• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 47.3 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 50,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Leica SL2 advantages over Nikon D780

  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • 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
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.78x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    47.3 vs 24.5 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/40000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D780 advantages over Leica SL2

  • Less expensive
    $2097 vs $2945*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.30 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 370 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 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
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • 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

  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Leica SL2
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • NFC

Compare Leica SL2 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Leica SL2
Pentax K-1 II
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Leica SL2 vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Nikon Z7

Leica SL2
Nikon Z7
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • Tiltable Screen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z7

Nikon D780
Nikon Z7
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More viewfinder magnification

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z7

Compared to Nikon Z7 II

Leica SL2
Nikon Z7 II
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $2330
  • 35mm
  • Tiltable Screen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z7 II

Nikon D780
Nikon Z7 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2330
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More viewfinder magnification

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z7 II

Compared to Sony A1

Leica SL2
Sony A1
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
  • $5498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Leica SL2 vs Sony A1

Nikon D780
Sony A1
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $5498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Sony A1

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