Leica C vs Nikon J5

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Leica C vs Nikon J5

1/1.7 inch 43.3mm²
12.1 megapixels
28.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Leica C Review.

1 inch 116.2mm²
20.8 megapixels
ISO 160 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Nikon J5 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon J5 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the J5.
Compare Nikon J5 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon J5 conclusion.

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Differences

Leica C advantages over Nikon J5

Eye-level viewfinder
Eye-level vs Rear display only
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Longer exposure
250 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots

Nikon J5 advantages over Leica C

Larger sensor
1 inch vs 1/1.7 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 2.37 vs 1.90 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Shoot 4K video
4K (UHD) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
J5 test data on DxO Mark C test data on DxO Mark

479 vs 193 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
More pixels
20.8 vs 12.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
In-camera panoramas
Both provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Integrated ND filter
Neither provide
Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Hot shoe
Neither provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read C User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read J5 User Reviews

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Buy the Leica C

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Buy the Nikon J5

Kit with 10-30mm lens (Black)

Kit with 10-30mm lens (Black)
Kit with 10-100mm lens (Silver)
Kit with 10-100mm lens (White)
Kit with 10-30mm & 30-110mm lenses (Silver)
Kit with 10-30mm & 30-110mm lenses (White)
Kit with 10-30mm lens (Silver)
Kit with 10-30mm lens (White)

Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Leica C.
Read our Leica C Preview

Photographer-friendly controls; Impressive dynamic range for its class; Very fast hybrid autofocus; Fast high-speed shooting capabilities; Tilting touchscreen display.
No hot shoe or viewfinder; Aggressive noise reduction, even at base ISO; 4K video is limited to 15fps.
Read our Nikon J5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon S100

Leica C

Canon S100

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-camera panoramas

$429
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Built-in GPS

Compare Leica C vs Canon S100

Nikon J5

Canon S100

$497
1 inch

Slower slow-motion
Larger sensor

$429
1/1.7 inch

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon J5 vs Canon S100

Compared to Canon S110

Leica C

Canon S110

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-camera panoramas

$249
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Touchscreen

Compare Leica C vs Canon S110

Nikon J5

Canon S110

$497
1 inch

Larger sensor
Slower slow-motion

$249
1/1.7 inch

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Integrated ND filter

Compare Nikon J5 vs Canon S110

Compared to Panasonic LF1

Leica C

Panasonic LF1

$699
1/1.7 inch

$248
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive

Compare Leica C vs Panasonic LF1

Nikon J5

Panasonic LF1

$497
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$248
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J5 vs Panasonic LF1

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Leica C

Samsung NX Mini

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$600
1 inch

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Leica C vs Samsung NX Mini

Nikon J5

Samsung NX Mini

$497
1 inch

Shoot 4K video
On-sensor phase detect

$600
1 inch

Longer stills battery life
Thinner

Compare Nikon J5 vs Samsung NX Mini

Compared to Nikon J4

Leica C

Nikon J4

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$350
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Leica C vs Nikon J4

Nikon J5

Nikon J4

$497
1 inch

Shoot 4K video
Tiltable Screen

$350
1 inch

Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon J5 vs Nikon J4

Compare Other Cameras?