• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 2500
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Leica M9 advantages over Leica CL

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.87 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Leica CL advantages over Leica M9

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    7 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1040k 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 viewfinder magnification
    0.74x vs 0.68x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    140 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 2500 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

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality, with unique film-like "Leica look"; No-nonsense controls; Solid build; Good print quality.

  • Difficult to focus in low light; High default contrast and saturation; Manual focus only; Lack of low-pass filter can leave moire and other artifacts.

The Competition

Compared to Leica M Monochrom

Leica M9
Leica M Monochrom
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
Leica CL
Leica M Monochrom
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M9
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica CL
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Leica M9
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Leica CL
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A6500

Leica M9
Sony A6500
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Leica M9
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
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