• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,500

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Differences

Nikon J5 advantages over Leica TL

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $1700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    59.4 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    20 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Leica TL advantages over Nikon J5

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.77 vs 2.37 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 400 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Nikon J5

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Buy the Leica TL

Review Excerpt

  • Photographer-friendly controls; Impressive dynamic range for its class; Very fast hybrid autofocus; Fast high-speed shooting capabilities; Tilting touchscreen display.

  • No hot shoe or viewfinder; Aggressive noise reduction, even at base ISO; 4K video is limited to 15fps.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon V3

Nikon J5
Nikon V3
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Leica TL
Nikon V3
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Nikon J5
Samsung NX Mini
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
Leica TL
Samsung NX Mini
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J5
Nikon J4
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
Leica TL
Nikon J4
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Nikon J5
Samsung NX3000
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Leica TL
Samsung NX3000
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon EOS M3

Nikon J5
Canon EOS M3
  • $747
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica TL
Canon EOS M3
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen
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