CameraReview

Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Leica SL2-S
Leica
Leica SL2-S
Mirrorless · 24.6 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
81
SCORE
$3,429
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Sony a7 III
Sony
Sony a7 III
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
81
SCORE
$1,419
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General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20202018
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
10/12/202027/02/2018
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 146 x 107 x 83 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 931 g650 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.6 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 3623.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull 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.
20 fps04510 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 LSony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Maestro IIIBionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
503020010030200
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.
1000003003280000512003003280000
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.
50302005030200
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.
10000030032800002048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
60440803044080
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.
1600080032000800080032000
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.
22503006930300
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 576000009900000235929609900000
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.
4K4K
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.
4096 x 21603840 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.
60 fps30 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.
MPEG-4XAVC 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 LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3.2"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
210000011500015000009216001150001500000
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 / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
Battery type BP-SCL4NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
510 shots1505000750 shots1505000
USB charging

The Leica SL2-S and the Sony a7 III score head to head in our comparison. Both cameras are mirrorless and share some common specifications. However, the Leica SL2-S, released in 2020, boasts a higher launch price of $4895 and a larger size of 146 x 107 x 83mm, contributing to its heavier weight of 931g (2.05lbs).

On the other hand, the Sony a7 III, released in 2018, has a more affordable launch price of $2000 and a smaller size of 127 x 96 x 74mm, making it lighter at 650g (1.43lbs). While the Leica SL2-S has a slight advantage in performance, the Sony a7 III offers a more budget-friendly and compact option for photographers. Each camera has its strengths, so the choice ultimately depends on the user’s preferences and needs.

Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics

The Leica SL2-S comes out on top in this optics comparison, with a score of 85/100, compared to the Sony a7 III’s score of 81/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. However, there are key differences that set the Leica SL2-S apart.

The Leica SL2-S has a slight edge in megapixels, featuring 24.6 compared to the Sony a7 III’s 24.2. This difference contributes to the Leica’s higher score. Additionally, the Leica SL2-S has a significantly faster shooting speed of 20 frames per second, doubling the Sony a7 III’s 10 frames per second. This faster shooting speed allows the Leica SL2-S to capture more images in a shorter amount of time, making it better suited for action photography.

The Sony a7 III does have one advantage over the Leica SL2-S: its DXOMARK sensor score of 96, which is one point higher than the Leica SL2-S’s score of 95. This suggests that the Sony a7 III’s sensor may perform slightly better in certain situations, such as low-light photography.

However, the Leica SL2-S’s higher overall score, increased megapixels, and faster shooting speed make it the superior camera in terms of optics. The Sony a7 III’s marginally higher DXOMARK sensor score does not significantly impact the overall comparison. Therefore, the Leica SL2-S is the better choice for photographers seeking a camera with superior optics.

Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Video Performance

The Leica SL2-S outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities with a score of 83/100, a significant 27-point lead over the Sony a7 III’s score of 70. Both cameras offer 4K video resolution, but the Leica SL2-S has superior video dimensions at 4096 x 2160 compared to the Sony a7 III’s 3840 x 2160.

One primary advantage of the Leica SL2-S over the Sony a7 III is its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, while the Sony a7 III maxes out at 30fps. This higher frame rate allows the Leica SL2-S to capture smoother and more detailed video, especially in fast-paced situations.

 

Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits

The Sony a7 III outperforms the Leica SL2-S in features, scoring 81 out of 100 compared to the Leica SL2-S’s score of 74. Both cameras share some common specifications, including touchscreen capabilities, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the two cameras differ in other key aspects, which contribute to the Sony a7 III’s higher score.

The Sony a7 III has a flip screen, which the Leica SL2-S lacks. This feature enhances the camera’s versatility, allowing for more flexible shooting angles and better framing options. In contrast, the Leica SL2-S has a higher screen resolution, boasting 2,100,000 dots compared to the Sony a7 III’s 921,600 dots. This results in crisper and clearer image previews on the Leica SL2-S. Despite the higher resolution, the lack of a flip screen makes the Leica SL2-S less versatile in terms of usability.

The Sony a7 III’s higher feature score makes it a better camera in terms of versatility and ease of use, thanks to its flip screen. However, the Leica SL2-S offers superior screen resolution, providing users with a more detailed preview of their images. Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, with the Sony a7 III being more adaptable, and the Leica SL2-S offering a higher quality viewing experience.

When considering these factors, the Sony a7 III emerges as the more practical and versatile option for most photographers, while the Leica SL2-S may appeal to those who prioritize screen resolution and image preview quality.

Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery

The Leica SL2-S and the Sony a7 III share common features, such as having two memory card slots and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

However, the Sony a7 III has a longer battery life of 750 shots, while the Leica SL2-S offers 510 shots per charge. This extended battery life is beneficial for photographers who need to capture a large number of images without frequently changing batteries.

Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Alternatives

Still not sure which camera to choose? Try these popular camera comparisons for more inspiration: