Leica SL2 vs Leica M10-R
Leica M10-R was launched in July 2020, and Leica SL2 was introduced in November 2019. Both cameras have unique, attractive features. Leica M10-R is a rangefinder camera, but Leica SL2 is a mirrorless system camera and has an alloy magnesium body. Both are designed with a full-frame sensor and gave a classy look.
Before buying a camera, everyone looks at the features and usage demand of the camera. In this article, we will discuss the features and specifications of Leica M10-R and Leica SL2 and compare which one is better.
What are the similarities?
Leica M10-R is introduced after Leica SL2, and both have impressive features. The following are the similarities found in both cameras:
- Both have ISO 100-50000
- Both have fixed touchscreen
- Both have a weather-sealed body
What are the differences?
The following are the main differences based on which we can compare both cameras.
Viewfinder
Leica SL2 has an electronic viewfinder of 5760k dots, while Leica M10-R has an optical viewfinder. Both the viewfinders have their advantages. The electronic viewfinder is beneficial for projecting supplementary shooting information into the framing view. On the other side, the optimal viewfinder performs a clear framing image and offers a lag-free view. The viewfinder of SL2 has a higher magnification of 0.78x than the viewfinder of M10-R with a magnification capacity of 0.73x.
Sensor
Leica SL2 and Leica M10-R both have a full-frame sensor, but the size differs. Leica SL2 has a 1 percent bigger sensor area than Leica M10-R.
The size of the sensors matters for a photographer. It has a significant impact on image quality. A large sensor allows the photographer a more comprehensive dynamic range and richer color-depth than the small size sensor. Also, a large sensor camera gives control over depth of field to the photographer.
Both cameras have the same sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 50,000, but it can be increased in Leica SL2 from ISO 50 to 50000.
Processor
Leica SL2 also wins if compared with the processing engine of Leica M10-R. SL2 has an advanced image processor Maestro III, but Leica M10-R has Maestro II. Advanced Maestro III has noise reduction ability, color accuracy, and processing speed.
Resolution
Leica SL2 with 46.7 MP full-frame CMOS sensor offers a higher resolution than Leica M10-R with 40.9 MP. The higher resolution feature of Leica SL-2 allows photographers with greater flexibility for cropping images. Due to age differences of almost eight months, M10-R has benefits of advanced technology because SL-2 has a smaller individual pixel pitch of 4.30um, but Leica M10-R has a higher pixel pitch of 4.57um.
Print size
The print size feature of Leica SL2 is divided into three parts; for good quality output with 200dpi print size amounts to 106.3 x 70.9 cm or 41.8 x 27.9 inches, for very good quality output with 250dpi print size amounts to 85 x 56.7 cm or 33.5 x 22.3 inches, and for excellent quality output with 300dpi print size amounts to 70.8 x 47.3 cm or 27.9 x 18.6 inches.
On the other side, Leica M19-R is also divided into three parts; for good quality output with 200dpi print size amounts to 99.9 x 66 cm or 39.3 x 26 inches, for very good quality output with 250dpi print size amounts to 79.9 x 52.8 cm or 31.5 x 20.8 inches, and for excellent quality output with 300dpi print size amounts to 66.6 x 44 cm or 26.2 x 17.3 inches.
Shutter speed
Some cameras have an only electronic shutter, but some have both electronic and mechanical shutters. Reports say that shutter speed depends on the usage of a mechanical shutter. Moreover, Leica SL2 is one of the cameras which have both electrical and mechanical shutter and allows silent shooting. Both Leica SL2 and Leica M10-R have an intervalometer built-in, which helps time-lapse shooting.
Video
Leica M10-R doesn’t support video features. But Leica SL2 provides its users with a high-resolution video recording format that is 4K at 60 fps. So, again Leica SL2 gain an additional comparison point than Leica M10-R.
Design and weight
There is a big difference in the design of both cameras. M10-R is available in two colors (black and silver), but Leica SL2 is only available in black.
From the front view, Leica SL2 is 40 percent larger than Leica M10-R and also 44 percent heavier. Both cameras are designed with dustproof features and can bear harsh environments. The numerical body specifications of Leica SL2 are 146 mm in width, 107 mm in height, and 42 mm in depth with a weight of 953g. On the other hand, Leica M10-R is 139 mm in width, 80mm in height, and 30 mm in depth with a lighter weight of 660g.
LCD Size
Both the Leica SL2 and m10-R have a fixed touchscreen, but Leica SL2 has a larger LCD compared to M10-R. SL2 has 3.2 inches of screen, but M10-R has 3 inches.
Price
In the selection process of everything, the price has a significant place. Leica SL2 is affordable and has a markedly 28 percent lower price than Leica M10-R. M10-R is introduced later, so it has a higher price, but SL2 is much more affordable compared to the features of M10-R.
Final verdicts
You have got the idea by reading the above differences and specifications of each camera. You will also be thinking of buying Leica SL2 because it is affordable and has the additional features which M10-R doesn’t include. SL2 also has electronic and mechanical shutter features and also comprises electronic viewfinder while M10-R only contains an optical viewfinder. SL2 also has a video recording feature that M10-R doesn’t incorporate. So, it will be a wise decision to choose Leica SL2 over Leica M10-R.
The decision depends on your preferences and usage level. If your preferences are better quality, dynamic range, better video, detailed viewfinder, large screen, long-lasting battery, wireless transfer, better studio light control, and richer colors than deciding to buy Leica SL2 will be a right and wise decision.
More about the Leica SL2:
Guides: Leica SL2 – Best SL Lenses
Comparisons: Leica SL2 vs SL – SL2 vs CL – SL2 vs M10R
Leica SL2 vs Nikon Z7 – Leica SL2 vs Panasonic S1H – Leica SL2 vs Sony A7R IV