Are you torn between Leica vs Sony? In this article we will figure out the pros and cons of each manufacturer to determine which one is better. The answer might surprise you!
Leica vs Sony: Introduction
While their brand couldn’t be different than each other in terms of marketing and image, when it comes to models, they are VERY comparable and there is a Sony equivalent for many Leicas, like the SONY RX1R that goes against the Q2, the CL and TL go against the A6000 series. This makes it an interesting comparison, especially given that the older Leica digital cameras used Sony sensors. Let’s start the Leica vs Sony comparison with the areas where Sony wins.
Where Sony wins and Leica loses
Leica can’t touch video
This might or not be important to you if you use Leicas like they are meant to be used: As photographer’s tools. But if you want the camera that can shoot both photos and videos, Sony cameras wipe the floor with Leicas, excluding the SL2. There’s a lot of video modes, stabilization and because of Sony’s proprietary hotshoe system, you can add an external mic to most of them. So if you want video, Sony has always been strong.
A Leica rival in terms of image quality
Back in the day, Leica use to stand above everyone else in terms of image quality. Now there is serious competition and when it comes to their high end cameras, Sony rivals Leicas for image quality. Their higher end Sony A7Rs can trade blows with Leicas, especially coupled with high end Sony lenses and Zeiss lenses.
More bang for your buck
There’s no two ways about it, Leicas are premium priced. There are legitimate reasons for that but when you go Sony, there’s always that feeling that you get the maximum bang for your buck. Most of them are only half the price of a Leica body and the lenses are nowhere near Leica pricing. Even the Zeiss lenses are moderately priced, so if budget is an issue, Sony wins hands down…but you probably knew that!
The best Leica alternatives
Sony cameras tops the lists of Leica alternatives. Part of it is because of the stunning image quality, but also because there’s Zeiss lenses you can get for it. But even if you don’t go that route, the A7RIII is one of the best cameras you can adapt Leica M lenses on. That is why many skip the Leica body and use a Sony body instead.
While Fujifilm provides a Leica-ish experience when you mount M lenses on an X-pro, the x1.5 crop factor really spoils the fun. While using a Sony is not the same thing as using a Leica, they are a joy to use!
Sony’s rangefinder-like
While one of the greatest issue Leica lovers had against Sony was their lack of Rangefinder-style cameras. Sony’s A series have always been DSLR like, and if you wanted a rangefinder-style camera you needed to go with an APSC sensor. This is no longer the case with the Sony A7C. This is nowhere close to feeling like a rangefinder but using it is much better if you do not like using DSLRs.
Where Sony fails and Leica wins
That’s a lot of points for Sony in our Leica vs Sony article! But here’s where Leica bites back…
The unparalleled SL2
While this is a comparison between Leica vs Sony overall, Leica has a trump card that still stands above Sony cameras: The Leica SL2. It can shoot 5k and when it comes to images, it has a medium format-like quality to it that I have yet to see from Sony.
Smaller size
Leica tends to be more compact than the Sony system because of the M lenses. These are some of the smallest full frame lenses in the world and when you compare similar focal lengths, it gets large and heavy on the Sony side.
Of course the Leica M lenses are manual and if we are to compare the AF lenses from Leica they are equally sized.
Iterative vs long lasting philosophy
Sony pushes out cameras like Apple produces iPhones. Leica prefers to give you quality over quantity. For example there’s the Leica M10 that has been there since 2017, and the refresh that only has the upgraded sensor. Sony has released many cameras like the A7R, A7S, A7C (and their roman numerals) during that time period. I kid you not when I tell you that you need a chart to know what is different from each other.
Speaking of staying power, the M lenses are more durable than Sonys because of the lack of electronics. Photographers still use Leica M lenses from 20 years ago and they still work just fine. The AF Lenses like pushes out are of course not as durable either.
Sony’s lack of mojo
There’s not two ways about it, when comparing Leica vs Sony, Sony has the upper hand in terms of features (save maybe the SL2). Case closed, then? Not so fast. Sony has an Achilles heel that you will never find on a specs sheet. This is where Sony pales in comparison to Leica: it has no mojo.
If you shoot Sony, your heart might go “wow!” from time to time but they are hard to get attached to. Don’t get me wrong, Sony makes some of the best cameras in the world, but they are hard to love as something special when there’s a new one around the corner and their looks are so utilitarian.
Put two cameras together, say the A7RIII and the M10. The Sony can do way more then the M10, but if the camera you love to shoot and enjoy to shoot is the M10, it really doesn’t matter that it is the best on paper.
If you look at all of the reasons why Sony wins and Leica looses, these are all perfectly acceptable logical reasons. But shooting Leica is not about the specs, it’s mostly about the experience.
Pressing a button on an A7 is a totally different experience when you have a rangefinder, need to focus manually and taking a shot. Everything is different. That might sound esoteric to you, but you’ve probably had a camera in your life you really liked despite it being outdated, and that is what Leica has that Sony doesn’t: The mojo, the feeling and the experience.
Conclusion Leica vs Sony…who wins?
If you are looking for the superior, best bang for your buck, Sony wins as a camera manufacturer. Sonys are actually some of the best alternatives to shooting M lenses! But if you are looking for the experience of photography, and a line of cameras you cannot help but to gravitate towards, only Leicas can give you that Leica experience…and it’s addicting.