• APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 51,200

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Differences

Leica CL advantages over Panasonic GH5S

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic GH5S advantages over Leica CL

  • Less expensive
    $1798* vs $6995
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 440 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.7 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    600 vs 140 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.5 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica CL

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent video quality; Very good high ISO performance; Cinema 4K & UHD video up to 60p; Full HD up to 240p; 10-bit internal video recording; Tons of features & options for advanced/pro videographers.

  • 10MP resolution is limiting for still photos; No in-body image stabilization; Slower AF than GH5; Buffer clearing could be faster; No 6K Photo features due to sensor resolution.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro2

Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Panasonic GH5S
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A6500

Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic GH5S
Sony A6500
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Leica CL
Panasonic GH5
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic GH5
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic G9

Leica CL
Panasonic G9
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic GH5S
Panasonic G9
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic GH5S
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $1998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • On-sensor phase detect
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