Introduction
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At the core, both Sony’s a7R V and Leica’s SL 3 share a fundamental building block: a 60MP BSI CMOS sensor. But almost everything layered on top of that foundation diverges in radically different directions. With the SL3 having dropped earlier this week, we decided to take a look at this pair in detail.
Sony a7R V:
Leica SL3:
Sensor and specs
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How they’re similar: The main similarity, and primary basis for comparison between these two cameras, is the sensor they share. The 60MP BSI CMOS sensor in each is almost certainly the same, produced by industry juggernaut Sony Semiconductor Solutions. As such, both have comparable image quality, and both can do 8K video, with some caveats and differences we’ll get into.
Where they differ: The Sony has better stabilization, rated for 3 extra stops of IBIS (8 EV to Leica’s 5). The a7R V also has a multi-shot pixel shift high-res mode, which is somewhat unwieldy in that it requires post-processing on a computer, but the Leica has no comparable mode at all, so there may be some niches where this gives the Sony an advantage.
The SL3 can technically shoot faster, up to 15fps (at 12-bit, using the e-shutter, with focus and exposure locked at the first frame). That’s a higher rate than the a7R V’s 10fps max, but Leica’s speed tops out at a sluggish 4fps if you want AF and full bit-depth, which the Sony will deliver at its highest speed, so long as you don’t want to shoot compressed Raw.
Body and handling
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How they’re similar: Both the Leica and the Sony are interchangeable-lens cameras with protruding handgrip, external buttons and dials, and an articulating screen. Both are moisture and dust resistant, but not fully weather sealed. However, while the Sony is stated as being resistant, the Leica is certified to the IP54 standard.
How they’re different: While both cameras share the same general form, they each take it to a different extreme. The a7R V, with its numerous dials and buttons, takes a “more is more” approach to design. If you might ever want to do it, there’s a button for it, somewhere.
The Leica SL3 takes a much more reserved and focused approach, going back to the drawing board with its design. There are just enough dials for the three fundamental settings (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO), but far more emphasis on the clever, clean and customizable UI on its tilting screen.
Autofocus
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Where they’re similar: Both cameras feature phase-detection autofocus with a variety of smart-recognition modes.
Where they differ: The a7R V’s autofocus is excellent, with a broad range of subject recognition modes that sit on top of one of the more tenatious tracking systems on the market, snapping to specified subjects that are in proximity to an AF area. Each layer of the system is individually tunable, adding complexity, but for the most part it just works.
We still need to do more testing with the SL3’s autofocus, it’s Leica’s first use of on-sensor phase detection and offers smaller selection of options for subject recognition mode, one of which was still designated as “beta” at launch. It’s behaved well in our usage so far but we’ve not yet had a chance to really challenge it, as we have with the a7R V.
Video
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How they’re similar: Neither the Leica SL3 or Sony a7R V are video-focused cameras, but they both have some chops and can deliver up to 8K 10-bit video in addition to 4K/60p.
How they’re different: The Leica SL3 can shoot UHD 8K up to 30p at a 1.24 crop, with a DCI 8K/30p mode as well. However, it suffers from significant rolling shutter.
The Sony a7R V is limited to 24p for its UHD 8K, with the same 1.24 crop and similar rolling shutter numbers. But, the Sony can shoot UHD 4K at the full width of the sensor (up to 30p). The Leica’s UHD and DCI 4K modes, meanwhile, are taken from the 8K capture region meaning crops of 1.17 or worse, regardless of the framerate.
Viewfinder and screens
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How they’re similar: Both cameras have very DSLR-like designs with prominent viewfinder humps housing high-resolution finders and movable rear touchscreens.
How they’re different: The a7R V has a 9.44M dot EVF (2048 x 1536px) with 0.9x magnification, rather than the Leica’s 5.76M dot (1600 x 1200px) finder with 0.76x magnification. You need to engage a ‘high quality’ mode to get that full resolution on the Sony, and the display becomes less detailed as you focus. The Sony has a fully-articulated rear screen on a tilting cradle, making it more flexible than the Leica’s.
Lenses
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How they’re similar: Both the Leica and the Sony are interchangeable-lens cameras with full-frame sensors, so their lenses are broadly similar in size and weight across the various focal lengths.
How they’re different: Leica’s L-mount system was designed in partnership with Panasonic and Sigma, which gives it a wide breadth of options including very high-end and pricey Leica glass as well as more mid-range and affordable options from Panasonic and Sigma.
Sony’s E-mount is the oldest full-frame mirrorless mount, meaning Sony’s own suite of lenses is quite broad, the recent additions have included some excellent performers and a variety of interesting focal lengths. Sony’s E-mount is also open to third parties, which means there are also loads of options from Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, Samyang, and more.
Price
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How they’re similar: Both the SL3 and the a7R V are premium cameras. Both are serious investments that will cost you multiple thousands of dollars new or used.
How they’re different: The Leica SL3, perhaps unsurprisingly, puts a premium on premium. At a list price of $6,995, the SL3 is not fully twice as expensive as the $3,898 Sony a7R V; it’s merely close. Whether or not that differential is even worth entertaining depends in large part on your preference for, or investment in, L-mount glass.
Sony a7R V:
Leica SL3:
Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
