Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
|
✓ WINNER
 82
SCORE
|
||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Leica | Sony |
| Model | M9 | a9 II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2009 | 2019 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
09/09/2009 | 03/10/2019 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 139 x 80 x 37 mm | 129 x 96 x 76 mm |
| Camera weight | 585 g | 678 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 | 20 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 | 3200080032000 |
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 | 368640009900000 |
| 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 | 14400001150001500000 |
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 (UHS-II compatible) |
| 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 | 690 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✓ |
The Sony a9 II outperforms the Leica M9 with a notable score difference of 48 points (82/100 vs. 34/100). Both cameras share the common feature of being mirrorless. However, the Sony a9 II surpasses the Leica M9 in various aspects. Launched a decade later, in 2019, it boasts a more affordable price of $4500 compared to the Leica M9’s $5500. Additionally, the Sony a9 II is slightly larger (129 x 96 x 76mm) and heavier (678g) than the Leica M9 (139 x 80 x 37mm, 585g). The Leica M9 does not have any significant advantages over the Sony a9 II. Considering these points, the Sony a9 II emerges as the superior choice between the two cameras.
The Sony a9 II outperforms the Leica M9 in optics, scoring 82 out of 100 compared to the Leica M9’s 42-point score. Both cameras share some specifications, such as full-frame sensor size and similar lens mounts (Leica M for the M9 and Sony FE for the a9 II). However, the Sony a9 II surpasses the Leica M9 in several aspects, making it the winner in this comparison.
The Sony a9 II has a higher megapixel count of 24.2, compared to the Leica M9’s 18 megapixels, which means it captures more detailed images. Additionally, the a9 II boasts a rapid shooting speed of 20, while the M9 lags behind at just 2. The a9 II’s CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor contribute to its superior DXOMARK score of 93, as opposed to the M9’s CCD sensor and Maestro II processor, which result in a 69 DXOMARK score. Furthermore, the Sony a9 II has image stabilization, a feature absent in the Leica M9.
On the other hand, the Leica M9 does have some advantages, mainly due to its lens mount. The Leica M mount allows for compatibility with a wide range of high-quality lenses, which can enhance the camera’s performance. However, this advantage does not outweigh the overall superiority of the Sony a9 II’s optics.
Considering the significant difference in scores and the various aspects where the Sony a9 II outshines the Leica M9, it is evident that the a9 II is the better camera in terms of optics. While the Leica M9 does offer compatibility with a range of lenses, it falls short in comparison to the Sony a9 II’s performance and features.
When it comes to video capabilities, the Leica M9 does not offer any video functionality. This is an important factor to consider for those who require video recording as part of their photography needs. On the other hand, the Sony a9 II provides a range of video features that cater to different types of users.
The Sony a9 II has a video score of 70 out of 100. This camera supports 4K video recording with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160, ensuring high-quality footage for various purposes. The maximum video frame rate for the Sony a9 II is 30fps, which is suitable for capturing smooth motion in videos. Additionally, the camera includes built-in time-lapse functionality, which enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos with ease.
Taking into account the video capabilities, the Sony a9 II is the clear choice for those who need video recording in their photography pursuits. While the Leica M9 may excel in other aspects, its lack of video functionality makes it less versatile compared to the Sony a9 II. As a result, users should carefully consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two cameras.
The Sony a9 II outperforms the Leica M9 in features with a score of 83/100 compared to the Leica M9’s 17/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as screen size and the absence of GPS. However, the Sony a9 II surpasses the Leica M9 in several aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of features.
The Sony a9 II has a larger screen size of 3 inches, while the Leica M9 has a 2.5-inch screen. The screen resolution of the Sony a9 II is significantly higher at 1,440,000 dots compared to the Leica M9’s 230,000 dots. The Sony a9 II also has a touchscreen and a flip screen, features that the Leica M9 lacks. Additionally, the Sony a9 II offers WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity, which the Leica M9 does not have.
In contrast, the Leica M9 does not outperform the Sony a9 II in any of the listed features. The only advantage the Leica M9 has over the Sony a9 II is the brand prestige associated with Leica cameras. However, this does not directly impact the camera’s performance or features.
Considering the significant differences in features, the Sony a9 II is the better choice for photographers seeking advanced technology and convenience. The Leica M9, on the other hand, may appeal to those who value the brand’s history and reputation but are willing to compromise on features.
The Sony a9 II outperforms the Leica M9 in storage and battery, with a score of 79/100 compared to the M9’s 21/100. Both cameras accept SD and SDHC memory cards, but the a9 II surpasses the M9 by having two memory card slots and compatibility with SDXC (UHS-II) cards. The a9 II also boasts a longer battery life, providing 690 shots per charge, while the M9 offers only 350 shots. Additionally, the a9 II uses the NP-FZ100 battery and supports USB charging, while the M9 relies on the BP-SCL1 battery and lacks USB charging capabilities.
The M9 has no significant advantages in storage and battery over the a9 II. In terms of storage and battery life, the Sony a9 II is the clear winner, offering more versatility and convenience for photographers. The Leica M9, although a formidable camera, falls short 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 a9 II:
