• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D3X advantages over Leica CL

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4400 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Leica CL advantages over Nikon D3X

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    7 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    140 vs 31 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 6400 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
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3X
Body Only

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica CL
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Kit with 18-56mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18mm lens (Black)
All CL Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark II

Nikon D3X
Canon 5D Mark II
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More dynamic range
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Nikon D3X vs Canon 5D Mark II

Leica CL
Canon 5D Mark II
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica CL vs Canon 5D Mark II

Compared to Nikon D3S

Nikon D3X
Nikon D3S
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3X vs Nikon D3S

Leica CL
Nikon D3S
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica CL vs Nikon D3S

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3X
Nikon D4
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D3X vs Nikon D4

Leica CL
Nikon D4
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica CL vs Nikon D4

Compared to Sony A6500

Nikon D3X
Sony A6500
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3X vs Sony A6500

Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica CL vs Sony A6500

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Nikon D3X
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D3X vs Fujifilm X-Pro3

Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Leica CL vs Fujifilm X-Pro3

Compare Other Cameras?