Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Leica | Leica |
| Model | M8 | M9 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2006 | 2009 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
14/09/2006 | 09/09/2009 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 139 x 80 x 37 mm | 139 x 80 x 37 mm |
| Camera weight | 591 g | 585 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
10.3 MP050 | 18 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
3936 x 2630 | 5212 x 3472 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CCD | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
18 x 27 | 24 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-H | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
2 fps045 | 2 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Leica M | Leica M |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Maestro II | Maestro II |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
16030200 | 16030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
25003003280000 | 25003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
16030200 | 8030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
25003003280000 | 25003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
844080 | 444080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
00300 | 00300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (rangefinder) | Optical (rangefinder) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | N/A |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 2.5" | 2.5" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✗ | ✗ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | BP-SCL1 | BP-SCL1 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
550 shots1505000 | 350 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Leica M8 edges out the Leica M9 with a score of 35/100 compared to the M9’s 34/100. Both cameras share similarities as mirrorless models, released in 2006 and 2009, with launch prices of $5495 and $5500 respectively. They also have identical camera dimensions of 139 x 80 x 37mm.
The M8 has a slight advantage in weight, coming in at 591g (1.30lbs), while the M9 weighs 585g (1.29lbs). The M8’s higher score indicates it performs better overall, even though the M9 is a newer model. Despite the close scores, the M8 stands out as the preferable choice.
Considering the similarities and minor differences between the two, the Leica M8 is the winner in this comparison, offering slightly better performance and a marginally lighter weight.
The Leica M8 takes the lead in optics with a score of 43/100, while the Leica M9 scores slightly lower at 42/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the shooting speed of 2, sensor type CCD, Maestro II processor, Leica M lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.
The Leica M8’s advantage lies in its APS-H sensor size, which contributes to the camera’s overall performance in terms of image quality and low-light capabilities. This sensor size offers a balance between the benefits of a full-frame sensor and the compactness of a crop sensor, making the M8 a versatile choice for various photography styles.
On the other hand, the Leica M9 boasts a higher megapixel count of 18 and a full-frame sensor. The increased megapixel count allows the M9 to capture more detail and produce larger prints, while the full-frame sensor provides better image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, the M9’s sensor earns a higher DXOMARK score of 69, indicating superior image quality compared to the M8’s score of 59.
However, the Leica M8 does not have any distinct advantages over the M9 in terms of optics, as both cameras share similar specifications in other areas. The one-point difference in the optics score may not be significant enough to impact the decision-making process for most photographers.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Leica M8 and M9 offer similar optical performance, with the M8 having a slight edge due to its APS-H sensor size. The M9, with its higher megapixel count and full-frame sensor, may be more suitable for those who prioritize image quality and large print sizes. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras will depend on the individual photographer’s preferences and requirements.
In discussing the video capabilities of the Leica M8 and Leica M9, it is important to note that neither camera has video functionality. Both the M8 and M9 focus on providing exceptional still photography performance, and as such, they do not offer any video features. Consequently, a comparison of their video capabilities is not applicable.
When comparing the Leica M8 and Leica M9, both cameras receive a feature score of 17/100. This score shows that there is no clear winner in terms of features. In this comparison, we will examine the common specifications and the advantages of each camera.
The Leica M8 and M9 share several specifications. Both cameras have a screen size of 2.5 inches and a screen resolution of 230,000 dots. Neither camera has a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. These common features make the two cameras similar in terms of display and connectivity options.
Despite having the same features score, the Leica M9 offers certain advantages over the M8. However, in this comparison, there are no specific features that make the M9 superior to the M8. The equal feature score indicates that both cameras are evenly matched in this area.
On the other hand, the Leica M8 may have advantages over the M9 in aspects not covered by the feature score. Since we are only focusing on features, no specific advantages for the M8 can be identified in this comparison.
Given the equal feature scores and shared specifications, there is no clear winner between the Leica M8 and M9 in terms of features. Both cameras offer similar display and connectivity options, and neither has a significant advantage over the other. Choosing between the two cameras would depend on factors beyond their features, such as price, personal preference, or other specifications not covered in this comparison.
The Leica M8 triumphs in the storage and battery category, scoring 29/100, while the Leica M9 lags behind with a score of 21/100. Both cameras share similarities in this aspect, including a single memory card slot accepting SD and SDHC cards, the same BP-SCL1 battery type, and the absence of USB charging.
The Leica M8 outperforms the M9 in battery life, providing a superior 550 shots compared to the M9’s 350 shots. This difference allows users to capture more photos without worrying about battery depletion.
On the other hand, the Leica M9 does not offer any advantages in storage and battery over the M8. With the same memory card compatibility and battery type, the M9 falls short due to its shorter battery life.
Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Leica M8 proves to be the better choice, offering longer battery life without compromising on memory card compatibility or battery type. The Leica M9, while sharing some specifications with the M8, remains limited by its inferior battery life.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Leica M8 or the Leica M9:
