Between the SL3 and Z f, the SL3 comes out ahead in af points and megapixels, while the Z f wins on weight. Overall, the SL3 scores 70.8 and the Z f scores 46 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The SL3 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 24.8 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the SL3 if you care most about af points and megapixels. The biggest gaps in its favor are af points, megapixels, max video.
Pick the Z f if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight.
Both ship with comparable sensor size, in-body stabilization, log profile, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the SL3 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Leica - SL3 wins
- ▲AF points — 160.54% more. 779 vs 299.
- ▲Megapixels — 150.00% more. 60 MP vs 24 MP.
- ▲Max video: 8K (vs 4K60).
Why Nikon - Z f wins
- ▲Weight — 140.00 g less. 710 vs 850.
Spec comparison
Sensor
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z f |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Megapixels | 60 MPlead | 24 MP |
| Max ISO | 100000lead | 64000 |
Video
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z f |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 8Klead | 4K60 |
| RAW video | truelead | false |
| Log profileⓘ | true | true |
Autofocus
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z f |
|---|---|---|
| AF pointsⓘ | 779lead | 299 |
| Eye AFⓘ | true | true |
| In-body stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Body & Controls
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z f |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 850 g | 710 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Dual card slotsⓘ | truelead | false |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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