• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.8 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 75.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 12.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) advantages over Sony A850

  • 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
  • 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
    55 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    405g vs 850g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25000 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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 Sony A850

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) (Black)
  • Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) (Black)
  • Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) (Gray)
All D-LUX (Typ 109) Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A900

Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Sony A900
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) vs Sony A900

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony A850 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2084
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A99

Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Sony A99
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) vs Sony A99

Compared to Panasonic LX100

Sony A850
Panasonic LX100
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A850 vs Panasonic LX100

Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Panasonic LX100
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) vs Panasonic LX100

Compared to Panasonic LX100 II

Sony A850
Panasonic LX100 II
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A850 vs Panasonic LX100 II

Leica D-LUX (Typ 109)
Panasonic LX100 II
  • $875
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) vs Panasonic LX100 II

Compare Other Cameras?