• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 2500
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Leica M9 advantages over Panasonic S5 IIX

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.87 vs 5.93 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner

Panasonic S5 IIX advantages over Leica M9

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $2200 vs $8000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    5.9K vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Newer
    19 months vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • 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
    1840k 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
    24.2 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
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 32 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

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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
Panasonic S5 IIX
Leica M Monochrom
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compared to Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M9
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic S5 IIX
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Thinner

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
Panasonic S5 IIX
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Leica M9
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $2432
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $2432
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Leica M9
Panasonic S5 II
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic S5 II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • $2000
  • 35mm
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