M10vs A7S
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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
M10 (2017)
- Serious photographers who want to slow down
- Street and documentary photographers
- Leica M-mount lens owners
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The m10 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | M10 (2017) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,000 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24MP Full-Frame CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.0MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | — | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Manual focus (rangefinder coupled) | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | None | None |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~220 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 660g (with battery) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 139 × 80 × 38.5mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder, 0.73× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | M10 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Astrophotography | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wildlife | — |
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