Leica SL2vs A7S
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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
Leica SL2 (2019)
- Commercial photographers who want Leica quality with modern AF
- Filmmakers who want Leica glass with video capability
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The leica sl2 has the highest resolution at 47mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Leica SL2 (2019) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,200 | £600 |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 47.3MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 5K 30fps, 4K 60fps, 1080p 180fps | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, AI-based scene recognition | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 20fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 835g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 146.0 × 107.0 × 80.5mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.10M-dot | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Leica L-Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C 3.1, HDMI full-size | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Leica SL2 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Architecture | — | |
| Street | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| 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