• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,500

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Differences

Sony NEX-5N advantages over Leica TL

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica TL advantages over Sony NEX-5N

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    8 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1230k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Leica TL

Review Excerpt

  • Fast autofocus and prefocused shutter lag; Quieter shutter sound; Captures 10 frames per second; Supports AVCHD 2.0.

  • Limited first-party lens selection; Slow and confusing on-screen user interface; top-mounted, proprietary accessories are quite pricey.

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-3

Sony NEX-5N
Sony NEX-3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Leica TL
Sony NEX-3
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5N
Sony NEX-C3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Leica TL
Sony NEX-C3
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-5N
Sony NEX-5R
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Leica TL
Sony NEX-5R
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Sony NEX-5N
Samsung NX3000
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Leica TL
Samsung NX3000
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Leica TL2

Sony NEX-5N
Leica TL2
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica TL
Leica TL2
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
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