• Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 64.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Leica S3 advantages over Nikon D6

  • Less expensive
    $19 vs $6500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs 35mm
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More pixels
    64.0 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Nikon D6 advantages over Leica S3

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 4.59 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 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 dots on screen
    2359k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • More AF points
    153 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 125 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 vs 50000 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
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Leica S3
Canon 5DS R
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Leica S3 vs Canon 5DS R

Nikon D6
Canon 5DS R
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Lighter weight
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Nikon D5

Leica S3
Nikon D5
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $4943
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica S3 vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4943
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Pentax K-1

Leica S3
Pentax K-1
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica S3 vs Pentax K-1

Nikon D6
Pentax K-1
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D6 vs Pentax K-1

Compared to Canon 6D Mark II

Leica S3
Canon 6D Mark II
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1332
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection

Compare Leica S3 vs Canon 6D Mark II

Nikon D6
Canon 6D Mark II
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $1332
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 6D Mark II

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Leica S3
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica S3 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Compare Other Cameras?