• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 18.4 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Nikon V3 advantages over Leica CL

  • Less expensive
    $1197* vs $6995
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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 310 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    81 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 45 mm
    Thinner
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    60.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Leica CL advantages over Nikon V3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 2.52 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    7 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    140 vs 40 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 12800 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
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica CL

Review Excerpt

  • Very compact for an interchangeable-lens camera; Generous kit includes lens, high-res electronic viewfinder and accessory grip; Good image quality for the sensor size; Amazing burst performance; Lightning-fast autofocus; Intuitive touch-screen makes focusing a snap

  • Smaller sensor than most rivals limits possibilities for available-light shooting; Program mode opts for wide-open aperture most of the time; Limited dynamic range; Noisy shadows; Below-average battery life; Pricey when considering its image quality

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon V3
Nikon J3
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Leica CL
Nikon J3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon V3
Nikon AW1
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Leica CL
Nikon AW1
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compared to Nikon J5

Nikon V3
Nikon J5
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica CL
Nikon J5
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Sony A6500

Nikon V3
Sony A6500
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • 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 V3
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
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