Leica SL3vs Z7 II
Which should you buy?
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.
Landscape & Studio / High-Resolution — Z7 II (2020): The Z7 II is a landscape and studio camera first, everything else second. 45.7MP with weather sealing and dual card slots is a compelling package. If you need resolution, it delivers. If you don't, the Z6 II is the smarter buy.
Who should buy what
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
Z7 II (2020)
- Landscape photographers who print large or need to crop significantly
- Studio and commercial photographers requiring maximum resolution
- Architecture photographers where detail is non-negotiable
- Fine-art photographers who shoot primarily from a tripod
Quick take: The leica sl3 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the z7 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL3 (2024) | Z7 II (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £6,499 | £2,699 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 45.7MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 4K/60p, 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Phase-detect, 493 points, Eye AF, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | 7.5-stop IBIS | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops (up to 6 stops with VR lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic |
| Battery Life | 410 shots (CIPA) | ~420 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 875g body only | 705g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual card: 1× CFexpress Type B / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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