• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 50,000
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica SL (Typ 601) advantages over Olympus E-M1X

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 3.36 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
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 75 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 49 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1X advantages over Leica SL (Typ 601)

  • Less expensive
    $1699 vs $3605
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 870 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    6 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.7 fps vs 10.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    60.7 fps vs 10.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    49 vs 33 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • 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
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • 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

User reviews

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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.

  • Read our Leica SL (Typ 601) Review

  • Terrific overall image quality for a 20MP 4/3" sensor; Very good high ISO performance this sensor size; Very impressive & improved AF performance; Extremely fast, responsive overall performance; New Intelligent Subject Detection AF feature works well; More video features; Outstanding IBIS.

  • Image quality not improved from (updated) E-M1 II; Faces tough competition with image quality at this price point, especially at higher ISOs; EVF feels somewhat outdated; Expensive for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

  • Read our Olympus E-M1X Review

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

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Olympus E-M1X
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Olympus E-M1X
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Panasonic GH5
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Panasonic GH5

Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH5
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH5

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

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Sony A9

Olympus E-M1X
Sony A9
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $2995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Sony A9

Compared to Panasonic GH6

Leica SL (Typ 601)
Panasonic GH6
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Leica SL (Typ 601) vs Panasonic GH6

Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH6
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH6

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