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Leica SL3 vs Nikon D700

The Leica SL3 and the Nikon D700 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in March 2024 and July 2008. The Leica SL3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D700 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 60.3 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 12.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica SL3
versus
Nikon D700
Leica SL3   Nikon D700
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
60.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
8K/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-100,000 ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2333k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
320 shots per battery charge1000 shots per battery charge
141 x 108 x 85 mm, 854 g 147 x 123 x 77 mm, 1074 g
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Check Leica SL3 price at
amazon.com
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Check D700 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL3 and the Nikon D700? 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 SL3 and the Nikon D700 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica SL3 vs Nikon D700
Compare Leica SL3 versus D700 top
Comparison Leica SL3 or D700 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D700 is notably larger (19 percent) than the Leica SL3. Moreover, the D700 is markedly heavier (26 percent) than the Leica SL3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

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 SL3 gets 320 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL6 battery, while the D700 can take 1000 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL3e power pack. The power pack in the Leica SL3 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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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 SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 854 g 320 Y Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 EUR 2 599ebay.com
3.
 
Leica Q3 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 743 g 350 Y May 2023 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
5.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.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-S 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 852 g 315 Y Jan 2025 EUR 5 199 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 EUR 4 849ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 EUR 4 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 EUR 6 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 EUR 2 899ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 EUR 3 299ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1 II 134 mm 102 mm 92 mm 800 g 350 Y May 2025 EUR 3 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S5 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 740 g 370 Y Jan 2023 EUR 2 199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 EUR 7 299 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A1 II 136 mm 97 mm 83 mm 743 g 520 Y Nov 2024 EUR 7 499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 III 136 mm 97 mm 83 mm 702 g 530 Y Nov 2023 EUR 6 999 amazon.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 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D700 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 57 percent) than the Leica SL3, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL3 and Nikon D700 sensor measures

With 60.3MP, the Leica SL3 offers a higher resolution than the D700 (12.1MP), but the Leica SL3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 8.43μm for the D700). However, the Leica SL3 is a much more recent model (by 15 years and 8 months) than the D700, 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 SL3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica SL3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.6 x 31.7 inches or 120.9 x 80.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38.1 x 25.3 inches or 96.7 x 64.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.7 x 21.1 inches or 80.6 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D700 are 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica SL3 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Leica SL3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 100000, which can be extended to ISO 50-100000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D700 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

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 SL3 versus D700 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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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 SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
2.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
3.
 
Leica Q3 Full Frame 60.3 9528 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
4.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
5.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
6.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
7.
 
Leica SL3-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8338397
8.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
9.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
10.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
11.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
12.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
13.
 
Panasonic S1 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.8340697
14.
 
Panasonic S5 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.6315896
15.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
16.
 
Sony A1 II Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.414.8336397
17.
 
Sony A9 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/120p25.414.7324396
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 Leica SL3 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D700 does not. The highest resolution format that the Leica SL3 can use is 8K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Leica SL3 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the D700 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 SL3 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D700 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the Leica SL3 has a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.72x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica SL3 and Nikon D700 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
3.
 
Leica Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
7.
 
Leica SL3-S5760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic S1 II5760 n3.2 / 1840 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic S5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A1 II9437 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 30.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A9 III9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/80000s 120.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the Leica SL3 and the D700 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The Leica SL3 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D700 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 SL3 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 SL3 and the Nikon D700 both have 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 SL3 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards, while the D700 uses Compact Flash cards. The Leica SL3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D700 only has one slot.

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 SL3 and Nikon D700 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 SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
5.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Leica SL3-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
12.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
13.
 
Panasonic S1 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic S5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Sony A1 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A9 IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the Leica SL3 offers wifi support, while the D700 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D700 (unlike the Leica SL3) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Leica SL3 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the D700 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D700 was succeeded by the Nikon D800. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL3 and D700 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D700 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Leica SL3 or the Nikon D700 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Leica SL3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (60.3 vs 12.1MP) with a 124% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 8K/30p movies.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • 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 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.72x).
  • 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 (2333k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (141x108mm vs 147x123mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 220g or 20 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 15 years and 8 months of technical progress since the D700 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D700:

  • 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.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1000 versus 320) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (57 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in July 2008).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Leica SL3 is the clear winner of the match-up (23 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Leica SL3 23:08 D700

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL3 and the Nikon D700 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Leica SL3 or the D700 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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 SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 EUR 6 799 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 EUR 2 599ebay.com
3.
 
Leica Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 EUR 6 899ebay.com
5.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 EUR 5 999 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 EUR 4 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica SL3-S............ Jan 2025 EUR 5 199 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 EUR 4 849ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 EUR 4 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 EUR 6 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 EUR 2 899ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 EUR 3 299ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic S1 II............ May 2025 EUR 3 499 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic S5 II4.5/5+ +5/590/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2023 EUR 2 199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 EUR 7 299 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A1 II............ Nov 2024 EUR 7 499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 III4.5/5....91/100.... Nov 2023 EUR 6 999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check Leica SL3 price at
amazon.com
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Check D700 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes 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 SL3 vs Nikon D700

    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 SL3 Nikon D700
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date March 2024 July 2008
    Launch Price USD 6,999 USD 2,999
    Sensor Specs Leica SL3 Nikon D700
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 60.3 Megapixels 12.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9520 x 6336 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.79 μm 8.43 μm
    Pixel Density 6.98 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 100,000 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 100,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro IV EXPEED
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 2303
    Screen Specs Leica SL3 Nikon D700
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x 0.72x
    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 2333k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL3 Nikon D700
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 8 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations150 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CFexB or SDXC cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL3 Nikon D700
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    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 SL3 Nikon D700
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL6 Nikon EN-EL3e
    Battery Life (CIPA)320 shots per charge1000 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 141 x 108 x 85 mm
    (5.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 in)
    147 x 123 x 77 mm
    (5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 854 g (30.1 oz) 1074 g (37.9 oz)
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