• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 50,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Leica SL (Typ 601) advantages over Nikon Z5

  • 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
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Z5 advantages over Leica SL (Typ 601)

  • Less expensive
    $1597 vs $3605*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    4 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • 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 panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon Z5
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-200mm f/4-6.3 Lens
  • Kit with 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Superb build quality; Amazing EVF; Great image quality from RAW files; Good high ISO performance; Very good dynamic range; Very low shutter lag; Fast AF on stationary objects; Class-leading ~11 fps burst mode; 4K DCI and UHD video; Full HD up to 120p. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Dual card slots; Decent battery life for its class.

  • Big for a full-frame mirrorless camera; Very slow buffer clearing; Contrast-detect AF system struggles with moving subjects; In-camera JPEGs are muted and dull; Very limited native lens selection (but supports many other Leica lenses via adapters); Expensive.

  • Read our Leica SL (Typ 601) Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $7595
  • 35mm

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Nikon Z5
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Nikon Z5
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Compared to Sony A9

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Sony A9
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Sony A9

Nikon Z5
Sony A9
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Newer
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Sony A9

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Nikon Z6 II
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Thinner
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 II

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Panasonic S5 II
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Thinner
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Panasonic S5 II

Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1297
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Panasonic S5 II

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