Leica SL2vs Z5 II
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.
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible 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 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
Quick take: The leica sl2 has the highest resolution at 47mp; the z5 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL2 (2019) | Z5 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,200 | £1,299 |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 47.3MP | 24.5MP |
| Video | 5K 30fps, 4K 60fps, 1080p 180fps | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, AI-based scene recognition | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops |
| Burst Rate | 20fps | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 835g (body only) | 700g body only |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 107.0 × 80.5mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.10M-dot | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L-Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica SL2 | Z5 II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with Leica SL2
Camera family history