When it comes to camera lenses, Leica trumps every manufacturer out there. Given that this German camera brand is the king in terms of picture quality, it’s no surprise that a lot of photography enthusiasts dream of having their own Leica camera. If you’re one of them and you’re just a purchase away from making your dream come true, you might be wondering: with the variety of Leica cameras out there, which one is the best for first-time users?
What makes Leica cameras a good choice for beginning photographers?
If you’re serious about photography and you want a camera that you’ll love even once you’re past the beginner phase, you should consider investing in a Leica camera now.
Most articles about good cameras for beginners focus on budget point-and-shoots with a few manual functions. They may also cover basic DSLR and mirrorless cameras, with the assumption that a camera as sophisticated as a Leica is wasted on a new photographer.
The truth is, learning to use a mostly automatic camera first is like learning to ride a bike with training wheels. Eventually the training wheels have to come off and you’ll need to learn to balance all over again.
What Are the Best Leica Digital Cameras for Beginners?
1. Leica M11 Digital Rangefinder Camera
The new Leica M11 Digital Rangefinder Camera steps into the future in an unprecedented way. Fusing popular features of modern digital cameras with all the classic touches that Leica fans love and appreciate, the M11 is destined to become your new favorite camera.
It boasts up to 15 stops of dynamic range, making it the highest dynamic range camera in the M series. Plus, the processor and sensor upgrades let you create beautifully detailed and tonally rich images with incredible processing speeds.
Advanced Sensor
The M11 contains a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and exclusive Triple Resolution Technology. It allows you to customize the resolution of each image individually to suit your needs. When you plan to create massive prints, you can take advantage of 60 MP raw files.
When faster camera performance is your priority, shoot in 36 or 18 MP for beautifully detailed photographs with a smaller file size.
Versatile Shutter and Long Battery Life
An optional electronic shutter offers ultra-fast shutter speeds of up to 1/16,000, so no matter how bright the light is, you can shoot at wide apertures and still achieve perfect exposure.
Other impressive features help set the M11 apart from other Leica models. These features include an expanded battery capacity for 64% increased battery life, live view digital stabilization, and multi-field metering in rangefinder mode.
Key Features of the Leica M11:
- Upgraded Maestro III processor for improved speed and performance
- USB-C charging port for topping up your battery level on the go
- Expanded shutter speed range from 1/16,000 to 1-hour exposures
Why we think this is an excellent Leica digital camera for beginners:
The Leica M11 isn’t an inexpensive camera, but it will feel flawless in your hands. If you’re looking for a high-performance camera packed with unique technology for creating gorgeous, high-resolution photographs and you’re unconcerned about the price tag, this may be the first and last camera you ever need to buy.
Leica D-Lux 7 Digital Camera
The Leica D-Lux 7 offers traveling photographers a solid camera with outstanding features, stellar performance, and a compact, lightweight body. This camera excels in any application you can imagine.
While it features a Four Thirds MOS sensor, the D-Lux 7 takes 17 MP photographs with minimal noise and impressive color range. You’ll find yourself reexamining everything you believed about small sensor cameras.
Beautiful Bokeh, Impressive Autofocus
The integrated DC Vario Summilux 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 ASPH lens is versatile and capable of achieving beautiful bokeh. So if you’re tired of carrying around a larger camera kit, this compact and professional grade camera is exactly what you’re been looking for.
Leica built the D-Lux 7 with a wonderfully fast autofocus system and the ability to shoot up to 11 frames per second, so even sports and nature photographers will be happy with this compact gem.
Standout Functionality
Whether you prefer to shoot in live view with the 3-inch LCD touchscreen display or use the built in 2760k electronic viewfinder, you’ll love how easy it is to change settings, achieve tack-sharp focus, and frame your shot.
Choose from the classic silver and black design or the all-black version for a new spin on Leica’s iconic style.
Key Features of the Leica SL:
- Made of durable aluminum material
- Users can choose from simplified or advanced controls
- Innovative post-focus function for selecting the focus point even after taking a photo
- Built-in Bluetooth 4.2 and WiFi
- Shoots UHD 4K video at 30fps and 24fps
Why we think this is an excellent Leica digital camera for beginners:
Many compact digital cameras on the market feel basic, and their integrated lenses leave a lot to be desired. The Leica D-Lux 7 stands out against competitors for lens quality, dynamic range, and everyday functionality. Whether you’re into taking portraits, street photography, travel photos, or landscapes, this is an exceptional camera for any beginner.
Leica V-Lux 5 20.1MP Digital Point and Shoot Camera
Leica’s V-Lux 5 is an easy-to-use digital point-and-shoot beginner camera offering professional-level features. The camera body is large enough to feel substantial in your hand like a DSLR, while also compact and lightweight enough to take virtually anywhere. It’s the perfect balance of size, features, and functionally to suit photographers of all experience levels.
The V-Lux 5 offers an impressively versatile integrated lens that can shoot at equivalent focal lengths of 25 to 400mm. A state-of-the art DFD (Depth From Defocus) autofocusing system lets the camera focus within 0.1 second no matter the focal length you use. Optical image stabilization also makes it easy for photographers to get perfect focus every time.
OLED Viewfinder and Versatile Settings
The built-in OLED electronic viewfinder provides increased contrast and color depth for more accurate viewing, but it won’t eat up your batteries during long shooting days. And with the swiveling touchscreen display, it’s a breeze to adjust settings, compose images, and record video.
This camera is built for photographers of all levels thanks to its range of manual and automatic settings and controls. If you’re looking for one of the best Leica cameras for travel, you should consider this model.
Key Features of the Leica V-Lux 5:
- Connect to the Leica FOTOS app for additional camera controls and features using the built in WiFi or Bluetooth options
- AF system includes face and eye detection
- Shoots 4K video at up to 30fps or Full-HD at up to 60fps
- Integrated pop-up flash
Why we think this is an excellent Leica digital camera for beginners:
Integrated lenses aren’t known for their zoom range or quality, but Leica focuses on quality above all else. The 9.1-146mm onboard lens translates to a very functional focal range equivalent to 25-400mm so you have plenty of flexibility while you decide which subjects appeal to you most.
Leica Q2 Compact Digital Camera
This Leica camera is destined to change the way you think about compact digital cameras. With a 47.3 MP full-frame sensor, the Leica Q2 is a workhorse packed with features.
Following on the heels of the popular Leica Q, this camera may be small but it offers greater capabilities than your average beginner camera. With the Q2 you can achieve tack-sharp focus in milliseconds, shoot in burst mode for up to 10 frames per second, and shoot video at 4K UHD and Cine4K.
Check out this hands-on review of the Leica Q2 with Ana Linares (@AnaNewYork) for more insights.
Large Sensor, Exceptional Lens
The integrated lens is a Summilux 28mm f/1.7, ideal for street photography, portraits, nature, and landscape, but with a sensor so large you can crop significantly and still achieve extreme resolution images. For instance, crop to a 35mm equivalent and you still have a 30MP shot.
This Leica camera makes it easy to crop in-camera with built-in cropping settings for 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm equivalents.
Adding to the more professional aspects of this Leica digital camera are a weather-sealed body, a new BPSCL4 battery for improved performance and battery life, and a brand-new integrated OLED electronic viewfinder.
Key Features of the Leica Q2:
- Integrated Wi-Fi and Low Energy Bluetooth let you stay connected to your phone via the Leica FOTOS app without using too much battery power
- Elegant design and handling per the standard set by all Leica camera models
- Rubber gaskets and other weather proofing protections so you can shoot in all elements
Why we think this is an excellent Leica digital camera for beginners:
Toting a camera bag filled with lenses causes most new photographers to second guess their lens choice for every single image. The integrated Summilux 28mm lens is wide enough to perform wonderfully for a range of subjects, yet it forces beginner photographers to prioritize composition and settings while they hone their craft.
Leica SL2-S Mirrorless Digital Camera
When you prefer shooting with an interchangeable lens camera but you want to stick with the great features and style found in Leica digital cameras, you should check out the SL2-S.
Visually, this mirrorless camera resembles classic Leica film cameras thanks to a boxy build and a sophisticated, timeless style, but its capabilities are anything but retro. A new 24MP, full-frame, CMOS-BIS sensor offers expansive dynamic range, color depth of 14 bits per RGB channel, and ISO sensitivity up to 100,000.
Meanwhile, a Maestro III Processor and internal 4GB buffer memory let you shoot without worrying about lag time.
Advanced Object Detection
The SL2-S is one of the Leica camera models that offers Leica’s new Object Detection AF, so you can capture moving targets and stationary objects with similar speed and efficiency. This focusing system will even detect if an object is in motion and adjust focusing conditions accordingly.
In-body stabilization makes the SL2-S an impressive performer for still shooting and video recording even when using L mount lenses that don’t offer stabilization.
The SL2-S Leica camera comes with a Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 lens and works with any L mount lenses. Leitz Cine lenses and Leica M, R, and S-System lenses can also be used with the addition of an adapter.
Key Features of the Leica SL2-S:
- Multi Shot mode lets photographers create composite images up to 96 MP
- IP54 Certified weather sealing for protection from dust and water
- 25 frames per second with electronic shutter, 9 frames per second with mechanical shutter
Whether you’re a first-time digital camera user or a beginner in using a Leica camera, the cameras on this list will ease you into getting the hang of Leica’s technology. It really isn’t as intimidating as it seems.
Why we think this is an excellent Leica digital camera for beginners:
For beginner photographers, mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders take some of the guesswork out of composing photos and choosing settings like shutter speed and aperture.The EyeRes viewfinder really stands out for its clarity and accuracy. Look through the eyecup and you’ll see exactly how your final image will appear.
Leica MP 0.72 Black Compact 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body
Photographers once had a wide range of choices for film SLR cameras, but the improvement and popularity of digital camera technology have led most to leave film behind. With reduced interest came reduced choices of gear.
Leica, a company focused on quality image making and precision technology, hasn’t forgotten its roots and offers one of the last great film cameras on the market in the Leica MP.
This 35mm camera can operate entirely mechanically, so you don’t need to worry about battery life, loud motors, or individual components burning out over time. If you prefer classic simplicity, this is the camera for you.
Classic tools for important functions
Even if your goal is a streamlined camera that prioritizes skill over flash, the Leica MP has a few tricks that are bound to impress.
Because the MP isn’t an SLR, the viewfinder doesn’t show you the image through the lens. However, it does offer three viewfinder magnifications depending on the focal length range you’re using. Choose from 0.58 for wide-angle lenses, 0.72 for standard lenses, and 0.85 for medium and longer lenses.
If you prefer metering assistance, the battery powered selective TTL metering system offers exposure advice in even the trickiest lighting situations.
Key features of the Leica MP 0.72:
- The whisper-quiet, mechanical shutter makes it possible to take photographs without any disruptive vibration
- Completely metal camera body designed for safe use in any weather conditions
- ISO range of 6-6400
- Diopter adjustment and parallax compensation viewfinder
- Manual film winder that’s also compatible with motorized Leica winders
Why we think this is an excellent Leica digital camera for beginners:
When you’re learning the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, there’s no better method than trial and error. Experience the nuances of the exposure triangle using the same methods as generations of photographers before you with a fully manual film camera. With this camera, you can put yourself through photography bootcamp with a timeless precision tool.
Why Are Leica Cameras Expensive?
At first glance, Leica camera prices may seem high when compared to other brands. But the price of Leica cameras comes with a few vital justifications:
- Leica manufactures all their cameras in Germany by experts in the craft. Most other camera brands are manufactured in Asia.
- Leica cameras are incredibly well-built and designed to last a long time. In fact, their cameras are predominantly machined and built by hand, guaranteeing a superb attention to detail.
- Images taken by Leica cameras are known for their sharpness. Cameras with such precise tolerances are more expensive to make and well worth the cost.
- Leica produces far fewer cameras each year compared to other manufacturers. Lower supply means greater demand and greater cost as a result.
- Leica lenses are assembled without the use of glue, which means they’ll remain durable far longer than other brands.
Where are Leica Cameras From?
Leica cameras first arrived on the market in 1924. From the very beginning, all Leica camera models have been manufactured in Germany under highly controlled conditions. While many Leica camera components are machine made, large portions of the manufacturing process are done by hand to ensure perfection.
The glass used in Leica’s lenses is supplied from only two sources, one in Japan and one in Germany. This way, Leica is able to ensure photographers can achieve that famous bokeh look from all Leica glass. Before the lens components are assembled, each piece is examined and measured using lasers to ensure peak performance.
The Leica factory in Wetzlar, Germany produces the full range of Leica digital cameras and Leica film cameras. Leica camera technicians perform painstaking testing and inspection processes by hand to be certain that each camera that leaves the factory is worthy of the Leica name.
Are Leica Cameras Worth the Cost?
Just as some cars are more expensive but retain their value exceptionally well, Leica cameras tend to come in at higher price points but can be worth it in the long run. When purchasing a Leica, you can be confident it will perform beautifully for years to come.
If you’re a photographer who periodically trades in old gear to upgrade, the increased value of a Leica kit is a good investment. Most Leica owners enjoy higher trade-in values they can use for their next purchase.
Leica offers a robust warranty for all its products, which gives you even more assurance your investment is protected.
Leica vs Nikon vs Canon
When deciding which brand to purchase, Nikon and Canon may seem like the obvious choices for their ubiquity, flashiness, and price point. However, experienced and exacting photographers have valued Leica cameras and lenses for decades, thanks to their superior build-quality and sharpness.
If you are a beginner photographer, Nikon or Canon may be a more suitable choice for ease of use. Many models feature automatic settings, and the cameras are significantly more affordable.
For more experienced photographers desiring a degree of precision and the unparalleled look of images shot with a Leica, the choice is easy.
FAQ About Leica Cameras
What is a Leica Camera?
Leica cameras are known for their precision components and industry-leading attention to detail. For more than 100 years, Leica cameras have been manufactured by hand in a sterile environment in Germany.
Leica doesn’t produce as many models of cameras as other companies, but each camera they design offers the best components, significant performance upgrades, and intentional features created to improve your photographic results. It’s for these reasons that Leica has earned its reputation as the gold standard among photographers.
What Accessories Do I Need for a Leica Camera?
To make the most of your experience with your Leica camera, it’s a good idea to invest in a few key accessories.
Unless your camera features an integrated lens, you should take advantage of the impressive lenses Leica offers, from fully manual lenses featuring a dreamy quality, to fast, easily adaptable auto-focus lenses.
Leica also offers hot-shoe flash units, lens mount adapters, hand grips, multi-coated filters, and sleek, sophisticated camera cases to protect your precious gear.
Are Leica Cameras Compatible with Other Brands of Lenses?
Third-party brands like Sigma, Venus, Panasonic, Lensbaby, and Zeiss make lenses you can use with your Leica. As you shop for compatible lenses, look for lenses that offer the L mount, S mount, or M mount.
Many off-brand lenses are fully manual, but some do offer electronic connection points so you can control settings like focus and aperture from the camera body itself.
Some brands offer mount adapters for use with non-native lenses.
What Type of Photography is Best Suited for a Leica Camera?
Precision cameras by Leica are perfect for just about any photographic subject, from portraits to wildlife photography.
The compact M-System Leica cameras are ideal for subjects that work best with an unobtrusive camera, like street photography, travel photography, and candid portraiture.
Leica S-System cameras feature a medium-format, high-resolution sensor that work well for fashion and commercial photography, as well as for videography.
Cameras in the SL-System family include full-frame sensors and in-body stabilization. These are helpful for sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.
The Takeaway
Leica cameras are both reliable and fun-to-use devices that hold up well for years of use. Whether you’re just getting started in your photography education or you’re hoping to take your work to the next level, you’re making a smart investment when you choose a Leica.
