• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 320 - 10,000
  • 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Leica M Monochrom advantages over Nikon D610

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.86 vs 5.97 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 82 mm
    Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Nikon D610 advantages over Leica M Monochrom

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 18.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.9 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 10000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica M Monochrom

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D610

Review Excerpt

  • Eliminated sensor dust-and-oil spot issue from D600; Great controls for amateur or pro; Comfortable ergonomics and weight; Excellent image quality and low-light performance; Very good dynamic range; Excellent battery life; Built-in lens correction.

  • Not drastically different from D600; Moire with certain subjects; Auto WB still too warm in incandescent light; Slow AF in live view mode; Aliasing in videos.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 6D

Leica M Monochrom
Canon 6D
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon D610
Canon 6D
  • $1597
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Nikon D600

Leica M Monochrom
Nikon D600
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Nikon D610
Nikon D600
  • $1597
  • 35mm
  • Faster RAW shooting
  • $1900
  • 35mm

Compared to Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M Monochrom
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video
Nikon D610
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $1597
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Thinner

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Leica M Monochrom
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
Nikon D610
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $1597
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D750

Leica M Monochrom
Nikon D750
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $1698
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon D610
Nikon D750
  • $1597
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • $1698
  • 35mm
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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