Leica M11vs Leica SL3vs A7S III
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 & Low-Light Filmmaking — A7S III (2020): If video is your primary discipline, the A7S III is the camera. 4K/120p at 10-bit in a weather-sealed body with a 9.44M dot EVF is an extraordinary package. The 12MP sensor isn't limiting for video — and it's usable at ISO 409,600 in a pinch.
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
A7S III (2020)
- Filmmakers and videographers who need 4K/120p at 10-bit
- Event videographers who shoot in dark venues regularly
- Documentary filmmakers who need reliable AF and weather sealing
- Hybrid shooters where video is primary and stills are secondary
Quick take: The leica m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the a7s iii is the most affordable; only the leica sl3, a7s iii are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica M11 (2022) | Leica SL3 (2024) | A7S III (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,999 | £6,499 | £2,999 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS (12-bit, back-illuminated) |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 60.0MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | None | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | None | 7.5-stop IBIS | 5.5-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 30fps electronic | 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | 700 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording |
| Weight | 530g body only | 875g body only | 699g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | OLED EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification — best EVF Sony has made |
| Screen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Leica L-mount | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II (both slots) |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
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