Leica M11vs Leica SL3vs Nikon D7500
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.
Sports, Travel & Dslr Shooters — Nikon D7500 (2017): The D500's BSI sensor in a compact, weather-sealed body — excellent high-ISO performance and DSLR reliability at a great price.
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
Nikon D7500 (2017)
- You're deeply invested in Nikon F-mount glass and aren't ready to switch systems
- You shoot wildlife or sport and still prefer an optical viewfinder response
- Note: consider the Z5 II or Z6 III if you're open to mirrorless for a future-proof investment
Quick take: The leica m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the nikon d7500 is the most affordable; only the leica sl3, nikon d7500 are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica M11 (2022) | Leica SL3 (2024) | Nikon D7500 (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,999 | £6,499 | £899 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C BSI CMOS (D500 sensor) |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 60.0MP | 20.9MP |
| Video | None | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 4K/30p (slight crop), FHD/60p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Multi-CAM 3500FX II, 51 points (15 cross-type) |
| Stabilisation | None | 7.5-stop IBIS | None (no IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 30fps electronic | 8fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | 700 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | ~950 shots (CIPA with OVF) |
| Weight | 530g body only | 875g body only | 640g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 135.5 × 104.0 × 72.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94× magnification |
| Screen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-II slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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