• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 2500
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica M9 advantages over Samsung NX3000

  • 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
    ~ 6.87 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Samsung NX3000 advantages over Leica M9

  • Less expensive
    $529 vs $8000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Newer
    10 years 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
  • More dots on screen
    461k 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
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.2 fps vs 1.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 2500 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Leica M9

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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.

  • Read our Leica M9 Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica M Monochrom

Leica M9
Leica M Monochrom
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Leica M9 vs Leica M Monochrom

Samsung NX3000
Leica M Monochrom
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Leica M Monochrom

Compared to Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M9
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Leica M9 vs Leica M (Typ 240)

Samsung NX3000
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Leica M (Typ 240)

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Leica M9
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica M9 vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Samsung NX3000
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Compared to Fujifilm X-M1

Leica M9
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica M9 vs Fujifilm X-M1

Samsung NX3000
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Fujifilm X-M1

Compared to Canon EOS M3

Leica M9
Canon EOS M3
  • $8000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Leica M9 vs Canon EOS M3

Samsung NX3000
Canon EOS M3
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Canon EOS M3

Compare Other Cameras?