Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Comparison
Leica SL2-S
Sony a7 III
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Brand | Leica | Sony | |
Model | SL2-S | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | December 10, 2020 | February 27, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Leica SL2-S slightly edges out the Sony a7 III with a score of 81/100 compared to Sony’s 80/100. 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.
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Optics
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Sony a7 III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.6 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | 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 mm | 23.8 x 35.6 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 20 fps | 10 fps | |
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 L | 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 III | 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 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 50 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 100,000 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 100000 | 204800 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 16000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 225 | 693 | |
In-body Stabilization 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. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 5,760,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
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 56/100. 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. Additionally, the Leica SL2-S has built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Sony a7 III lacks. This feature enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos without needing additional software or equipment.
While the Sony a7 III falls short in frame rate and time-lapse functionality, it still offers solid video performance with its 4K resolution and 3840 x 2160 video dimensions. For casual users or those who do not require the highest frame rate or time-lapse capabilities, the Sony a7 III remains a viable option.
Comparing the two cameras, the Leica SL2-S stands out as the superior choice for video capabilities due to its higher video frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality. The Sony a7 III, though not as advanced in these areas, still delivers quality 4K video performance for those with less demanding requirements.
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Video
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Leica SL2-S
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Sony a7 III
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions 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 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse 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-4 | XAVC S, AVCHD |
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.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 | 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 |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2,100,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery
The Leica SL2-S outperforms the Sony a7 III in storage and battery with a score of 73/100 compared to 68/100. Both cameras share common features, such as having two memory card slots and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
The Leica SL2-S has the advantage of USB charging, which the Sony a7 III lacks. This feature allows for more convenient charging options and flexibility when on-the-go. 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.
Despite the Leica SL2-S having a higher score, the Sony a7 III’s longer battery life is a notable advantage. Considering both cameras’ storage and battery aspects, the Leica SL2-S offers more convenience with USB charging, while the Sony a7 III provides extended shooting time with its larger battery capacity.
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Storage and Battery
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Leica SL2-S
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | BP-SCL4 | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 510 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Leica SL2-S
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Sony a7 III
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 25.2 bits | 25.1 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.1 EVs | 14.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3504 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Leica SL2-S
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Sony a7 III
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Leica SL2-S vs Sony a7 III Alternatives
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User Scores
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Leica SL2-S
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Sony a7 III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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