• Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 37.5 megapixels
  • ISO 80 - 1250
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica S2 advantages over Nikon D3500

  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.08x vs 0.57x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    37.5 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

Nikon D3500 advantages over Leica S2

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    6 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k 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
  • More AF points
    11 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 1250 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
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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 GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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 S2
Leica S2

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3500
Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm VR lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm VR and 70-300mm lenses
All D3500 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality for its class; Excellent high ISO performance for APS-C; Fast single-shot AF speeds; Compact, easy to use design; Incredible value at under $500 with lens.

  • 11-point AF system feels out-dated; Underwhelming C-AF performance; Below average viewfinder coverage accuracy; No touchscreen; Limited wireless features.

  • Read our Nikon D3500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax 645D

Leica S2
Pentax 645D
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Thinner
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $3599
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Leica S2 vs Pentax 645D

Nikon D3500
Pentax 645D
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $3599
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Pentax 645D

Compared to Leica S (Typ 006)

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

Compare Leica S2 vs Leica S (Typ 006)

Nikon D3500
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Leica S (Typ 006)

Compared to Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Leica S2
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Leica S2 vs Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Nikon D3500
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Leica S-E (Typ 006)

Compared to Canon SL2

Leica S2
Canon SL2
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Leica S2 vs Canon SL2

Nikon D3500
Canon SL2
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Canon SL3

Leica S2
Canon SL3
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Leica S2 vs Canon SL3

Nikon D3500
Canon SL3
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $624
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3500 vs Canon SL3

Compare Other Cameras?