Leica M11vs Leica SL3vs Lumix S5
Which should you buy?
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.
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 Video & Hybrid Shooting — Lumix S5 (2020): The S5 is an outstanding video camera that also takes excellent stills. 10-bit 4K/60p, dual native ISO and 6.5-stop IBIS in a weather-sealed body is a compelling package. The contrast-detect AF is its main weakness vs Sony and Canon — but for controlled shooting it doesn't hold it back.
Who should buy what
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
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
Lumix S5 (2020)
- Videographers who need 10-bit colour science in a full-frame body
- Photographers who shoot video as a second discipline
- Studio photographers who want full-frame IBIS at a lower price
- L-mount system users building a versatile kit
Quick take: The leica m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the lumix s5 is the most affordable; only the leica sl3, lumix s5 are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica M11 (2022) | Leica SL3 (2024) | Lumix S5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,999 | £6,499 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 60.0MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | None | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | None | 7.5-stop IBIS | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 30fps electronic | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) |
| Battery Life | 700 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 530g body only | 875g body only | 714g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification |
| Screen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Leica L-mount | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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