 20.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 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
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
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 -
Highest video resolution 4096x2160 3840x2160
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 835g (1.84 lb) 673g (1.48 lb)
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 score not tested 92
DXO Color Depth score not tested 24.9
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 13.3
DXO Low light score not tested 3517
Other
Battery life 370 shots 650 shots
Style of battery Built-in Battery Pack
Battery model BP-SCL4 NP-FZ100
Self timer Yes Yes (2, 5, 10 secs + continuous)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible)
Storage slots Dual Dual
Pricing at launch $5,995 $4,498