• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 320 - 25,000

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-F3 advantages over Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) advantages over Sony NEX-F3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.01 vs 4.78 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 16.1 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
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25000 vs 16000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

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

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • 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 NEX-F3

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Body Only (Black)
All M Monochrom (Typ 246) Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality; Above-average battery life for a mirrorless camera; Makes light work of shooting self-portraits; Very versatile video mode for a camera of this class.

  • Built-in flash is weak and uneven; Grip feels cramped due to low shutter button position; Bundled kit lens turns in a mediocre performance, and body isn't sold without the lens.

  • Read our Sony NEX-F3 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 60p video
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony NEX-5N

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Sony NEX-5N
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-5R
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Sony NEX-5R
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Sony NEX-5R

Compared to Sony NEX-6

Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-6
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony NEX-6

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Sony NEX-6
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Sony NEX-6

Compared to Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Sony NEX-F3
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sony NEX-F3 vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $7495
  • 35mm

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Sony NEX-F3
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-F3 vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm

Compare Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Compare Other Cameras?