14 Best Leica Camera Models Available Today

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Sharp and detailed images

Cons:

• Lacks an eye-level viewfinder
• Slow performance

Leica M11 is one of the most advanced rangefinder cameras ever produced. Leica hasn't strayed too far from the classic rangefinder formula, but they've added plenty of smart features and refinements. A standout feature is its full-frame 3-resolution sensor, allowing you to shoot at 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP, all while utilizing the full width of the sensor. This is excellent for speeding up your workflow with smaller file sizes, and shooting at 18MP also gives you the advantage of unlimited continuous buffer.

The M11 uses a new electronic shutter, giving users the option of a shutter speed up to 1/16,000 of a second. It also eliminates the bottom plate, making it easier to access the battery and SD card. In another neat touch, the camera includes 64GB of internal storage, allowing you to easily store backup copies of your images. Leica has upgraded the battery and added USB-C charging. Furthermore, if you're willing to spend a bit more, you can add the new Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder, which offers a 90-degree tilt for added convenience when shooting.

Pros:

• Flexible triple-resolution sensor
• New electronic shutter option
• 64GB of internal storage

Cons:

• No autofocus, no video, no program mode

Leica M10 Monochrom stands out for three reasons. First, it uses the classic manual focus rangefinder design that has been around for decades. Second, it only captures black and white images. Third, it comes at a higher price than any other M-series camera, except for Leica's special edition models. Only Leica would be bold enough to create a camera that exclusively shoots in black and white.

When Leica first introduced the original Leica M Monochrom in 2012, many thought it was just another limited edition model that would disappear quickly. The Monochrom revives the feel of earlier times when top documentary photographers used rangefinder cameras with one or two fixed lenses and black-and-white film. The latest addition to this series, the Leica M10 Monochrom, enhances the lineup with a specially designed 40-megapixel high-resolution sensor.

Pros:

• Classic Leica design
• Traditional rangefinder focusing
• LCD touchscreen with LiveView

Cons:

• No color shooting option
• No autofocus or video capabilities

The Leica M camera is extraordinarily expensive and deliberately outdated in both design and operation. However, the M10-R incorporates some of the latest digital technologies to produce image quality that challenges any other full-frame camera, all while offering a uniquely satisfying shooting experience.

Like previous M-series cameras, owners of the M10-R will need to make a few mistakes and learn how to use it effectively. But it will reward you with a shooting experience unlike any other. If you have the budget or are passionate about the technical, legacy, or classic camera designs, or simply the quality of images, the M10-R could be your dream camera.

Pros:

• Incredible 40MP resolution
• Quiet shutter operation
• Premium rangefinder design

Cons:

• No video recording
• Requires skill and practice to master

Photographers and journalists have recently praised the Fujifilm X-Pro3, but they've forgotten that Leica was the one to pioneer this concept! Moreover, Leica has taken it even further. While the X-Pro3 features a hidden LCD screen, the Leica M10-D goes all the way by not having a screen at all! This camera is for the purists, those who are fully content with focusing and composing through the rangefinder and waiting until later to see their shots.

In other respects, the

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Unique minimalist approach

Cons:

• Some controls require an app
• Not equipped with the latest 40MP sensor
• Hard to find

The Leica M cameras will always spark debate. For some, they are overpriced, nostalgic relics from a bygone era. For others, they represent beautifully crafted, timeless pieces of technical excellence that have reached perfection. The M rangefinder requires a bit of time to get used to.

The focusing ability of the Leica MA is incredibly fast and precise in the right hands, though it does take some practice. However, the real challenge comes with the price tag of the Leica MA body, which is just the beginning as Leica lenses are similarly expensive. But if you're looking to return to the fundamentals of film photography, the MA is a must-have. You'll need to calculate exposure on your own, manually adjust settings, and focus yourself, but for Leica M enthusiasts, that's the essence of being a photographer.

Pros:

• Superb build and finish
• Compact and durable

Cons:

• No assistance for beginners
• Sky-high price

While most Leica cameras feature interchangeable lenses, the Leica Q2 is an exception with its fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens. It's like the unicorn of digital cameras, though only a few have truly experienced it. The successor to the original 24-megapixel Leica Q, the Leica Q2 (opens in a new tab) targets photographers who desire a powerful yet relatively compact and discreet camera, packed with a colossal 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. The body is weather-sealed, and it also offers 4K video recording options, including 'C4K' (Cinematic 4K).

In continuous shooting mode, the Q2 can shoot at up to 10 frames per second with the mechanical shutter or 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter. Of course, the Q2 is handmade in Germany with a magnesium alloy body. While it’s certainly a luxury choice for street photographers, the 47-megapixel sensor delivers incredible detail. The waiting list seems to have finally cleared, so you might not have to 'Q' for your Leica Q2 anymore. By the way, we also love the Leica Q2 Monochrom version.

Pros:

• Elegant design
• Outstanding image quality
• Extensive video options

Cons:

• Fixed, non-adjustable screen

The D-Lux 7 is a luxury travel zoom camera with a fixed lens, exuding that premium vibe (the hint is in the name D-Lux = Deluxe) you’d expect from such an expensive piece of gear. Key features include a comfortable 17-megapixel resolution from the 21.77-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor. This is paired with a lens that covers the equivalent of a 24-75mm wide-angle range in 35mm film terms.

The lens boasts an impressive f/1.7 maximum aperture, which can be manually adjusted through the lens ring offering incremental settings up to f/16. This camera is the result of a long-standing collaboration between Panasonic and Leica, and is based on the more affordable Panasonic LX100 II, but with Leica’s touch. It’s unfortunate that the 3-inch LCD screen is fixed, but at least it supports touch control. The top dials, borrowed from rangefinder cameras, control the shutter speed and exposure compensation.

Pros:

• Large MFT sensor
• 4K video recording options

Cons:

• Expensive compared to the Panasonic counterpart
• Fixed LCD screen

Leica T is a compact mirrorless camera with a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. Crafted from a single block of aluminum, the Leica T features a creative 3.7-inch touchscreen with 1.3 million pixels, built-in Wi-Fi, a pop-up flash, hot shoe, Full HD 1080p video, 11-point AF system, and a wide range of manual controls from exposure to focus. It offers an ISO range of 100-12,500, a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec, support for JPEG and DNG RAW files, 16GB internal storage, and continuous shooting at 5 frames per second.

Leica T is only the fourth camera system from Leica, following the M, R, and T models. This represents a significant departure from traditional Leica design, catering to a younger audience who may not have previously associated with the Leica brand. The design is minimalist, relying primarily on the 3.7-inch touchscreen display. The Leica T is a beautifully crafted camera, made from a single piece of aluminum, reminiscent of other Apple products.

Pros:

• Stunning design.
• Built-in Wi-Fi.
• Large 3.7-inch LCD touchscreen.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Slow autofocus.
• No Android companion app.

Leica has transformed the button shape from round to square, giving the overall design a flatter, sharper look compared to Panasonic's styling. However, the body dimensions of 103 x 63 x 28mm for the Leica C are still primarily plastic, which doesn't quite match the premium feel of a metal-clad camera. The light gold-colored digital camera from Leica is a compact, stylish high-performance camera featuring a Leica DC-Vario-Summicron lens.

What's more interesting is that the Leica C is equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) in addition to its standard LCD screen. While the inclusion of an EVF may not be as surprising as in the Panasonic LF1, it is still a rare feature for a compact camera and provides an experience similar to using a DSLR.

Pros:

• Excellent viewfinder for accurate color reproduction and contrast.
• Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC feature.

Cons:

• Wide-angle capability of 28mm is not particularly impressive.

First introduced in April 2010, the Leica V-Lux 20 is a compact superzoom camera with a 12.0MP CCD sensor measuring 1/2.3 inches (6.08 x 4.56 mm). It features 12x optical zoom with a 25-300mm F3.3-4.9 lens, integrated Image Stabilization. As part of Leica's V-Lux series, the V-Lux 20 allows you to explore the evolution of the series, showcasing how key specifications have changed with each new release.

The Leica V-Lux 20 is a high-performance superzoom camera, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 25-300mm. This 12x zoom capability lets you capture wide-angle to super-telephoto shots without needing additional lenses. Combined with optical image stabilization, it delivers sharp, clear images even in low-light situations.

Pros:

• Various automatic settings and scene modes suitable for beginners.
• Built-in GPS feature.
• A range of automated functions for straightforward operation.

Cons:

• Struggles with low dynamic range, dull colors, significant noise at higher ISOs, and suboptimal lens quality.
• Leica’s high price point.

The Leica SL2 is the successor to Leica's full-frame mirrorless camera, the Leica SL. Released more recently, the SL2 brings some fresh features. Internally, it shares a lot with Panasonic’s Lumix S1R, an outstanding full-frame mirrorless camera, but externally, it stands apart with a sleek, minimalist design and fewer controls, designed to immerse you fully in the photography experience.

The interface is a revelation—luxurious, elegant, and intuitive to the point where it makes you smile immediately. With a promising future for L-mount lenses (see the L-mount lens roadmap), this 4K-capable camera is a fantastic option for any potential Leica owner. The Leica SL2 features a 47-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, with in-body 5-axis image stabilization offering a 5.5EV shutter speed advantage.

Pros:

• Exceptional resolution.
• High-speed continuous shooting.
• Impressive 4K video capabilities.
• Beautiful design and intuitive interface.

Cons:

• Fixed rear touchscreen, unable to tilt.

Combining a 24.2MP APS-C sensor with the L-mount lens system, which is also used by Panasonic for their Lumix S full-frame system, the Leica CL offers a well-rounded and capable camera at a more affordable price point. With 4K video, 10 fps continuous shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi, it includes all the features modern photographers expect, while the top dial provides that unmistakable Leica handling. The 3-inch touchscreen LCD and eye-level viewfinder offer a rich array of layout options, and the handcrafted, premium feel is something truly unique to Leica.

Some might argue that the fixed screen is a downside, rather than one that tilts or offers adjustable angles. It’s smaller and more affordable compared to any of the M-series digital models. It is also more compact and affordable than the Q, with interchangeable lenses. It’s undoubtedly smaller and more cost-effective than the Leica SL or S series models. And, in contrast to the TL2, it’s much more traditional in design and style, plus it comes with an integrated electronic viewfinder.

Pros:

• Compatible with a wide range of Leica lenses (some via adapters).
• Large APS-C sensor.
• Great resolution.

Cons:

• Fixed LCD screen.
• Requires purchasing lenses separately.

The Leica SL2-S is an excellent option for those already using the L-mount and owning L-mount lenses. While the price might seem high by typical standards, it’s significantly more affordable than the higher-resolution Leica SL2. What’s truly impressive about this camera is that, despite the noticeable price difference, the compromises are minimal, with the lower resolution being the only major drawback.

Like most new Leica cameras, the SL2-S promises two key things: exceptional build quality and a compelling price point. It could be an excellent entry point for anyone considering the SL system but put off by the price of the SL2. If a 24-megapixel resolution is sufficient for your needs, you still get that iconic Leica craftsmanship and design, along with 4K 60p video capabilities, all at a more affordable price.

Pros:

• Most affordable SLR camera option.
• Outstanding Leica build quality.
• Fewer megapixels may actually be beneficial.

Cons:

• More expensive than alternative options.
• Contrast-detect autofocus isn’t great.
• It’s a large and heavy camera.