Leica SL2vs Z7 II
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.
Landscape & Studio / High-Resolution — Z7 II (2020): The Z7 II is a landscape and studio camera first, everything else second. 45.7MP with weather sealing and dual card slots is a compelling package. If you need resolution, it delivers. If you don't, the Z6 II is the smarter buy.
Who should buy what
Leica SL2 (2019)
- Commercial photographers who want Leica quality with modern AF
- Filmmakers who want Leica glass with video capability
Z7 II (2020)
- Landscape photographers who print large or need to crop significantly
- Studio and commercial photographers requiring maximum resolution
- Architecture photographers where detail is non-negotiable
- Fine-art photographers who shoot primarily from a tripod
Quick take: The leica sl2 has the highest resolution at 47mp; the z7 ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL2 (2019) | Z7 II (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,200 | £2,699 |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 45.7MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 47.3MP | 45.7MP |
| Video | 5K 30fps, 4K 60fps, 1080p 180fps | 4K/60p, 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, AI-based scene recognition | Phase-detect, 493 points, Eye AF, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops (up to 6 stops with VR lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 20fps | 10fps mechanical, 10fps electronic |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | ~420 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 835g (body only) | 705g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 107.0 × 80.5mm | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| 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, 2.1M dots |
| Mount | Leica L-Mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Dual card: 1× CFexpress Type B / XQD + 1× SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica SL2 | Z7 II |
|---|---|---|
| Street | — | |
| Portrait | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Wildlife | — | |
| Video | — |
More comparisons with Leica SL2
Camera family history