• Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 37.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Leica S (Typ 006) advantages over Nikon Df

  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs 35mm
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.09x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    37.5 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Nikon Df advantages over Leica S (Typ 006)

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 6.00 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    3,279 vs 824 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/125 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More AF points
    39 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.4 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 1600 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
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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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Buy the Leica S (Typ 006)
Body Only (Black)

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Buy the Nikon Df
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 50mm f/1.8 lens
All Df Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life

  • Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot

  • Read our Nikon Df Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica S2

Leica S (Typ 006)
Leica S2
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • More dots on screen
  • $22995
  • Medium format

Compare Leica S (Typ 006) vs Leica S2

Nikon Df
Leica S2
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • More viewfinder magnification

Compare Nikon Df vs Leica S2

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Leica S (Typ 006)
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Leica S (Typ 006) vs Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon Df
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Nikon Df vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Leica S (Typ 006)
Sony A99
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica S (Typ 006) vs Sony A99

Nikon Df
Sony A99
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon Df vs Sony A99

Compared to Leica S (Typ 007)

Leica S (Typ 006)
Leica S (Typ 007)
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • $19995
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Leica S (Typ 006) vs Leica S (Typ 007)

Nikon Df
Leica S (Typ 007)
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $19995
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon Df vs Leica S (Typ 007)

Compared to Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Leica S (Typ 006)
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Leica S (Typ 006) vs Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Nikon Df
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon Df vs Leica S-E (Typ 006)

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