• Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 37.5 megapixels
  • ISO 80 - 1250
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Leica S2 advantages over Sony A55

  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 4.82 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
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.08x vs 0.73x
    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

Sony A55 advantages over Leica S2

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $850 vs $22995 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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 GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    3 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More AF points
    15 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Leica S2

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Review Excerpt

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

Sony A55
Pentax 645D
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3599
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony A55 vs Pentax 645D

Compared to Sony A33

Leica S2
Sony A33
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Leica S2 vs Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A33

Compared to Sony A35

Leica S2
Sony A35
  • $22995
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Leica S2 vs Sony A35

Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A35

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)

Sony A55
Leica S (Typ 006)
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $10535
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony A55 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)

Sony A55
Leica S-E (Typ 006)
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $16900
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony A55 vs Leica S-E (Typ 006)

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