• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 47.3 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 50,000

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Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Leica SL2

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.30 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 370 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lighter weight
    673g vs 928g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    364 vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    240 vs 78 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 50000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica SL2 advantages over Sony A9

  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    5 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 1440k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    47.3 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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Review Excerpt

  • New sensor offers incredible performance; Excellent image quality at low & high ISOs; Very good dynamic range; Phenomenal 20fps burst speed & deep buffer; Very good battery life for a mirrorless; 4K video; Dual card slots.

  • Slow buffer clearing; Only one card slot is UHS-II compatible; Touchscreen underutilized; No lossless RAW compression option; No 4K/60p option.

  • Read our Sony A9 Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A9 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Leica SL2
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Leica SL2 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A9
Sony A7R III
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A7R III

Leica SL2
Sony A7R III
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Top deck display
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Leica SL2 vs Sony A7R III

Compared to Nikon Z7

Sony A9
Nikon Z7
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • NFC
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compare Sony A9 vs 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

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A9 II

Leica SL2
Sony A9 II
  • $5245
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Leica SL2 vs Sony A9 II

Compared to Sony A1

Sony A9
Sony A1
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5498
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Sony A9 vs 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

Compare Other Cameras?