Leica SL2vs Z5
VS
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.
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 SL2 (2019)
- Commercial photographers who want Leica quality with modern AF
- Filmmakers who want Leica glass with video capability
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 sl2 has the highest resolution at 47mp; the z5 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL2 (2019) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,200 | £999 |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 47.3MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 5K 30fps, 4K 60fps, 1080p 180fps | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, AI-based scene recognition | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 20fps | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 835g (body only) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 107.0 × 80.5mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.10M-dot | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-Mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica SL2 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — |
More comparisons with Leica SL2
Camera family history