• APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica CL advantages over Panasonic GX9

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Lighter weight
    483g vs 660g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GX9 advantages over Leica CL

  • Less expensive
    $798 vs $6995
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More telephoto lens reach
    120 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • 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

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica CL

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX9

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality; Good high ISO performance for its class; Improved JPEG processing; Fast autofocus; Fast ~9fps burst mode.

  • Smallish field-sequential EVF; Below average battery life; No mic/headphone jacks; Noticeable crop on 4K video.

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 GX9
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Leica CL
Panasonic GX85
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Top deck display
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic GX9
Panasonic GX85
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Sony A6500

Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic GX9
Sony A6500
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M10 III

Leica CL
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic GX9
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lighter weight

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 GX9
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • On-sensor phase detect
Compare Other Cameras?