• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 21.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,500

Buy From

Differences

Canon 5D Mark II advantages over Leica TL

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.41 vs 4.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 850 vs 400 shots
    Capture more 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
  • More pixels
    21.1 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • 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
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    75 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica TL advantages over Canon 5D Mark II

  • Less expensive
    $1350* vs $2999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 75 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1230k vs 920k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 3.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

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

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica TL

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D3X
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More dynamic range
Leica TL
Nikon D3X
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D600

Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D600
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica TL
Nikon D600
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 6D
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Less shutter lag
  • More AF points
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Leica TL
Canon 6D
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Canon 5D Mark II
Samsung NX3000
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Leica TL
Samsung NX3000
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Leica TL2

Canon 5D Mark II
Leica TL2
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Leica TL
Leica TL2
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Compare Other Cameras?