• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 50,000
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Leica SL (Typ 601) advantages over Fujifilm X-A5

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Slower slow-motion
    120 fps vs 100 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.10 vs 3.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • 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
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.33 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.6 fps vs 5.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 22 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 5.7 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    33 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Fujifilm X-A5 advantages over Leica SL (Typ 601)

  • Less expensive
    $499 vs $3605*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X-A5

Review Excerpt

  • Superb build quality; Amazing EVF; Great image quality from RAW files; Good high ISO performance; Very good dynamic range; Very low shutter lag; Fast AF on stationary objects; Class-leading ~11 fps burst mode; 4K DCI and UHD video; Full HD up to 120p. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Dual card slots; Decent battery life for its class.

  • Big for a full-frame mirrorless camera; Very slow buffer clearing; Contrast-detect AF system struggles with moving subjects; In-camera JPEGs are muted and dull; Very limited native lens selection (but supports many other Leica lenses via adapters); Expensive.

  • Impressive overall image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Very good dynamic range from RAW files; Full HD video at 60 fps; Good battery life.

  • Slower-than-average AF speed; 4K video capped at 15fps; Very slow startup to first shot time with new power-zoom kit lens; Sluggish single-shot cycle times.

The Competition

Compared to Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $7595
  • 35mm
Fujifilm X-A5
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm
Fujifilm X-A5
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X-A3

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Fujifilm X-A3
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Fujifilm X-A5
Fujifilm X-A3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon EOS M6

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Canon EOS M6
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Fujifilm X-A5
Canon EOS M6
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC

Compared to Sony A9

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Sony A9
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fujifilm X-A5
Sony A9
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
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