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 | a9 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2009 | 2017 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
09/09/2009 | 19/04/2017 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 139 x 80 x 37 mm | 127 x 96 x 63 mm |
| Camera weight | 585 g | 673 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 | 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 | 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 Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
| 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 | 650 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Sony a9 triumphs over the Leica M9 with a significant difference in scores, 80/100 and 34/100, respectively. Both cameras share the mirrorless design, but their similarities end there. The Sony a9, released in 2017, has a lower launch price of $4500 compared to the Leica M9’s $5500 release in 2009.
The Sony a9 is the superior camera due to its higher score, which reflects its overall better performance and features. However, the Leica M9 has a slight advantage in size and weight, measuring 139 x 80 x 37mm and weighing 585g, compared to the Sony a9’s 127 x 96 x 63mm and 673g.
Despite the Leica M9’s compact design, the Sony a9’s superior score and lower price make it the clear winner in this comparison.
The Sony a9 outperforms the Leica M9 in optics with a score of 81/100, while the Leica M9 scores 42/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as full-frame sensor size and lens mounts specific to their respective brands (Leica M for the M9 and Sony FE for the a9).
The Sony a9 surpasses the Leica M9 with its 24.2-megapixel resolution, compared to the M9’s 18 megapixels. The a9 also boasts a faster shooting speed at 20 frames per second, while the M9 lags behind at 2 frames per second. The a9’s CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor contribute to its higher DXOMARK sensor score of 92, whereas the M9’s CCD sensor and Maestro II processor result in a score of 69. Additionally, the Sony a9 has image stabilization, which the Leica M9 lacks.
The Leica M9, however, offers a unique advantage in its CCD sensor, which some photographers prefer for its color rendering and overall image quality. This feature sets it apart from the Sony a9’s CMOS sensor.
Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a9 notably outshines the Leica M9 in terms of optics performance, resolution, shooting speed, and image stabilization. The Leica M9’s strength lies in its CCD sensor, which may appeal to photographers seeking a specific image quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the individual’s preferences and priorities in terms of image quality and performance.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Leica M9 and the Sony a9, it is important to note that the Leica M9 does not have any video functionality. This is a significant difference between the two cameras, as video capabilities are essential for many photographers and videographers.
The Sony a9, on the other hand, has a video score of 56 out of 100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160. It also provides a maximum video frame rate of 30 frames per second. However, the Sony a9 does not have built-in time-lapse functionality, which may be a drawback for some users.
Considering the video capabilities of these two cameras, it is clear that the Sony a9 is the better option for those who require video functionality. The Leica M9, lacking any video features, may not be suitable for those who need to capture both still images and video.
The Sony a9 outperforms the Leica M9 in features, earning a score of 83/100 compared to the Leica M9’s 17/100. Both cameras lack GPS capabilities, but the similarities end there.
The Sony a9 boasts a larger, 3-inch screen with a higher resolution of 1,440,000 dots, while the Leica M9 has a smaller, 2.5-inch screen with only 230,000 dots. This difference results in the Sony a9 providing a clearer and more detailed display for users.
Furthermore, the Sony a9 has a touchscreen and a flip screen, which the Leica M9 lacks. These features make the Sony a9 more versatile and user-friendly, allowing for easier navigation and greater flexibility in shooting angles.
In terms of connectivity, the Sony a9 outshines the Leica M9 with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. These features enable users to easily transfer and share photos, as well as control the camera remotely. The Leica M9, on the other hand, does not offer these connectivity options.
There are no specific areas where the Leica M9 surpasses the Sony a9 in terms of features. The Sony a9’s higher score reflects its superiority in this aspect.
Taking all of these points into account, it is evident that the Sony a9 offers a more comprehensive and advanced set of features compared to the Leica M9. Users seeking a feature-rich camera will find the Sony a9 to be the better option.
The Sony a9 triumphs over the Leica M9 in storage and battery with a score of 65/100 to 21/100. Both cameras have commonalities such as accepting SD and SDHC memory cards and lacking USB charging.
The Sony a9 outperforms the Leica M9 with two memory card slots, compatibility with SDXC (UHS-II) cards, and a longer battery life of 650 shots. These features enable users to store more photos and shoot for extended periods. On the other hand, the Leica M9 offers only one memory card slot, no SDXC compatibility, and a shorter battery life of 350 shots.
Despite its lower score, the Leica M9 still provides decent storage and battery performance for casual photography. However, the Sony a9 proves to be a superior choice for professionals and enthusiasts seeking greater storage capacity and longer battery life.
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:
