Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 850 g | 1340 g |
| AF points | 779 | 493 |
| Megapixels | 60 MP | 45 MP |
Between the SL3 and Z 9, the SL3 comes out ahead in weight / af points, while the Z 9 wins on several specs. Overall, the SL3 scores 80 and the Z 9 scores 71.2 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The SL3 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.8 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 carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight, af points, megapixels. The single most decisive one: Weight — 490.00 g less. 850 vs 1340.
The Z 9 similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable sensor size, max video, in-body stabilization, so those specs do not 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.
Which should you buy: Leica - SL3 or Nikon - Z 9?
Leica - SL3 leads the current Mars Score by 8.8 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare megapixels, weight against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Leica - SL3 if…
Leica - SL3 has the measurable edge on weight g, af points, megapixels.
Choose Nikon - Z 9 if…
Nikon - Z 9 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Leica - SL3 wins
- ▲Weight — 490.00 g less. 850 vs 1340.
- ▲AF points — 58.01% more. 779 vs 493.
- ▲Megapixels — 33.33% more. 60 MP vs 45 MP.
Why Nikon - Z 9 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Sensor
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor sizeⓘ | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Megapixels | 60 MPlead | 45 MP |
| Max ISO | 100000 | 102400lead |
Video
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 8K | 8K |
| RAW video | true | true |
| Log profileⓘ | true | true |
Autofocus
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z 9 |
|---|---|---|
| AF pointsⓘ | 779lead | 493 |
| Eye AFⓘ | true | true |
| In-body stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Body & Controls
| Spec | Leica - SL3 | Nikon - Z 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 850 glead | 1340 g |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Dual card slotsⓘ | true | true |