• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Leica CL

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $3290* vs $6995
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 3780 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
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    2359k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.1 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.1 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 50000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica CL advantages over Nikon D5

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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 92 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica CL

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.

  • Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm
Leica CL
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica CL
Nikon D4S
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Leica CL
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A6500

Nikon D5
Sony A6500
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Nikon D5
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Compare Other Cameras?