Leica M11vs Now Gen 3
Leica
Leica M11 (2022)
Starting from £7999 new
Best for Rangefinder enthusiasts & collectors
View Leica M11
VS
Polaroid
Now Gen 3 (2024)
Starting from £120 new
Best for Classic Polaroid fans & square-print lovers
View Now Gen 3
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.
Classic Polaroid Fans & Square-Print Lovers — Now Gen 3 (2024): The definitive modern Polaroid. Autofocus, USB-C, and full-sized square prints — classic Polaroid experience, updated for today.
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
Now Gen 3 (2024)
- Anyone who wants the classic full-sized square Polaroid print experience
- Instax users who prefer Polaroid's dreamy colour palette and white border
- Party hosts and event photographers who want iconic-looking keepsakes
- Previous Polaroid Now owners upgrading to the Gen 3's improved autofocus
Quick take: The now gen 3 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica M11 (2022) | Now Gen 3 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £7,999 | £120 |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (Tri-resolution: 60/36/18MP) | i-Type / 600 Polaroid film (79 × 79mm / image area 62 × 62mm) |
| Resolution | 60.0MP | — |
| Video | None | N/A — instant film camera |
| Autofocus | Manual focus only (rangefinder coupled) | Autofocus (0.4m–2m close; 2m–∞ landscape) |
| Stabilisation | None | N/A |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | N/A |
| Battery Life | 700 shots (CIPA) | Rechargeable internal battery (USB-C, ~15 packs) |
| Weight | 530g body only | ~445g |
| Dimensions | 138.6 × 80.0 × 38.5mm | 138.2 × 112.6 × 62.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder (0.73× magnification) | Real-image optical viewfinder |
| Screen | 2.3" fixed TFT LCD | N/A |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | i-Type or 600 film (8 shots per pack) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II + 64GB internal storage | N/A — instant film only |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (charging) |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica M11 | Now Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Street | — | |
| Documentary | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Parties & Events | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Creative | — |
More comparisons with Leica M11
Camera family history