• APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Leica CL advantages over Sony HX99

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.26 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
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.74x vs 0.50x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony HX99 advantages over Leica CL

  • Less expensive
    $473* 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 370 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

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Buy the Leica CL

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony HX90V

Leica CL
Sony HX90V
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony HX99
Sony HX90V
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life

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
Sony HX99
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony HX80

Leica CL
Sony HX80
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony HX99
Sony HX80
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

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
Sony HX99
Sony A6500
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
Sony HX99
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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