Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
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SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Leica | Sony |
| Model | M9 | a7 III |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2009 | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
09/09/2009 | 27/02/2018 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 139 x 80 x 37 mm | 127 x 96 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 585 g | 650 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
18 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5212 x 3472 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CCD | CMOS |
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. |
24 x 36 | 23.8 x 35.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | 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 | 10 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 | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Maestro II | Bionz X |
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 | 10030200 |
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 | 512003003280000 |
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. |
8030200 | 5030200 |
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 | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
444080 | 3044080 |
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. |
400080032000 | 800080032000 |
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 | 6930300 |
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) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 235929609900000 |
| 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 | 4K |
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 | 3840 x 2160 |
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 | 30 fps |
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 | XAVC S, AVCHD |
| 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 | TFT LCD | 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" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✓ |
| Battery type | BP-SCL1 | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
350 shots1505000 | 750 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✓ |
The Sony a7 III emerges as the clear winner with a score of 80/100 against the Leica M9‘s 34/100. Both cameras share similarities as mirrorless devices with comparable sizes and weights. The Sony a7 III boasts advantages such as its more recent release in 2018 and a significantly lower launch price of $2000, compared to the Leica M9’s 2009 release and $5500 price tag.
However, the Leica M9 does have a slight edge in terms of weight, coming in at 585g, making it lighter than the Sony a7 III’s 650g. Despite this, the Sony a7 III’s higher score reflects its overall superior performance, making it the better choice for photographers. The Leica M9, while lighter, falls short in other aspects, as indicated by its lower score.
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Leica M9 in optics with a score of 81/100, a significant 39-point lead over the M9’s score of 42/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a full-frame sensor and a dedicated lens mount (Sony FE for the a7 III and Leica M for the M9).
The Sony a7 III excels in various aspects, including its higher resolution of 24.2 megapixels compared to the M9’s 18 megapixels. This results in sharper and more detailed images. The a7 III also boasts a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second, making it more suitable for capturing action and fast-paced subjects. Moreover, the a7 III has a sensor with a DXOMARK score of 96, significantly higher than the M9’s score of 69. This indicates better overall image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, the a7 III features image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and produce sharper images in various shooting conditions.
On the other hand, the Leica M9 has a CCD sensor, which is known for producing more accurate colors and smoother tonal transitions than the CMOS sensor in the a7 III. However, the M9’s slower shooting speed of 2 frames per second and lack of image stabilization make it less versatile in certain situations.
Given these differences, the Sony a7 III proves to be a superior choice in terms of optics due to its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, better sensor performance, and image stabilization. The Leica M9, while offering some advantages in color accuracy, falls short in other critical aspects of optical performance.
When it comes to video capabilities, the Leica M9 does not offer any video functionality. This means that if you are looking for a camera with video recording options, the Leica M9 is not the right choice for you. On the other hand, the Sony a7 III does provide video recording features, making it suitable for those who require both still photography and video capabilities.
The Sony a7 III has a video score of 56 out of 100. It is capable of recording 4K video with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This camera can record video at a top frame rate of 30fps. However, it is important to note that the Sony a7 III does not have built-in time-lapse functionality. This may be a drawback for some users who are particularly interested in creating time-lapse videos.
Taking into account the lack of video functionality in the Leica M9 and the video capabilities of the Sony a7 III, it becomes clear that the Sony a7 III is the better option for those who need video recording features. The Leica M9 is not suitable for users who require video capabilities, while the Sony a7 III offers 4K video recording and a decent video score, despite its lack of built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Sony a7 III is the clear winner in this comparison, scoring 81 points in features, while the Leica M9 only scored 17 points. Both cameras share some specifications, such as the lack of GPS. However, the Sony a7 III outperforms the Leica M9 in several aspects, making it a superior camera in terms of features.
Both cameras have different screen sizes and resolutions, with the Sony a7 III having a 3-inch screen with 921,600 dots resolution, while the Leica M9 has a smaller 2.5-inch screen with a lower resolution of 230,000 dots. The Sony a7 III also has a touchscreen and a flip screen, which the Leica M9 lacks. These features provide more convenience and flexibility for users when composing and reviewing images.
In addition, the Sony a7 III has WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for easier sharing and transferring of images, as well as remote control of the camera through a smartphone. The Leica M9 does not have these connectivity options.
There are no specific areas where the Leica M9 surpasses the Sony a7 III in terms of features. It is worth noting that a camera’s features do not solely determine its overall quality, but in this case, the Sony a7 III’s higher score reflects its better capabilities.
The Sony a7 III is the superior camera when comparing features, offering a better screen, connectivity options, and more user-friendly functions. The Leica M9 falls short in these aspects, making it less versatile and convenient for photographers.
The Sony a7 III triumphs over the Leica M9 in storage and battery with a score of 68/100, compared to the M9’s 21/100. Both cameras accept SD and SDHC memory cards, but the a7 III has an advantage with two memory card slots and compatibility with additional card formats, including SDXC and Memory Stick Duo.
The a7 III also boasts a superior battery life of 750 shots, almost double the M9’s 350 shots. Furthermore, the a7 III utilizes the NP-FZ100 battery type, while the M9 employs the BP-SCL1. However, neither camera offers USB charging capabilities.
Despite its lower score, the Leica M9 still performs adequately with its single memory card slot and 350-shot battery life. However, the Sony a7 III’s additional storage options and longer-lasting battery make it the clear winner in this comparison.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Leica M9 or the Sony a7 III:
