• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 2500

Buy From

Differences

Sony A99 advantages over Leica M-E (Typ 220)

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,555 vs 787 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.9 vs 11.7 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
    1229k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 18.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.9 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 2500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica M-E (Typ 220) advantages over Sony A99

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.91 vs 5.97 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    585g vs 828g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A99
Nikon D800
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Nikon D800
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Better color depth

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Thinner
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon D800E

Sony A99
Nikon D800E
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Nikon D800E
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Better color depth

Compared to Leica M Monochrom

Sony A99
Leica M Monochrom
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Leica M Monochrom
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compared to Leica M (Typ 240)

Sony A99
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Thinner
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Compare Other Cameras?