X-A7vs Leica SL3vs Nikon Z9
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.
Professional & Luxury Hybrid Shooters — Leica SL3 (2024): Leica's most capable mirrorless — 60MP, 30fps burst, 8K ProRes, and 7.5-stop IBIS with L-mount's growing lens ecosystem.
Professional Sports & Wildlife — Nikon Z9 (2021): The Z9 redefined what professional mirrorless could be — no mechanical shutter, 45MP stacked BSI, and 8K RAW in the most rugged Z body.
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 SL3 (2024)
- You want Leica image quality with the convenience of autofocus and interchangeable lenses
- You shoot portraits, commercial, or editorial and want the best Leica system camera
- You plan to use Leica M lenses via adapter alongside native SL glass
Nikon Z9 (2021)
- You shoot professionally and need a camera body that handles everything without compromise
- You're a sports, wildlife, or commercial photographer who demands the absolute best
- You want a camera body that will remain state-of-the-art for the next decade
Quick take: The leica sl3 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the x-a7 is the most affordable; only the leica sl3, nikon z9 are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | X-A7 (2019) | Leica SL3 (2024) | Nikon Z9 (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £6,499 | £5,499 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS (Bayer, not X-Trans) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 45.7MP full-frame BSI stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 60.0MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 8K/30p RAW, 4K/120p, ProRes RAW |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect + contrast, 425 points | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Subject detection AF, 493-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | None (no IBIS) | 7.5-stop IBIS | 6-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 6fps | 30fps electronic | 20fps RAW / 120fps JPEG |
| Battery Life | ~440 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 320g body only | 875g body only | 1340g body only |
| Dimensions | 118.0 × 80.6 × 55.2mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 149.0 × 149.5 × 90.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | 0.5" Quad-VGA OLED EVF, 3.69M dots, 120fps |
| Screen | 3.5" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Fujifilm X-mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD |
| Connectivity | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, LAN |
Compare pairs from this group