Leica M11vs Z5
Leica
Leica M11 (2022)
Starting from £7999 new
Best for Rangefinder enthusiasts & collectors
View Leica M11
VS
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Rangefinder Enthusiasts & Collectors — Leica M11 (2022): 60MP of full-frame resolution in the thinnest digital M ever made — the M11 is the definitive expression of Leica's rangefinder tradition.
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
Leica M11 (2022)
- Rangefinder photographers who want the pinnacle of the M system
- M10-R owners upgrading to the BSI sensor and simplified base plate
- Collectors and enthusiasts who want the most refined digital Leica M ever made
- Photographers who want to slow down and shoot with intention
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 leica m11 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the z5 is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica M11 (2022) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,999 | £999 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | None | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | None | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | 700 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 530g body only | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 138.6 × 80.0 × 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 | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica M11 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Street | — | |
| Documentary | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — |
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