Leica M11vs Leica SL3vs Nikon Z9
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 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
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 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 m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the nikon z9 is the most affordable; only the leica sl3, nikon z9 are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica M11 (2022) | Leica SL3 (2024) | Nikon Z9 (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,999 | £6,499 | £5,499 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 45.7MP full-frame BSI stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 60.0MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | None | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 8K/30p RAW, 4K/120p, ProRes RAW |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Subject detection AF, 493-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | None | 7.5-stop IBIS | 6-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 30fps electronic | 20fps RAW / 120fps JPEG |
| Battery Life | 700 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | 740 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 530g body only | 875g body only | 1340g body only |
| Dimensions | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 149.0 × 149.5 × 90.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | 0.5" Quad-VGA OLED EVF, 3.69M dots, 120fps |
| Screen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, LAN |
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