Leica M8 vs NEX 5n: M8 wins!!!

[eleskin]

I have come down to the conclusion, after owning a Nex 5n for a year, that my trusty M8 has much better image quality in most situations. Although the Nex 5n has more megapixels, the M8 holds more detail, especially when I upsize in photoshop. This is due to the M8 not having the AA filter I am sure. Another major issue is the M8 seems to have more dynamic range by far. Color is less exaggerated and is more natural in the M8 than the NEX. Yes, the NEX has better high ISO but I have been finding out the M8 can be used in 90% of any of the lighting conditions I encounter. With fast sharp Leica M mount glass, the high ISO of the NEX becomes less attractive. It is amazing that a sensor design from 2006 (2005?) is outperforming the much newer NEX 5n. I can comfortably say the M8 is still a great camera, in fact, tremendous if you can get a clean one for $1,700 or so. I will be emotional here and say I really love my M8!!!

 

[eleskin]

I can also say that my M8 has given me second thoughts on buying a NEX 7. Now lets see what the M10 will have for us! I guess you get what you pay for eh?

 

[eleskin]

M8 design: What it was made for

M8 design: What it was made for

The M8 was expensive when I bought it in 2007 ($4,700 USD) and that price still is. But I can also say that the M8 was designed for a specific task only: To utilize M lenses with a camera and sensor specifically engineered for that purpose. To me, it really shows in the image quality. I have a broken M8 shutter and I will be perfectly happy paying for the repair. Good thing I have a second M8 as a backup.

Also, I have noticed the LCD on the Leica seems to be better in outside use than the NEX for measuring exposure. It seems better in showing me detail in the highlights and shadows. I tilt the camera a little to see the detail. I cannot see this in the NEX. Many have been critical of the smaller LCD on the M8 but as a tool, I find it works better than the Sony. That is my observation.

 

[eleskin]

M8: Less motion blur!!!!

M8: Less motion blur!!!!

I have also noticed the M8 has less motion blur at moderate to slower shutter speeds. That is impressive! Maybe it is because I use discrete mode, maybe not. All I know is I am getting sharper photos at slower shutter speeds with the M8. This is very interesting!

 

[Chyn]

^^
I believe the heavier weight of the M8 body contributes to some of its handholdability. The lighter NEX bodies are probably more sensitive to hand movement.

 

[Monochrom]

Have to consider the m9 has the same pixels density than the m8´s sensor....in a smaller aere sensor thou...

the m8 is s fine camera and cn be purchsed for a nice price...with a 35mm lens such as any summicron is simply a great tool even today when we are surrounded by high MP cameras...

Get yourselkf one you won´t be dissapointed!

 

[jippiejee]

I'm amazed how much I can crop an M8 image and still have a tack sharp image. Travelling through Asia at the moment with only the 28mm elmarit asph, so sometimes it's a bit wide if you can't get too close.

 

[emraphoto]

I got one. Hell, I got two. Didn't like anything about it.

 

[gwg]

I can only second that! Tried lots of alternatives but kept coming back to the M8. Now just upgraded to an M9 - which is a step up in terms of usability and image quality (not to speak of lack of crop) - but the difference is less than expected! I'm very tempted to keep the M8 as a second camera.

 

[zvos1]

I owned both, now I only have Nex 5n and I have to disagree. In my opinion M8 sensor can't touch this Sony sensor at anything above iso 400. But then again I shoot indoors most of the time....