• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sony A33 advantages over Leica M (Typ 262)

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.1 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica M (Typ 262) advantages over Sony A33

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.01 vs 5.16 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3100

Sony A33
Nikon D3100
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica M (Typ 262)
Nikon D3100
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A55

Sony A33
Sony A55
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Leica M (Typ 262)
Sony A55
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A33
Sony A35
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Leica M (Typ 262)
Sony A35
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Sony A33
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica M (Typ 262)
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Sony A33
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Leica M (Typ 262)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • $5995
  • 35mm
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