• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 320 - 25,000
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.01 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.68x vs 0.62x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $999 vs $7595
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    434g vs 680g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • 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

  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

  • Read our Olympus PEN-F Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $7495
  • 35mm

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Olympus PEN-F
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Panasonic GX85
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Olympus PEN-F
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Olympus E-PL8
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Olympus E-PL8

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Olympus E-PL8

Compared to Leica M10

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Leica M10
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $7995
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Longer exposure

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Leica M10

Olympus PEN-F
Leica M10
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Leica M10

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