Canon 6D vs Leica S3

Cameras
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Canon 6D vs Leica S3

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35mm 855.6mm²
20.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Canon 6D Review.
How does it shoot? Canon 6D in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the 6D.
Compare Canon 6D image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon 6D conclusion.

Medium format 1,350.0mm²
64.0 megapixels
ISO 100 - 50,000

Go in depth with our full Leica S3 Review.

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Differences

Canon 6D advantages over Leica S3

Lens selection
Excellent vs Limited
Better lens selection gives you more options
Bigger pixels
~ 6.54 vs 4.59 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
More AF points
11 vs 1
More AF points improve autofocus
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
4.4 fps vs 3.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
4.4 fps vs 3.0 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
17 vs 6 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Higher extended ISO
102400 vs 50000 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica S3 advantages over Canon 6D

Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Larger sensor
Medium format vs 35mm
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Shoot 4K video
4K (DCI) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Newer
5 years vs 12 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
More viewfinder magnification
1.09x vs 0.71x
Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
More pixels
64.0 vs 20.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Yes vs No
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Longer exposure
125 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 1250 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

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
Built-in GPS
Both provide
Geotag your photos
Top deck display
Both provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Pentaprism viewfinder
Both provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
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
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
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
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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Buy the Leica S3

Review Excerpt

Excellent image quality on par to more expensive full-frame DSLRs (including the 5D Mark III); Responsive all-around performer; Superior HD video-shooting chops; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features, Built-in GPS and geotagging.
Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; No external headphone jack; Rather basic 11-point autofocus system; Mediocre burst speed.
Read our Canon 6D Review

We haven’t reviewed the Leica S3.
Read our Leica S3 Preview

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark III

$1699
35mm

Less expensive
Built-in Wi-Fi

$2079
35mm

More cross-type AF points
Less shutter lag

Compare Canon 6D vs Canon 5D Mark III

Leica S3

Canon 5D Mark III

$19
Medium format

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$2079
35mm

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

Compare Leica S3 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Nikon D610

Canon 6D

Nikon D610

$1699
35mm

Built-in Wi-Fi
Built-in GPS

$1198
35mm

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 6D vs Nikon D610

Leica S3

Nikon D610

$19
Medium format

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$1198
35mm

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

Compare Leica S3 vs Nikon D610

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Canon 6D

Canon 7D Mark II

$1699
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$1597
APS-C

On-sensor phase detect
More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon 6D vs Canon 7D Mark II

Leica S3

Canon 7D Mark II

$19
Medium format

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$1597
APS-C

Lens selection
On-sensor phase detect

Compare Leica S3 vs Canon 7D Mark II

Compared to Nikon D600

Canon 6D

Nikon D600

$1699
35mm

Built-in Wi-Fi
Built-in GPS

$1900
35mm

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 6D vs Nikon D600

Leica S3

Nikon D600

$19
Medium format

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$1900
35mm

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

Compare Leica S3 vs Nikon D600

Compared to Nikon D750

Canon 6D

Nikon D750

$1699
35mm

Built-in GPS
Bigger JPEG buffer

$1698
35mm

Tiltable Screen
Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 6D vs Nikon D750

Leica S3

Nikon D750

$19
Medium format

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$1698
35mm

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

Compare Leica S3 vs Nikon D750

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