• Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 64.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 60.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Leica S3 advantages over Leica M11

  • Less expensive
    $19 vs $8995 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs 35mm
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.59 vs 3.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • 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
    125 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Leica M11 advantages over Leica S3

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    640g vs 1260g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    2333k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Leica S3
Canon 5DS
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points
Leica M11
Canon 5DS
  • $8995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Top deck display

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Leica S3
Canon 5DS R
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points
Leica M11
Canon 5DS R
  • $8995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Top deck display

Compared to Pentax K-1

Leica S3
Pentax K-1
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Leica M11
Pentax K-1
  • $8995
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon 6D Mark II

Leica S3
Canon 6D Mark II
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
Leica M11
Canon 6D Mark II
  • $8995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Thinner
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Leica S3
Pentax K-1 II
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Leica M11
Pentax K-1 II
  • $8995
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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