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Leica SL2 vs Nikon D90

The Leica SL2 and the Nikon D90 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2019 and August 2008. The Leica SL2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D90 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Leica SL2) and an APS-C (D90) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 46.7 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica SL2
versus
Nikon D90
Leica SL2   Nikon D90
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
46.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 12.2 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 720/24p Video
ISO 100-50,000 ISO 200-3,200 (200 - 6,400)
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 4.5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
370 shots per battery charge850 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 42 mm, 953 g 132 x 103 x 77 mm, 703 g
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Check Leica SL2 price at
amazon.com
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Check D90 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL2 and the Nikon D90? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica SL2 and the Nikon D90 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica SL2 vs Nikon D90
Compare Leica SL2 versus D90 top
Comparison Leica SL2 or D90 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D90 is notably smaller (13 percent) than the Leica SL2. Moreover, the D90 is markedly lighter (26 percent) than the Leica SL2. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Leica SL2 is splash and dust resistant, while the D90 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Leica SL2 gets 370 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL4 battery, while the D90 can take 850 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL3e power pack. The power pack in the Leica SL2 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 n Aug 2008 EUR 1 189ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 n Aug 2007 EUR 1 299ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 EUR 4 799 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 854 g 320 Y Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL3-S 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 852 g 315 Y Jan 2025 EUR 5 199 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 n Aug 2006 EUR 969ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 EUR 539ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 EUR 699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 EUR 1 399ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 EUR 2 499ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 EUR 3 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 EUR 3 699ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S1R II 134 mm 102 mm 92 mm 795 g 350 Y May 2025 EUR 3 599 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 EUR 3 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D90 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 78 percent) than the Leica SL2, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL2 features a full frame sensor and the Nikon D90 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D90 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL2 and Nikon D90 sensor measures

With 46.7MP, the Leica SL2 offers a higher resolution than the D90 (12.2MP), but the Leica SL2 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 5.53μm for the D90). However, the Leica SL2 is a much more recent model (by 11 years and 2 months) than the D90, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Leica SL2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica SL2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.8 x 27.9 inches or 106.3 x 70.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33.5 x 22.3 inches or 85 x 56.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 70.8 x 47.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D90 are 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.3 x 9.5 inches or 36.3 x 24.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the D90, the Leica SL2 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (187MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Leica SL2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000, which can be extended to ISO 50-50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D90 are ISO 200 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 200-6400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Leica SL2 versus D90 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
2.
 
Nikon D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
3.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.370364
4.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
7.
 
Leica SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
8.
 
Leica SL3-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8338397
9.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.111.252461
10.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
11.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
12.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
13.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
14.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
15.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
16.
 
Panasonic S1R II Full Frame 44.2 8144 54248K/30p25.414.8340697
17.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Leica SL2 provides a higher video resolution than the D90. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Nikon is limited to 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Leica SL2 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the D90 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the Leica SL2 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D90 (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the Leica SL2 has a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica SL2, the Nikon D90, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon D90optical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 40Doptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 6.5/s Y n
4.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
8.
 
Leica SL3-S5760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon D80optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic S1R II5760 n3.2 / 1840 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the Leica SL2 and the D90 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The Leica SL2 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D90 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Leica SL2 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica SL2 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Leica SL2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D90 uses SDHC cards. The Leica SL2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D90 only has one slot. The Leica SL2 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the D90 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica SL2 and Nikon D90 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Nikon D90Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 40DY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Leica SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Leica SL3-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon D80Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Panasonic S1R IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY

It is notable that the Leica SL2 has a microphone port, which is missing on the D90. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Leica SL2 (unlike the D90) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Leica SL2 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the D90 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D90 was succeeded by the Nikon D7000. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL2 and D90 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D90 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica SL2 better than the Nikon D90 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica SL2:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (46.7 vs 12.2MP) with a 95% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 720/24p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.63x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 920k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 11 years and 2 months of technical progress since the D90 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D90:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (132x103mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 250g or 26 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (850 versus 370) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (78 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2008).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL2 is the clear winner of the match-up (33 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Leica SL2 33:08 D90

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2 and the Nikon D90 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Leica SL2 or the D90. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 EUR 1 189ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 EUR 1 299ebay.com
4.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 EUR 4 799 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL3-S............ Jan 2025 EUR 5 199 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 EUR 969ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 EUR 539ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 EUR 699ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 EUR 1 399ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 EUR 2 499ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 EUR 3 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 EUR 3 699ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S1R II............ May 2025 EUR 3 599 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 EUR 3 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check Leica SL2 price at
amazon.com
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Check D90 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Leica SL2 vs Nikon D90

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica SL2 Nikon D90
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date November 2019 August 2008
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Leica SL2 Nikon D90
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 23.6 x 15.8 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 372.88 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 46.7 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8368 x 5584 pixels 4288 x 2848 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 5.53 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2 3.28 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 720/24p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 200 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 50,000 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro III EXPEED
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 73
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 22.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 977
    Screen Specs Leica SL2 Nikon D90
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 96%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.63x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL2 Nikon D90
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 4.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/40000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL2 Nikon D90
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica SL2 Nikon D90
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Nikon EN-EL3e
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge850 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 146 x 107 x 42 mm
    (5.7 x 4.2 x 1.7 in)
    132 x 103 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 953 g (33.6 oz) 703 g (24.8 oz)
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