The best Leica cameras might be 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 of camera manufacture, and Leica users will waste no time in telling you that the experience of using one is like no other. 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 dealing with digital Leica cameras – if you're craving a vintage, analog experience then our guide to the best film cameras includes some Leica models. There are three main categories of Leica digital cameras: Leica mirrorless cameras, Leica M rangefinders, and Leica compact cameras. Let's take a quick look at each in turn.
The Leica mirrorless range includes professional cameras like the Leica SL3 and the relatively affordable Leica CL. These cameras use the L-Mount, in an alliance with Sigma and Panasonic, and provide large, high-resolution sensors for top-quality image-making.
Next, the Leica M rangefinders. A rangefinder is an unapologetically vintage shooting experience: it involves a manual focusing method that utilizes multiple lenses. While it takes some mastering, once you're used to it, there really is nothing like it. The new, headline-stealing Leica M11 and its triple-resolution sensor is the star of this series, but there are also loads of other great options, like the high-quality M10 Monochrom, which provides an amazing black-and-white photography experience.
Finally, we have the Leica compacts. These fixed-lens wonders are as finely engineered as any other Leica camera, including the sublime Leica Q3. This total stunner pairs a high-resolution full-frame sensor with a pin-sharp 28mm f/1.7 lens. Its beautiful handling and essentially immortal construction mean that while it’s a pricey camera, it’s one to use and love for a lifetime.
Our list of the best Leica cameras includes all the best models from the venerable manufacturer, at the best prices, so let’s get started!
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.
I think this might just be Leica's best ever camera. Its triple-resolution sensor offers 60.3MP, 36.4MP or 18.5MP shooting depending on your needs, and also delivers 8K 30p video. The new phase detect autofocus is great for slow-moving stills, and the already luxurious menus are now even more streamlined. Read more below
The Q3 continues Leica's fantastic lineup of Q cameras, with a new 60MP sensor that allows the fixed lens to perform some cropping tricks for multiple focal lengths while still providing stunning final images. Read more below
Leica hasn't tinkered too much with the formula of a rangefinder camera but has added lots of smart tweaks and features. The triple-resolution full-frame sensor is a real standout, letting you shoot at 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP, all of which use the sensor's full width. Read more below
If Black and White is your bread and butter for photography then this is as good as it gets. It's not for everyone, but for those who love high-contrast B&W - this is the gold standard. Read more below
If you want the latest Leica mirrorless camera, but not the massive 47 megapixels then the 24-MP Leica SL2-S is the perfect balance between megapixels and video features. Read more below
If you're looking for the sleek look of a Leica Monochrom, but want a full-color sensor the M11-P is the king, fitted with Leica Content Credentials it also keeps your images safe from AI manipulation. Read more below
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✅ You want the best: Currently, the SL3 with its 60MP sensor and 8K video is the best mirrorless Leica you can buy.
✅ You want amazing colors: leica color science is a high topic on all photographers' minds and the SL3 is no exception, producing amazing colors right out of the camera
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want long battery life: With high specs comes power-hungry features and as such the battery life isn't outstanding
❌ You want a vair-angle screen: Unfortunately, Leica is behind the trend and only offers a tilting screen with the SL3 which could prove tricky to handle in some situations.
Unlike previous SL cameras, which have had an uncomfortable amount of "similarities" to Panasonic S cameras, the Leica SL3 is a completely unique beast – and its mix of specs and performance are unlike anything else on the market.
I love the triple-resolution sensor, which offers 60.3MP images (making this one of the highest-resolution cameras available) at full size, or more workflow-friendly 36.4MP or 18.5MP. So you've got the option of crazy resolution if you want it, but sensibly-sized smaller shooting if you need it.
The new phase-detect autofocus system is a huge step up from the previous contrast AF, though it's not able to keep up with fast action stills or video. That said, the sensor does mean that you can shoot C8K 30p video in 10-bit 4:2:0 and 8K 30p in 8-bit 4:2:2, with a dual base ISO sensor and full-size HDMI port catering to videographers.
More big improvements from the Leica SL2 come in the form of the new tilting touchscreen and the addition of a CFexpress Type B slot (to complement the standard SD card slot). Even the menu system, already intuitive and wonderful to use, has been overhauled to make it even more seamless, with a ridiculous amount of customization.
Aside from the austere battery life, there's a whole lot to love about the SL3 – which is certainly the best L-Mount camera and Leica's finest-ever mirrorless model.
Uncomfortable to hold for long periods without optional grip
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Pricey
Buy it if:
✅ You love 28mm focal length: The Q3 offers the only f/1.7 aperture lens in the whole Leica range, but it is also fixed to the body of the Q-series, so you have to love shooting at 28mm
✅ You want to follow the trend: Thanks to massive media spike in Leica camera the Leica Q3 has become 'on-tend' - which is never a bad thing.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot other focal lengths: With its fixed 28mm lens that you can't you can't change, our only option is to crop.
❌ You want an optical viewfinder: The Q3 features a high-res EVF without the optical VF of Leica M models
The Leica Q3's 60MP sensor produces breathtaking images, enhanced further by the digital crop feature that adds a fun element of experimentation to the 28mm fixed lens. Each shot exhibits remarkable Leica processing, with beautifully rendered colors as well as exceptional dynamic range. The autofocus performs admirably, delivering swift and precise results, particularly in subject focusing, thanks to its efficient human and eye detection capabilities.
Nevertheless, the animal detection feature leaves much to be desired, as it more frequently misidentifies inanimate objects rather than living creatures. As for its video capabilities, the Leica Q3 excels in delivering high-quality 8K footage in a variety of professional codecs, although image stabilization struggled with handheld shake.
Nonetheless, the Leica Q3 stands as a remarkable camera for day-to-day use, and it effortlessly earns its place as one of the best walking-around photography cameras available today. Though alas, it is a Leica, and the lofty price tag renders it inaccessible to many photographers.
Autofocus: None, manual focusing via rangefinder or Live View
LCD: 3in fixed touchscreen, 2,332,800 dots
Viewfinder: Direct Vision optical and optional Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting: 4.5fps
Max video resolution: None
User level: Enthusiast/expert
Reasons to buy
+
Versatile triple-resolution sensor
+
New electronic shutter option
+
64GB internal memory
Reasons to avoid
-
No video at all
Buy it if:
✅ You want the 'pure photography' experience: From manual focus to manual operation, the M11 is the pure essence of photography in the digital age.
✅ You want different resolution options: Thanks to pixel binning the M11 can shoot either 60mp, 36MP, or 18MP images while still using the whole sensor.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want video: The M11 offers no video capabilities at all, so some content creators might be left disappointed.
❌ You want an EVF: the M11 only has an optical viewfinder, if you want an EVF look fat the Q3 or SL3
After months of leaks and teases, we've finally got a glimpse at the future of the M-series in the form of the Leica M11, and it's one of the most technologically advanced rangefinders ever made.
Leica hasn't tinkered too much with the formula of a rangefinder camera but has added lots of smart tweaks and features. The triple-resolution full-frame sensor is a real standout, letting you shoot at 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP, all of which use the sensor's full width. This is great for speeding up your workflow with smaller filesizes, and shooting at 18MP also gives you the advantage of an unlimited burst buffer.
The M11 makes use of a new electronic shutter that gives users the option of a 1/16,000sec shutter speed. It does away with the bottom base plate, giving easier access to the battery and SD card. And in another neat touch, the camera also has 64GB of internal storage, making it easy to record simultaneous copies of your images.
Leica has beefed up the battery and added USB-C charging; what's more, if you can afford a little extra on top of the considerable price tag, you can add a new Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder to augment the rangefinder experience. Designed in conjunction with the M11, it has a 90-degree tilt function.
While we still need to fully review the Leica M11, all signs so far are pointing to a triumph.
Max shooting speed: DNG: 15 shots, JPG: >100 shots
User level: Expert
Reasons to buy
+
Pristine B&W quality
+
Incredible in low light
Reasons to avoid
-
Incredibly expensive
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Immovable rear screen
Buy it if:
✅ You want a black-and-white-only camera: Delivers stunning black-and-white images - this is as good as black-and-white photography gets in the digital world.
✅ You want the stealth look: Thanks to its street-wise aesthetic the red dot is removed, and you have only one color option, black - making for the stealthiest camera on the streets.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot color: With its special sensor with removed bayer sensor you can only shoot black and white, so no color pictures here.
❌ You want the full Leica look: While the M11 Monochrom looks stunning, without the famous red dot it doesn't give off the full Leica vibe
The Leica M11 Monochrom is one of the world’s most niche consumer cameras; a black and white, manual focus only rangefinder camera, which cannot shoot video, and costs a cool $9000 (£8,300).
These supposed shortcomings are actually its biggest strength, forcing you to carefully consider every shot you take. It harks back to the glory days of film photography and is one of the most enjoyable photography experiences I have had in a while.
This is not a camera for the masses, Leica knows exactly who this camera's specific audience is, and exactly how to please them. For those select few, there is some good news, it is probably the best version of this camera to date.
Leica designed this camera specifically for a very targeted audience, and for those photographers, it is probably the best version of this camera ever made. Leica M cameras demand skill, attention, and precision, but once mastered, they offer a unique way of seeing and capturing the world.
Despite being expensive, this camera's design and functionality make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate the Leica experience.
✅ You're on a budget: With 24MP stills and 4k60p video capabilities, this gets you the Leica brand in your hands for less than its big brother, the SL3.
✅ You're a content creator: Thanks to its ability to switch between video and stills quickly this camera is every content creator's dream.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want super quick AF: The SL2-S is equipped with contrast-detect AF which isn't great.
❌ You want a small camera: While the SL2-S doesn't have a built-in camera grip it is a big camera, something fixed with the SL3
The Leica SL2-S (seen here with optional battery grip) is a great option for those that are already using the L mount and have L-mount lenses. The price looks steep by regular standards, but it's much lower than the higher-resolution Leica SL2.
What's really good about this camera is that even with such a drastic difference in price, the compromises are minimal and the drop in resolution is the only major downside.
This could be a great entry point for those considering and SL camera system. It could even serve as a brilliant second body for those that already own the SL2. However, for the rest of us, options from Panasonic may offer greater value for money.
Based on that, one could describe the SL2-S as a better-balanced camera in comparison to the original SL2. Ultimately, there’s a lot to like in this camera except for the price point. Then again, it is a Leica and expensive materials and great quality images come at a price.
Autofocus: None, manual focusing via rangefinder or Live View
LCD: 3in fixed touchscreen, 2,332,800 dots
Viewfinder: Direct Vision optical and optional Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder
Continuous shooting: 4.5fps
Max video resolution: None
User level: Enthusiast/expert
Reasons to buy
+
Style and build quality are superb
+
Leica lenses super sharp with unique Leica look
+
Manual focus is a photographic experience
+
Triple-resolution sensor produces lovely images
Reasons to avoid
-
Manual focus only and no video
-
Can be uncomfortable to hold for long periods
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Content Credentials workarounds seem easy
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Expensive
Buy it if:
✅ You want AI protection: The M11-P comes equipped with Leica Content Credentials that allows users and picture editors to see the process from capture, editing, and distribution, authenticating every image.
✅ You want the best Leica camera on the market: The M11-P takes all the best bits from the M11 and adds upon them to deliver the best Leica-M experience possible
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're going to rely on Content Credentials: Content Credentials workarounds seem easy to manipulate at the current time, so you might have to make other workflows.
❌ You want to shoot lots of video: While being the top-of-the-lime Leica M-system camera, those wanting to have the ability to shoot video too are omitted - only still capabilities here
The Leica M11-P continues Leica's blend of classic style and cutting-edge technology. In terms of aesthetics, it takes inspiration from the sleek, minimalist design of the Leica M11 Monochrom, without the usual iconic red dot offering a more understated look that appeals to discerning photographers who want to go unclocked on the street.
However, it isn't just about appearances. Inside, the M11-P mirrors the Leica M11, guaranteeing the same exceptional image quality that we loved in the original M11 model, with Leica's 60MP color sensor, with its triple-resolution tech offering big detailed photos.
What really makes the M11-P notable is the introduction of its content authentication component called Lecia Contnet Credentials, which could yet prove to be a very valuable weapon in the ongoing battle against AI-generated image manipulation. However, its effectiveness in countering this currently appears somewhat vulnerable to those with ill intentions, although it is very early doors for the technology, so it will be interesting to see how it evolves as it is more widely adopted.
✅ You want a new film camera: With many film cameras being very old and not knowing their previous history it is always good to buy new - something that Leica only offers at the moment.
✅ You love mechanical cameras: The Leica M-A is the pinnacle of mechanical perfection, no lightmeter, no battery just a pure photography experience.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a light meter: If you heavily rely on a light meter in your analog photography work then you either have to learn Sunny 16 or buy a spot meter.
❌ You're new to photography: While we all love to buy ourselves nice things, I'd learn the basics first before splashing the cash and jumping in at a full manual camera
When it comes to Leica M rangefinders, opinions are all over the map, and I've found myself right in the middle of the debate. Some folks argue they're overpriced relics from a bygone era, while others see them as masterpieces of engineering, timeless in their perfection.
Admittedly, using M rangefinders can be a bit of a learning curve. Rangefinder focusing requires precision and practice, and let's not even get started on the hefty price tags attached to Leica lenses. But for those of us who appreciate the simplicity of film photography, the M-A delivers exactly what we're after.
With the M-A, you're stripped down to the basics. You're in charge of exposure, settings, and focus – no automatic features here. But for die-hard Leica M enthusiasts like myself, that's the essence of true photography. It's about getting back to the roots of the craft and connecting with every aspect of the process.
✅ You're on a budget: If you want compact on a budget the Q2 is currently the best bang for the buck in the Q-series lineup.
✅ You want 4K video: You're able to shoot stunning 4K video with a click of a button
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want modern specs: The Q2 is getting a little long in the tooth and on occasion it shows its age with the EVF
❌ You want a tilting screen: Q2 is old school, featuring a fixed 3" screen with no tilting abilities.
❌ You want interchangeable lenses: like the Q3, the Q2's lens has a fixed wide-angle view
If 60-megapixels is just too much for you, but you still like the compact nature of the Leica Q-series then Leica Q2 is your perfect match, with the featured fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens. It's like the unicorn of digital cameras, though a few people have actually seen one. The successor to the original 24-megapixel Leica Q, the Leica Q2 is aimed at photographers wanting a powerful camera that is also relatively small and discreet, yet with a whopping 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor.
The body is water- and dust-resistant, plus there’s a 4K video shooting option that additionally includes the choice of ‘C4K’ (Cinematic 4K). In burst mode, the Q2 can shoot at up to 10fps with the mechanical shutter or 20fps with the electronic shutter. The Q2 is, of course, hand constructed in Germany, with a magnesium body construction.
Yes, this is very much a luxury option for the street photographer, but the 47-megapixel sensor delivers shed loads of gorgeous detail. It looks like the waiting lists are finally clearing, so you may no longer have to 'Q' for your Leica Q2. We also love the Leica Q2 Monochrom version, by the way.
Choosing the best Leica camera is a lot easier than other brands as Leica's cameras all offer distinct experiences from one another. Which one is for you depends on how you plan to use your camera, your preferred style of camera body, and of course – your budget.
First, ask yourself, do you need to have autofocus in your camera? If the answer is no then the beautifully styled rangefinder Leica M11 or Leica M11 Monochrom are the ones to check out. The M11 has a full-color sensor, while the M11 Monochrom is limited to black and white only. With the M11, don't forget, you'll also need to find the cash to buy a lens too.
If you want the camera to do a little more of the work, then the Leica Q3 is the best of both worlds. Incredible good looks, but all the autofocus and auto exposure smarts of a modern camera. Unlike the M11, the Q3's lens is fixed, which further saves on the initial expense.
Rangefinders might be compact and look cool, but they aren't for everyone. If you prefer an SLR-style body with its big grip and large viewfinder then the Leica SL2-S is for you.
Finally, if you are a film shooter and don't care about all this modern mirrorless talk, then Leica still produces some of the finest film cameras in the world like the Leica M-A.
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
What is the best Leica camera
If you're wanting the best possible resolution, the price being no object, then it has to be the Leica M11. With its 60mp multi-format full-frame sensor and amazing 1/16000th electronic shutter, the Leica M11 can't be beaten.
Is the Leica Q2 worth it?
Yes, it might be very much a luxury option for the street photographer, but the 47-megapixel sensor delivers shed loads of gorgeous detail. It looks like the waiting lists are finally clearing, so you may no longer have to 'Q' for your Leica Q2. We also love the Leica Q2 Monochrom version, by the way.
There's also a new limited-edition version of this camera, as Leica likes to do. The Leica Q2 Reporter is a subtler version with the red dot removed, an overall dark green makeover, and a kevlar grip. You'll have to be quick though – Leica is only manufacturing 350 of them.
How we test Leica cameras
To decide which Leica cameras to recommend in this guide – we test every camera we include through a combination of real-world shooting scenarios and meticulously controlled lab conditions.
Our lab examinations focus on evaluating resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. ISO resolution charts are employed for resolution measurements, while DxO Analyzer test equipment is utilized to assess dynamic range. Additionally, DxO Analyzer aids in analyzing noise levels throughout the camera's ISO range.
In the field we test how the camera handles during use, assessing the ergonomics, layout, and ease of use of the menus. We also take photos and videos with the cameras in different scenarios and under different lighting to assess how well the cameras perform for different types of photography.
As there is everything from manual focus rangefinders to high-megapixel professional mirrorless in Leica's lineup – we judge each camera fairly on its intended purpose and our recommendations and reviews reflect what you can hope to achieve (or not achieve) with each model.
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 a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
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. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. 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.
