Leica SL2vs G85
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Commercial, Landscape, Video — Leica SL2 (2019): Leica's most capable system camera — excellent for photographers who want L-mount glass access.
Travel & Video — G85 (2016): The G85 is the definitive enthusiast MFT package — combining 4K/30p, Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation, and weather sealing in an affordable, well-built body. It lacks phase-detect AF (contrast-detect only) but covers travel, landscape, and casual video effectively. One of the best-value used-market MFT cameras available — a practical, capable companion for photographers who want reliability over cutting-edge specs.
Who should buy what
Leica SL2 (2019)
- Commercial photographers who want Leica quality with modern AF
- Filmmakers who want Leica glass with video capability
G85 (2016)
- Travel photographers who want weather sealing on a budget
- Vloggers and hybrid shooters
- MFT system users stepping up from entry-level
Quick take: The leica sl2 has the highest resolution at 47mp; the g85 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL2 (2019) | G85 (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,200 | £350 |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) |
| Resolution | 47.3MP | 16.0MP |
| Video | 5K 30fps, 4K 60fps, 1080p 180fps | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, AI-based scene recognition | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) |
| Burst Rate | 20fps | 9fps |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | ~330 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 835g (body only) | 426g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 107.0 × 80.5mm | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.10M-dot | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots |
| Mount | Leica L-Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica SL2 | G85 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Architecture | — | |
| Street | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
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