• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Leica TL2

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.88 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 900 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    54 vs 29 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Leica TL2 advantages over Nikon D800

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    399g vs 1008g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher-res screen
    410k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/40000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

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Buy the Leica TL2

Review Excerpt

  • Rugged build; Excellent controls; Extremely high resolution; Dual cards; Surprising high ISO performance.

  • Very large files; Slower frame rate; Custom white balance gives a greenish tint; Battery life lower than D700.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D800
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2299
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points
Leica TL2
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Leica TL2
Nikon D800E
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D810

Nikon D800
Nikon D810
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Leica TL2
Nikon D810
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Samsung NX500

Nikon D800
Samsung NX500
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Leica TL2
Samsung NX500
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Leica TL

Nikon D800
Leica TL
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Leica TL2
Leica TL
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
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