Nikon Z8 versus Leica SL-3 S: Which is the Best Camera Among These Two? If you are planning to buy the Leica SL3 S camera, you must first look at the Z8 core specification comparison table before making a decision.
Design Comparison
| Feature | Nikon Z8 | Leica SL3-S |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | L-Mount |
| Build Material | Magnesium Alloy | Aluminum, Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3″ (144 x 118.5 x 83 mm) | Not Specified |
| Weight | 2.0 lb (910 g, with battery and recording media) | 4.715625 lb / 2139 g (With Battery) 1.7 lb / 768 g (Body Only) |
| Display Type | 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD, 2,100,000 dots | 3.2″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD, 2,332,800 dots |
| Viewfinder Type | 0.5″ OLED, 3,690,000 dots, Approx. 0.8x Magnification | OLED, 5,760,000 dots, Approx. 0.76x Magnification |
| Eye Point | 23 mm | 21 mm |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (2.4 / 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 | 2.4 GHz MIMO Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Dual Card Slots | CFexpress Type B / XQD + SD (UHS-II) | 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x SD (UHS-II) |
| GPS | Yes (via smartphone) | Yes (via smartphone) |
Which camera is better for longer hours of work, like weddings and events lasting hours, the Leica SL3 S or Nikon Z8?
In the design comparison, it is visible that the Leica is built like a tank, heavier, but at the same time, the electronic viewfinder and the display part of the camera are of more premium quality. For more prolonged shooting, such as during weddings and events lasting over 7-8 hours or more, it’s recommended to hold a camera that makes you comfortable for longer hours of work, like the Nikon Z8.
Photography Comparison
| Feature | Leica SL3-S | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.6 MP (Effective) | 45.7 MP (Effective) |
| Sensor Tech |
BSI CMOS | STACKED BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Type | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| ISO Range | 100 to 200,000 (manual) | 64 to 25,600 (Extended: 32 to 102,400) |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 30 fps | Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting |
| Image Stabilization |
Upto 5 – Stops (max) | 5.5 (Max 6 Stops with VR Lens) + AI IS |
| Autofocus Points | 779 Points (Phase + Contrast Detection) | 493 Points (Phase Detection Only) + AI AF tracking Modes |
| White Balance Options | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temp, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Manual | Auto, Cloudy, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Custom |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical: 1/8000 to 30 sec; Electronic: 1/16000 to 60 sec | Electronic: 1/32000 to 30 sec; Bulb Mode Supported |
| Metering Modes | Center-Weighted, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot | Center-Weighted, Highlight Weighted, Matrix, Spot |
| Aspect Ratios | 3:2, 16:9, 17:9 | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Image File Format | DNG, JPEG | JPEG, RAW |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit | 14-Bit |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay |
| Built-In ND Filter | No | No |
| Capture Type | Stills & Video | Stills & Video |
In the photographic core specification comparison, the best part is the Nikon Z8 camera with its 45-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. Along with that, the Nikon Z8 also features, AI Autofocus modes directly come from the Nikon Z9. The best part is in continuous shooting mode, Even at the full 45-megapixel resolution, you can capture 30 frames per second without any issues.
Leica is more of a bit retro and classical type camera, and it is limited to a traditional 24-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor that we have seen in the Panasonic S5 II. Although the number of autofocus points is much lower compared to the Nikon Z8, it doesn’t feature any AI autofocus tracking hardware that we have in the Z8. But again, if you are a Leica user, then you may prefer having a Leica camera, as Leica’s color science is quite different from Nikon’s.
If you compare the core specifications, without a doubt, the Nikon Z8 is a clear winner in the competition.
Video Comparison
| Feature | Leica SL3-S | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | UHD 6K (5888 x 3312) | UHD 8K (8256 x 4644) |
| Frame Rates (Max) | 4K at 60 fps [Crop] | 4K at 120 fps [Crop] |
| 4k 60 FPS |
Yes, Cropped | Uncropped |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes |
| Video Formats | H.264, H.265 (4:2:0/4:2:2 8/10-Bit), ProRes 4:2:2 | ProRes RAW HQ, H.265 4:2:2, H.264 4:2:0 |
| Internal Recording | 10-Bit 4:2:2 | ProRes RAW HQ 12-Bit |
| External Recording | 4:2:2 12-Bit via HDMI | 12-Bit via HDMI |
| Audio Formats | AAC, LPCM | 24-Bit LPCM |
| Gamma Curves | Rec709, Rec2020 | HDR-HLG |
| Recording Limit | No | No |
| IP Streaming | No | No |
| Built-In Microphone | Stereo | Stereo |
| Autofocus Points (Video) | 779 Points | 493 Points + AI AF modes Active |
| Heat Dissipation | Passive | Passive |
| Maximum Bitrate | 600 Mbps | Up to 5780 Mbps (8K ProRes RAW) |
Which camera is better for professional photography use, the Nikon Z8 or the Leica SL3 S?
It’s very clear from the beginning of the comparison table that the Nikon Z8 camera is able to capture 8K videos and offers 4K video recording up to 120 frames per second. So, technically, the Nikon Z8 is quite a bit more advanced. At the same time, the Z8 camera also offers the ability to record high-quality 12-bit internal RAW video. Due to its nature and the very angle display screen, you can also create content with the camera if you like to follow platforms like YouTube.
Does the Leica SL3 S camera offer better video features compared to the Nikon Z8?
The Leica SL3 S camera does have a limited set of videography specifications and features, such as a tilting display screen on the back. However, if you have specific videography needs, the Nikon Z8 is superior.
Which camera offers more value for the price, the Nikon Z8 or the Leica SL3 S?
Among the two, as per the set of core specifications, the Nikon Z8 looks very promising and is more advanced compared to the Leica SL3 S for the price you’re paying. But if you are a Leica enthusiast and would love to buy a Leica camera, then you can still go with the Leica SL3 S if you wish to.
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