• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica M (Typ 240) advantages over Sony A5100

  • 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
    ~ 6.05 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,860 vs 1,347 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Sony A5100 advantages over Leica M (Typ 240)

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $448 vs $6995*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    67 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 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
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A5100

Review Excerpt

  • Very small and comfortable form factor; Very good image quality for its class; New dual video record function; Quick autofocus and good dynamic range.

  • Lacks an EVF and external mode dial; No hot shoe; JPEG processing at higher ISOs not as good as some competing mid-level models.

The Competition

Compared to Leica M Monochrom

Leica M (Typ 240)
Leica M Monochrom
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
Sony A5100
Leica M Monochrom
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Leica M (Typ 240)
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $7999
  • 35mm
Sony A5100
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Leica M (Typ 240)
Samsung NX1100
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • HDMI out
Sony A5100
Samsung NX1100
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe

Compared to Sony A5000

Leica M (Typ 240)
Sony A5000
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Sony A5100
Sony A5000
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compared to Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Leica M (Typ 240)
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Sony A5100
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $348
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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