Leica M9 vs Sony a7 III Comparison

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.

Leica M9 vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics

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:

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