X-A7vs Leica M11vs Nikon Z8
Which should you buy?
Beginner Fujifilm — X-A7 (2019): The most affordable X-mount entry — Fujifilm colour and film simulations with a large flip screen for beginners.
Rangefinder Enthusiasts & Collectors — Leica M11 (2022): 60MP of full-frame resolution in the thinnest digital M ever made — the M11 is the definitive expression of Leica's rangefinder tradition.
Sports, Wildlife & Hybrid Professionals — Nikon Z8 (2023): Z9 performance in a compact body — 45MP, 8K/60p RAW, and 20fps burst without the bulk or price of the flagship.
Who should buy what
X-A7 (2019)
- You want an affordable first mirrorless with decent video capabilities
- You shoot a lot of selfie-style content or vlog on a budget
- Note: no viewfinder and limited lens support — the X-T30 II is a better long-term investment
Leica M11 (2022)
- You shoot street, documentary, or reportage and prefer manual focus discipline
- You value a discreet, minimal camera that doesn't draw attention in public
- You're willing to invest time in the rangefinder learning curve for a uniquely rewarding experience
Nikon Z8 (2023)
- You need Z9-level performance in a more travel-friendly and portable body
- You shoot wildlife, weddings, or sport and need exceptional resolution with speed
- You want the best Nikon mirrorless body available without carrying the full Z9
Quick take: The leica m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the x-a7 is the most affordable; only the nikon z8 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-A7 (2019) | Leica M11 (2022) | Nikon Z8 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £7,999 | £3,999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Bayer, not X-Trans) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 45.7MP full-frame BSI stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 60.0MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | None | 8K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, ProRes RAW |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast, 425 points | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Subject detection AF, 493-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | None | 6-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 4.5fps | 20fps RAW / 120fps JPEG |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | 700 shots (CIPA) | 330 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 320g body only | 530g body only | 910g body only |
| Dimensions | 118.0 × 80.6 × 55.2mm | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 144.0 × 118.5 × 83.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | 0.5" Quad-VGA OLED EVF, 3.69M dots, 120fps |
| Screen | 3.5" fully articulating touchscreen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica M-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
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