The best Leica cameras in 2024: from classic rangefinders to modern mirrorless

Leica SL3 camera on a wooden surface against a blue background
(Image credit: James Artaius)

While the best Leica cameras are undoubtedly expensive, but they also happen to be some of the most finely engineered cameras ever made. The German firm has perfected its craft for more than a century. The iconic Leica red dot is a mark of respect among photographers, and if you've got the budget, a good Leica camera can be a lifelong companion.

In this article, we're looking at Leica mirrorless cameras, digital rangefinders and compact cameras – though we've also included a film camera and an instant camera for the analog enthusiasts. We've reviewed every one of the cameras on this list, and for every entry we've provided a detailed breakdown of who exactly the camera is for, as well as its key strengths and weaknesses.

Sebastian Oakley
Sebastian Oakley

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.

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Leica SL3
Header Cell - Column 0 NotesScore
FeaturesWith triple-resolution, 8K video, a new AF system and a great app, pickings are rich5 / 5
Build & handlingThe IP54 weather sealing and great ergonomics are great, though some might prefer a fully articulating screen4.5 / 5
PerformanceSimply the most gorgeous images you can get from a full frame camera4 / 5
ValueThis is a luxury, handmade camera with the performance to match4 / 5
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Leica Q3
Header Cell - Column 0 NotesScore
Features60-megapixels 8K video, Subject recognition and tracking5 / 5
Build & handlingBuilt like a tank, amazing 28mm f/1.7 lens, quick AF to manual focus4.5 / 5
PerformanceAmazing image quality, snappy autofocus, user friendly operation.5 / 5
ValueThis is a luxury, handmade camera with the performance to match4 / 5
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Leica M11
Header Cell - Column 0 NotesScore
FeaturesWith triple-resolution, 60mp, 64GB internal memory5 / 5
Build & handlingThis is a pure photography experience, everything being operated manually 4 / 5
PerformanceStunning images quality, versatile choice between 60, 36, and 18 MP images all using the full sensor4.5 / 5
ValueVery pricey, even being a few years old now4 / 5
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Leica M11 Monochrom
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FeaturesBlack and white only images, 60MP stills, no video features4 / 5
Build & handlingBuilt to the Leica reputation this is a solid camera that lives up to the Leica name5 / 5
PerformanceSimply the best low-light performance from any Leica 5 / 5
ValueRather expensive for a very niche camera4 / 5
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FeaturesThe .DNG upgrade is welcome, but the D-Lux 8 lacks new features.★★★★☆
DesignStunning Leica design, new simplified menu, and lightweight premium compact.★★★★☆
PerformanceStills are good with the 17MP sensor, but autofocus and video lag.★★★☆☆
ValueIt's a Leica, not cheap but affordable for many; better options exist.★★★☆☆
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Leica SL2-S
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Features24MP stills, 4K full-frame video4 / 5
Build & handlingWeather-sealed, fast fps, feels great in the hands, but might be bigger than some expect4.5 / 5
Performancewith 24MP stills and 4K video the SL2-S is the perfect camera for Content Creators5 / 5
ValueOne of the most "assorable" Leica's on the market, but still more costly than rivals4.5 / 5
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Leica M11-P
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Features60-megapixesl, 256GB internal memory, Leica red dot removed, added Leica Content Credentials5 / 5
Build & handlingSolid build with aesthetic changes to be more stealthy on the streets 4 / 5
PerformanceSame as Leica M11 - versatile choice between 60, 36, and 18 MP images all using the full sensor4.5 / 5
ValueRather pricey, with limited updates from the M113.5 / 5
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Leica M-A
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FeaturesMechanical perfection, pure analog experience 5 / 5
Build & handlingBuilt to a phenomenal standard, super feel in the hands, film advance is wonderfully smooth, rapid load system 5 / 5
PerformanceFrome black and white to color film the Leica M-A is the dream camera of many analog shooters 5 / 5
ValueCostly for a manual film camera, but there arent many companies making new ones like Leica4 / 5
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Leica M-A
Header Cell - Column 0 NotesScore
FeaturesPure photography at its finest5 / 5
Build & handlingIts timeless design hasn't changed since the 1950's, but the battery door at the front can be tricky to get used too4 / 5
PerformanceThis is one of the finest photography experiences around, but it comes at a great cost4 / 5
ValueIt's built quality is legendary, and its design is an icon, but it will cost you a fortune - but it will be worth every penny!5 / 5