Leica M9
Competitors

As well as being compared against other mirrorless, the Leica M9 is also often compared to boutiques, pro DSLRs, entry-level DSLRs and pro digicams. The Leica M9's top rivals come from Fujifilm (such as the X-Pro1 and the FinePix X100) and Nikon (such as the D800 and the D7000)

Generally, some of the advantages of the Leica M9 compared to other mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it has higher quality type of viewfinder (rangefinder vs none), has slightly more color depth (22.5 bits vs 21.2 bits), takes slightly higher resolution photos (18.1 MP vs 12 MP), has a much larger sensor (full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs APS-C 23.6x15.6mm) and has a much longer battery life (600 shots vs 300 shots).

However, on average it doesn't record movies (none vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a much smaller screen (2.5" vs 3.0"), has a significantly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots), slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (2,500 ISO vs 16,000 ISO) and doesn't have a screen which flips out.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 2 years newer $1,991 - $2,298 (body only)	Significant advantages of the X-Pro1 (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Shoots movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs None Much higher resolution screen: 1,230k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the X-Pro1 (vs the M9) Much shorter battery life: 300 shots vs 600 shots Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm common strengths of the X-Pro1 and M9 Viewfinders: Tunnel vs Rangefinder Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
	Compare the Fujifilm X-Pro1 vs the Leica M9
Leica M8 3 years older	Significant advantages of the M8 (vs the M9) Significantly faster max shutter speed: 1/8000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second Significant disadvantages of the M8 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-H 27.0x18.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much lower true resolution: 10.4 MP vs 18.1 MP Worse color depth: 21.1 bits vs 22.5 bits common strengths of the M8 and M9 Both have rangefinder viewfinders: Rangefinder vs Rangefinder Large sensors: APS-H 27.0x18.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
	Compare the M8 vs the M9
Sony NEX-7 1 year newer $1,200 (body only) $1,350 - $1,499 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-7 (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Shoots movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs None Much higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the NEX-7 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.5x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much shorter battery life: 430 shots vs 600 shots common strengths of the NEX-7 and M9 Relatively low noise at high ISO: 1,016 ISO vs 884 ISO Good image quality: 81.0 vs 69.0 Viewfinders: Digital vs Rangefinder
	Compare the Sony NEX-7 vs the Leica M9
Leica M8.2 1 year older	Significant advantages of the M8.2 (vs the M9) None found Significant disadvantages of the M8.2 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-H 27.0x18.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much lower true resolution: 10.4 MP vs 18.1 MP common strengths of the M8.2 and M9 Both have rangefinder viewfinders: Rangefinder vs Rangefinder Large sensors: APS-H 27.0x18.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
	Compare the M8.2 vs the M9
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 similar age $1,075 14-45mm lens	Significant advantages of the DMC-GF1 (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Shoots movies: 720p @ 30fps vs None Has live view Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF1 (vs the M9) Significantly more noise at high ISO: 513 ISO vs 884 ISO Much smaller sensor: Four thirds 18.0x13.5mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm No viewfinder: None vs Rangefinder common strengths of the DMC-GF1 and M9 Great battery life: 400 shots vs 600 shots
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 vs the Leica M9
Sony NEX-5N 1 year newer $598 - $600 (body only) $698 - $700 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the NEX-5N (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Shoots movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs None Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5N (vs the M9) No viewfinder: None vs Rangefinder Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.4x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Significantly shorter battery life: 460 shots vs 600 shots common strengths of the NEX-5N and M9 Relatively low noise at high ISO: 1,079 ISO vs 884 ISO Good image quality: 77.0 vs 69.0 Good color depth: 23.6 bits vs 22.5 bits
	Compare the Sony NEX-5N vs the Leica M9

Generally, some of the advantages of the Leica M9 compared to boutique competitors include: it takes slightly higher resolution photos (18.1 MP vs 11 MP), has a much larger sensor (full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs four thirds 18.7x14.0mm), has a much longer battery life (600 shots vs 300 shots), is thinner (1.5" vs 2") and has interchangeable lenses.

However, on average it doesn't record movies (none vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a significantly smaller screen (2.5" vs 2.8"), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 460k dots), doesn't have image stabilization (none vs lens) and slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (2,500 ISO vs 12,500 ISO).

Fujifilm FinePix X100 1 year newer $1,199	Significant advantages of the X100 (vs the M9) Significantly larger screen: 2.8" vs 2.5" Shoots much faster: 5 fps vs 2 fps Has a CMOS-family sensor: CMOS vs CCD Significant disadvantages of the X100 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much shorter battery life: 300 shots vs 600 shots Built-in lens only common strengths of the X100 and M9 Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Fast max shutter speeds: 1/4000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second
	Compare the Fujifilm FinePix X100 vs the Leica M9
Canon PowerShot G1X 2 years newer $799 - $800	Significant advantages of the G1X (vs the M9) Shoots movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs None Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the G1X (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: Four thirds 18.7x14.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much larger: Standard size 117x81x65 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much shorter battery life: 250 shots vs 600 shots common strengths of the G1X and M9 Capture very high resolution images: 14.2 MP vs 18.1 MP Fast max shutter speeds: 1/4000 of a second vs 1/4000 of a second
	Compare the Canon PowerShot G1X vs the Leica M9
Leica X1 similar age $2,242	Significant advantages of the X1 (vs the M9) Significantly smaller: Compact 124x60x32 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much lighter: 306 g vs 585 g Has a CMOS-family sensor: CMOS vs CCD Significant disadvantages of the X1 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Built-in lens only Significantly lower true resolution: 11 MP vs 18.1 MP common strengths of the X1 and M9 Fairly small: Compact 124x60x32 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Very thin: 1.3" vs 1.5"
	Compare the X1 vs the M9
Leica X2 2 years newer $2,621	Significant advantages of the X2 (vs the M9) Much lighter: 345 g vs 585 g Better maximum light sensitivity: 12,500 ISO vs 2,500 ISO Has a CMOS-family sensor: CMOS vs CCD Significant disadvantages of the X2 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Built-in lens only Significantly shorter battery life: 450 shots vs 600 shots common strengths of the X2 and M9 Capture very high resolution images: 16.1 MP vs 18.1 MP Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Great battery life: 450 shots vs 600 shots
	Compare the X2 vs the M9

Generally, some of the advantages of the Leica M9 compared to pro DSLR competitors include: it is much smaller (mid size 139x80x37 mm vs large 160x157x91 mm), is thinner (1.5" vs 3.2") and is significantly lighter (585 g vs 1,074 g).

However, on average it is significantly more noisy at high ISO (884 ISO vs 2,293 ISO), has significantly lower image quality (69.0 vs 89.0), doesn't record movies (none vs 1080p @ 30fps), has slightly less color depth (22.5 bits vs 23.7 bits) and has slightly narrower dynamic range (11.7 EV vs 12.2 EV).

Nikon D800 2 years newer $2,999 - $3,000 (body only)	Significant advantages of the D800 (vs the M9) Much lower noise at high ISO: 2,853 ISO vs 884 ISO Much better image quality: 95.0 vs 69.0 Much larger screen: 3.2" vs 2.5" Significant disadvantages of the D800 (vs the M9) Much thicker: 3.2" vs 1.5" Much larger: Large 146x123x82 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Heavier: 900 g vs 585 g common strengths of the D800 and M9 Large sensors: Full frame 35.9x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Fairly small: Large 146x123x82 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Supports RAW
	Compare the Nikon D800 vs the Leica M9
Canon EOS 5D Mark II 1 year older $2,198 (body only) $2,898 - $2,999 24-105mm lens	Significant advantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,815 ISO vs 884 ISO Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the 5D Mark II (vs the M9) Much thicker: 3" vs 1.5" Much larger: Professional size 152x114x75 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm common strengths of the 5D Mark II and M9 Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Fairly small: Professional size 152x114x75 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Supports RAW
	Compare the Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs the Leica M9
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 2 years newer $3,499 - $3,500 (body only) $4,299 - $4,300 24-105mm lens	Significant advantages of the 5D Mark III (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.2" vs 2.5" Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 2,293 ISO vs 884 ISO Much higher resolution screen: 1,040k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the 5D Mark III (vs the M9) Much thicker: 3" vs 1.5" Much larger: Professional size 152x116x76 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Significantly heavier: 950 g vs 585 g common strengths of the 5D Mark III and M9 Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Fairly small: Professional size 152x116x76 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Supports RAW
	Compare the Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs the Leica M9
Nikon D700 1 year older $2,949 (body only)	Significant advantages of the D700 (vs the M9) Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 2,303 ISO vs 884 ISO Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Much higher resolution screen: 922k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the D700 (vs the M9) Significantly lower true resolution: 12.1 MP vs 18.1 MP Much thicker: 3" vs 1.5" Much larger: Large 147x123x77 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm common strengths of the D700 and M9 Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Fairly small: Large 147x123x77 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Supports RAW
	Compare the Nikon D700 vs the Leica M9
Nikon D4 2 years newer $5,999 - $6,000 (body only)	Significant advantages of the D4 (vs the M9) Much lower noise at high ISO: 2,965 ISO vs 884 ISO Much larger screen: 3.2" vs 2.5" Much better image quality: 89.0 vs 69.0 Significant disadvantages of the D4 (vs the M9) Much larger: Large 160x157x91 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much thicker: 3.6" vs 1.5" Much heavier: 1,340 g vs 585 g common strengths of the D4 and M9 Large sensors: Full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Supports RAW
	Compare the Nikon D4 vs the Leica M9
Canon EOS 7D similar age $1,549 - $1,821 (body only) $1,590 - $1,849 18-135mm lens	Significant advantages of the 7D (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots Has live view Significant disadvantages of the 7D (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much thicker: 2.9" vs 1.5" Significantly larger: Professional size 148x111x74 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm common strengths of the 7D and M9 Fairly small: Professional size 148x111x74 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Supports RAW Thin: 2.9" vs 1.5"
	Compare the Canon EOS 7D vs the Leica M9

Generally, some of the advantages of the Leica M9 compared to entry-level DSLR competitors include: it takes slightly higher resolution photos (18.1 MP vs 12.2 MP), has a much larger sensor (full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs APS-C 22.3x14.9mm), is much smaller (mid size 139x80x37 mm vs professional size 132x103x77 mm), is thinner (1.5" vs 3") and is slightly lighter (585 g vs 703 g).

However, on average it is slightly more noisy at high ISO (884 ISO vs 1,162 ISO), has slightly lower image quality (69.0 vs 80.0), doesn't record movies (none vs 1080p @ 24fps), has slightly narrower dynamic range (11.7 EV vs 12.5 EV) and has a much smaller screen (2.5" vs 3.0").

Nikon D7000 1 year newer $1,000 - $1,197 (body only) $1,100 55-200mm lens	Significant advantages of the D7000 (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,167 ISO vs 884 ISO Shoots movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs None Significant disadvantages of the D7000 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much larger: Professional size 132x105x77 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much thicker: 3" vs 1.5" common strengths of the D7000 and M9 None found
	Compare the Nikon D7000 vs the Leica M9
Nikon D5100 1 year newer $500 - $597 (body only) $600 - $697 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 1,183 ISO vs 884 ISO Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much larger: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much thicker: 3.1" vs 1.5" common strengths of the D5100 and M9 Fairly small: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm
	Compare the Nikon D5100 vs the Leica M9
Pentax K-5 1 year newer $905 - $1,129 (body only) $1,056 - $1,283 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the K-5 (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Significantly better image quality: 82.0 vs 69.0 Shoots movies: 1080p @ 25fps vs None Significant disadvantages of the K-5 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.7mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much larger: Prosumer size 130x96x72 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much thicker: 2.9" vs 1.5" common strengths of the K-5 and M9 Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.7mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Fairly small: Prosumer size 130x96x72 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Thin: 2.9" vs 1.5"
	Compare the Pentax K-5 vs the Leica M9
Nikon D90 1 year older $830 - $897 (body only) $1,047 55-200mm lens	Significant advantages of the D90 (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection Much higher resolution screen: 930k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the D90 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much larger: Professional size 132x103x77 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Significantly lower true resolution: 12.2 MP vs 18.1 MP common strengths of the D90 and M9 Large sensors: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm
	Compare the Nikon D90 vs the Leica M9
Canon Rebel T3i 1 year newer $619 - $700 (body only) $745 - $1,000 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T3i (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Much higher resolution screen: 1,040k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the T3i (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much larger: Professional size 133x99x79 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much thicker: 3.1" vs 1.5" common strengths of the T3i and M9 Capture very high resolution images: 17.9 MP vs 18.1 MP
	Compare the Canon Rebel T3i vs the Leica M9
Canon Rebel T2i 5 months newer $544 - $949 (body only) $649 - $867 18-55mm lens	Significant advantages of the T2i (vs the M9) Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Much higher resolution screen: 1,040k dots vs 230k dots Significant disadvantages of the T2i (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much larger: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Much thicker: 2.4" vs 1.5" common strengths of the T2i and M9 Capture very high resolution images: 17.9 MP vs 18.1 MP Very small: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Mid size 139x80x37 mm Very thin: 2.4" vs 1.5"
	Compare the Canon EOS Rebel T2i vs the Leica M9

Generally, some of the advantages of the Leica M9 compared to pro digicam competitors include: it has a much larger sensor (full frame 36.0x24.0mm vs 1/1.8" 7.5x5.5mm), is much less noisy at high ISO (884 ISO vs 153 ISO), has much better image quality (69.0 vs 41.0), has much more color depth (22.5 bits vs 19.6 bits) and has slightly wider dynamic range (11.7 EV vs 10.8 EV).

However, on average it doesn't have a built-in flash, doesn't record movies (none vs 1080p @ 24fps), has a much smaller screen (2.5" vs 3.0"), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 461k dots) and doesn't have image stabilization (none vs lens).

Fujifilm Finepix X10 2 years newer $599	Significant advantages of the X10 (vs the M9) Built-in flash Shoots movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs None Image stabilization: Lens vs None Significant disadvantages of the X10 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much more noise at high ISO: 245 ISO vs 884 ISO Much lower true resolution: 12 MP vs 18.1 MP common strengths of the X10 and M9 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Relatively low noise at high ISO: 245 ISO vs 884 ISO Supports RAW
	Compare the Fujifilm Finepix X10 vs the Leica M9
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10 months newer $350	Significant advantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the M9) Built-in flash Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Image stabilization: Lens vs None Significant disadvantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much more noise at high ISO: 132 ISO vs 884 ISO Much lower true resolution: 10 MP vs 18.1 MP common strengths of the DMC-LX5 and M9 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Supports RAW Great battery life: 400 shots vs 600 shots
	Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 vs the Leica M9
Canon Powershot S100 2 years newer $372 - $430	Significant advantages of the S100 (vs the M9) Built-in flash Shoots movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs None Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Significant disadvantages of the S100 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.8" 7.5x5.5mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much more noise at high ISO: 153 ISO vs 884 ISO Much lower true resolution: 12 MP vs 18.1 MP common strengths of the S100 and M9 Supports RAW Good image quality: 50.0 vs 69.0 Good color depth: 20.7 bits vs 22.5 bits
	Compare the Canon Powershot S100 vs the Leica M9
Leica D-LUX 5 1 year newer $798	Significant advantages of the D-LUX 5 (vs the M9) Built-in flash Much larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.5" Image stabilization: Lens vs None Significant disadvantages of the D-LUX 5 (vs the M9) Much smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Much lower true resolution: 10 MP vs 18.1 MP Built-in lens only common strengths of the D-LUX 5 and M9 Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs Full frame 36.0x24.0mm Supports RAW Thin: 1" vs 1.5"
	Compare the D-LUX 5 vs the M9