• Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 64.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Leica S3 advantages over Nikon Z5

  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs 35mm
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.09x vs 0.80x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    64.0 vs 24.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    125 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon Z5 advantages over Leica S3

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/200 vs 1/125 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    675g vs 1260g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 50000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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 panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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  • Body Only
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Leica S3
Canon 5DS
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Leica S3 vs Canon 5DS

Nikon Z5
Canon 5DS
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Canon 5DS

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 Z5
Pentax K-1
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon Z5 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 Z5
Canon 6D Mark II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1332
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Canon 6D Mark II

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Leica S3
Nikon Z6 II
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica S3 vs Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 II

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Leica S3
Panasonic S5 II
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica S3 vs Panasonic S5 II

Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Panasonic S5 II

Compare Other Cameras?