M10vs Z5
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.
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
Who should buy what
M10 (2017)
- Serious photographers who want to slow down
- Street and documentary photographers
- Leica M-mount lens owners
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z5 is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | M10 (2017) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,000 | £999 |
| Sensor | 24MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.0MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | — | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus (rangefinder coupled) | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | None | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~220 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 660g (with battery) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 139 × 80 × 38.5mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder, 0.73× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | M10 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Street | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — |
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