• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 320 - 10,000
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica M Monochrom advantages over Sony NEX-5R

  • 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
    ~ 6.86 vs 4.78 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Sony NEX-5R advantages over Leica M Monochrom

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $750 vs $7950 (MSRP)
    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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
    922k 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
  • 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
    10.0 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 10000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica M Monochrom

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Leica M Monochrom
Sony NEX-5N
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-5N
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon EOS M

Leica M Monochrom
Canon EOS M
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Sony NEX-5R
Canon EOS M
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

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
Sony NEX-5R
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Leica M Monochrom
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
Sony NEX-5R
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Leica M Monochrom
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video
Sony NEX-5R
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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