• APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Leica CL advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Leica CL

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    16 months vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 50000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A6500

Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic S5 II
Sony A6500
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Leica TL2

Leica CL
Leica TL2
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Panasonic S5 II
Leica TL2
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic S5 II
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon Z5

Leica CL
Nikon Z5
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Top deck display
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Leica CL
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Thinner
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
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