Leica SL3vs Nikon Z8
VS
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.
Sports, Wildlife & Hybrid Professionals — Nikon Z8 (2023): Z9 performance in a compact body — 45MP, 8K/60p RAW, and 20fps burst without the bulk or price of the flagship.
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
Nikon Z8 (2023)
- You need Z9-level performance in a more travel-friendly and portable body
- You shoot wildlife, weddings, or sport and need exceptional resolution with speed
- You want the best Nikon mirrorless body available without carrying the full Z9
Quick take: The leica sl3 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the nikon z8 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL3 (2024) | Nikon Z8 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £6,499 | £3,999 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 45.7MP full-frame BSI stacked CMOS |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 8K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, ProRes RAW |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Subject detection AF, 493-point phase-detect |
| Stabilisation | 7.5-stop IBIS | 6-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 20fps RAW / 120fps JPEG |
| Battery Life | 410 shots (CIPA) | 330 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 875g body only | 910g body only |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 144.0 × 118.5 × 83.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | 0.5" Quad-VGA OLED EVF, 3.69M dots, 120fps |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.2, HDMI full-size, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
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