M10vs Z5 II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Street & Documentary — M10 (2017): The M10 returned Leica to its roots — thinner, cleaner, and video-free by design. The 24MP sensor is the perfect resolution for a manual-focus rangefinder. The simplified control layout respects the M tradition without digital clutter. A camera for photographers who want to slow down and engage with every frame. One of the most satisfying cameras to use — assuming you have M-mount glass to pair with it.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Who should buy what
M10 (2017)
- Serious photographers who want to slow down
- Street and documentary photographers
- Leica M-mount lens owners
Z5 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
Quick take: The z5 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 ii is the most affordable; only the z5 ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | M10 (2017) | Z5 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,000 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | 24MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.0MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | — | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Manual focus (rangefinder coupled) | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | None | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~220 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 660g (with battery) | 700g body only |
| Dimensions | 139 × 80 × 38.5mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder, 0.73× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | M10 | Z5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history